Laurel Demkovich

Indiana, Olympia

Reporter at Cascade PBS

Reporter @CascadePBSNews

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Articles

A former Republican senator’s vision for a post-Trump GOP

4 days ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

“To be conservative has now been equated with being angry and engaging in grievance politics, and it’s just not for me,” said Flake, former ambassador to Turkey and current director of the Institute of Politics at Arizona State University. Listen to the full sessions on the weekly Cascade PBS Ideas Festival podcast. Flake served in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019 and knows firsthand what it’s like to stand up to President Donald Trump.
Federal and state cuts threaten Washington early-learning programs | Cascade PBS

1 week ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

The first months of the Trump administration have brought layoffs, closures and confusion to free preschool programs, compounded by state funding woes.
Gov. Ferguson says Trump tariff effects could be 'profound' in WA

2 weeks ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

Gov. Bob Ferguson filed a brief Tuesday in support of a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s tariffs, which the Democratic governor argued are “unlawful, arbitrary” and disproportionately harmful to Washington. Ferguson and two dozen politicians, labor unions, economic development organizations and local governments signed onto an amicus brief in support of a multistate lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade against four of President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
Gov. Ferguson approves $78 billion spending plan with new taxes

2 weeks ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

Following weeks of questions about how the new executive might respond to legislative Democrats’ approved tax increases, Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed a two-year almost $78 billion spending plan with new taxes and program cuts.
Nine WA Legislative seats are open this year. Here’s who’s running

3 weeks ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

In some seats, incumbents are running unopposed. In others, multiple candidates filed by the May 9 deadline. Some Democratic incumbents face strong Republican challengers while others face opposition from their own party. New taxes approved by lawmakers earlier this year are top of mind for candidates, as are increasing public safety, improving education outcomes and making housing more affordable. Here’s a look at who’s filed.
WA lawmakers approve funding for 2026 World Cup matches in Seattle

3 weeks ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

“It’s a major event unlike anything we’ve done in recent history,” said April Putney, chief strategy officer for Seattle’s World Cup organizing committee. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved millions of dollars in funding for security and field and transportation improvements, as well as policy changes allowing cities hosting fan celebrations to have expanded alcohol service.
How Washington’s new tax and fee increases could hit your pocket

1 month ago | kxly.com | Laurel Demkovich

The costs of marriage licenses, gas, rental cars and outdoor recreational licenses are all expected to increase under the new state budget awaiting Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signature. The final $78 billion, Legislature-approved operating budget relies heavily on taxes on wealthy businesses, the sale of expensive stocks and bonds and estate transfers.
‘Especially consequential’: Ferguson signs rent cap bill into law

1 month ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

A ‘For Rent’ sign on a house in Bellingham’s York neighborhood on Friday, March 7, 2025. (M. Scott Brauer/Cascade PBS) Caps on yearly rent increases are officially law after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the contentious bill on Wednesday. Ferguson, who had remained silent on his position throughout the legislative session, said Wednesday that the new law will be “especially consequential” for Washington residents.
How Washington’s new tax and fee increases could hit your pocket

1 month ago | cascadepbs.org | Laurel Demkovich

Democrats say tax and fee increases are necessary to keep up with inflation and ensure Washington residents still have access to government services. Republicans say the increases will hurt only low- and middle-income Washingtonians. The state collects taxes and fees to fund programming related to education, mental health support services, state parks and recreation management, road and transit projects and more.
A breakdown of Washington’s new $78B two-year state budget - The Reflector

1 month ago | thereflector.com | Laurel Demkovich

Washington state lawmakers last week approved a $77.8 billion two-year budget to fund schools, state prisons, mental health services, homeless services and more. The final package includes new taxes, spending cuts and funding for new programs. It passed the House of Representatives 52-45 and the Senate 28-19. It now heads to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk for final approval.