James Dawson

1 month ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Doug Nadvornick |James Dawson |Bellamy Pailthorp |Owen Henderson

WA Senate Dems pass expanded taxes, snub GOP budget proposalWashington legislators are entering the final scheduled week of their 2025 regular session. Over the weekend, majority Democrats in the Senate approved a variety of new and increased taxes as a way to balance the budget. They voted for changes to the state estate tax, and they voted to impose sales tax on some previously untaxed services.

1 month ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Doug Nadvornick |James Dawson

Legislative Dems launch new revenue proposals as WA budget negotiations continueAs Washington Democrats look to balance an upcoming budget shortfall, they’re continuing to lay out new tax proposals to bring in revenue. Legislators introduced bills Tuesday that would increase sales tax on certain services, expand the capital gains and estate taxes, and allow for greater property tax collections by the state and local governments.

1 month ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |John Ryan |James Dawson |Doug Nadvornick

"Wealth taxes" off the table in budget talks in OlympiaWashington legislative Democrats say they’ll give up on efforts to impose so-called “wealth taxes” in their effort to craft a two-year budget that balances. The Northwest News Network reports the governor has made it clear he won’t sign a budget that includes a tax levied on stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other financial assets held by the state’s richest citizens.

2 months ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Doug Nadvornick |James Dawson

Senate Dems say mix of new taxes and spending cuts will balance WA's budget as deficit loomsWashington Senate Democratic leaders have come out with a package of taxes they say will help balance the next budget and rebalance the state tax structure.

2 months ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Lauren Paterson |Doug Nadvornick |James Dawson

WA aims to support federal workers after mass layoffsAs of last week, Washington was home to about a thousand laid-off federal employees. But more workers are expected to be cut after yesterday’s deadline for agencies to come up with workforce reduction plans. "About half of the National Weather Service offices were already understaffed," U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said.