After ‘Year of Housing 2.0’, Policymakers Eye Next Big Housing Moves
Following a productive legislative session on the issue of housing, with around a dozen bills signed into law, Washington state lawmakers are already looking ahead to the next set of challenges to tackle.
Washington State Budget Compromise Leaves Many Hoping for More
The final state budget approved by the legislature left many lawmakers disappointed, and eager to start to work on ways to restore painful cuts and reform the state's broken tax code.
State Bill Could Unleash Potential of Streets, Making Space for People
New legislation in Olympia could help us rethink and reclaim the street as a true public easement. If passed and its provisions delivered, we can look forward to streets that are not only more welcoming of public life, but a lot less deadly to all users.
Ferguson Ignites Revenue Battle with State Democrats, Threatening Veto
Governor Bob Ferguson’s reticence to approve new taxes represents a major obstacle to closing a big budget hole without deep cuts to social services. In fact, Ferguson announced Tuesday he would veto any budget that included a wealth tax, which could tie state lawmakers’ hands.
Op-Ed: We Need a Bolder Bob Ferguson as Governor
We need a Bob Ferguson like we had in 2017 who stands up to and confronts Trump, John Burbank opines. We need a Bob Ferguson who fights for all of us to thrive, setting an example of what is possible as the federal government descends into a kleptocracy.
Op-Ed: Why Housing Supply Advocates Should Support Rent Stabilization
The Washington State Legislature should pass HB 1217 to stabilize rents statewide. This is an important moment for housing supply advocates to show up in support of more stability for tenants.
Op-Ed: Fund Washington Higher Education, Close Amazon/Microsoft Tax Loophole
Rep. Julia Reed's House Bill 1839 would bring in over $200 million a year for higher education in by closing a tax loophole benefiting Amazon and Microsoft. The money is sorely needed to curb tuition and raise enrollment.
State Bill Would Circumvent SPOG, Clear Path for Seattle Civilian Responder Expansion
Seattle is seeking a fix at the state legislature to grow its civilian crisis response program following resistance from the Seattle Police Officers Guild that has blocked expansion. To stay alive, Rep. Shaun Scott’s HB 1816 will need to pass out of committee before a February 21 deadline.