Laurel Demkovich

1 week 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.

1 week 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.

1 week 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.

1 week 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.

2 weeks ago | chronline.com | Laurel Demkovich

Washington state lawmakers on Sunday 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.