Washington State Standard

The Washington State Standard is a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to delivering independent news on political matters and policies. Our mission is to help residents grasp the workings of the Washington state government and the impact of decisions made by officials on the community. We provide insights into how tax dollars are utilized, laws are enforced, and significant projects are executed. During election seasons, we offer comprehensive coverage of campaigns, and when the legislature is in session, we keep you updated on all developments happening in Olympia.

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In first post-White House address, Biden pans Trump on Social Security

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jennifer Shutt

Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance. “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said.
Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jerry Cornfield

by Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard April 15, 2025 Democratic lawmakers in Washington are beginning to lay out the buffet of tax increases they want to use to fill most of a $16 billion state budget shortfall. There are hikes in business and capital gains taxes, new sales taxes on services and greater property tax collections by the state and local governments.
Long to-do list confronts Washington lawmakers, as session nears its end

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jerry Cornfield

When Washington’s 147 legislators kicked off the 2025 session three months ago, solving the problem of an ever-growing shortfall in the state’s next operating budget topped their to-do list. They haven’t done it yet. They’ve got 13 days, or roughly 300 hours, left to find a solution in order to finish on time and avoid a special session. And the latest barometer of the state’s economy shows the situation is worsening. This isn’t the only uncompleted task on the legislative checklist.
WA House OKs unemployment benefits for striking workers, but adds four-week limit

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jerry Cornfield

Organized labor secured a major win Saturday as Democrats in the state House pushed through legislation to provide striking workers in Washington with unemployment benefits. But union leaders were not all smiles afterward. The bill was amended on the floor to impose a four-week limit on receiving benefits, eight weeks less than the version approved in the Senate. Senate Bill 5041 passed the House on a 52-43 vote with seven Democrats joining Republicans in voting against the measure.
WA Legislature approves requirement for clergy to report child abuse

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jerry Cornfield

Washington is poised to require clergy members to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession. Nearly two-thirds of state House members approved a Senate bill on Friday night to make religious leaders mandatory reporters of abuse and neglect, like school counselors, police, and nurses. With passage of Senate Bill 5375 on a 64-31 vote, the legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson for signing.
Students’ rights bill clears Washington Senate

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero

Following a contentious floor debate, the state Senate approved a bill Friday that would guarantee public school students in Washington certain rights. Senate Democrats pushed the bill through on a party-line vote, 30-19. “It’s important that we ensure every student, and I mean every student, has access to a supportive environment and responsible environments,” said Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, who is the sponsor of a related Senate bill focused on parental rights.
As demand for AI rises, so do power thirsty data centers

1 week ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Paige Gross

The next time you’re on a Zoom meeting or asking ChatGPT a question, picture this: The information zips instantaneously through a room of hot, humming servers, traveling hundreds, possibly thousands of miles, before it makes its way back to you in just a second or two.
Hunters, anglers, tribes see win in Ferguson’s Fish & Wildlife picks • Washington State Standard

2 weeks ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Bill Lucia

Hunters, anglers, and a bloc of 20 tribes in western Washington are among those pleased with three nominees Gov. Bob Ferguson announced this week for the state’s Fish and Wildlife Commission. In January, shortly after he took office, Ferguson halted two nominations former Gov. Jay Inslee made to the commission, including the reappointment of Tim Ragen, a retired marine mammal expert who had served as the panel’s vice chair since last year and had strong support from wildlife protection groups.
New Washington law recognizes two Islamic holidays

2 weeks ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero

Two Islamic celebrations will be added to Washington’s list of unpaid state holidays, under a bill signed into law on Tuesday. Senate Bill 5106 would make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha state-recognized holidays. The bill passed the House on March 31, the day after Ramadan concluded. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed it Tuesday night at the Islamic Center of Tacoma, where community members filled the room.
Hospitals warn Legislature’s budget plans would deal them a financial hit

2 weeks ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero

Washington hospitals are raising alarm that taxes and insurance payment caps proposed in the state Legislature could jeopardize their finances and undermine patient care. The House and Senate are both looking at putting new limits on the reimbursement rates that health insurance plans for state workers and public school employees pay. Both chambers’ budget proposals also depend on taxes that could apply to hospitals with larger amounts of revenue.