Market hit to state pension obligations uncertain
Despite the recent stock market drop due to the COVID-19 outbreak and response, it’s unclear what the financial implications will be for the future of the state public pension systems and ongoing...
View ArticleSmall biz “barely hanging on”
Days after reopening the construction industry, Governor Jay Inslee announced that some outdoor recreation on state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land will also reopen starting next week, as...
View ArticleBusinesses collaborate on plans to safely reopen
As Governor Jay Inslee’s “stay at home” order continues to keep most businesses throughout the state closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, state and regional business groups are collaborating on...
View ArticleInslee extends stay home order as other states look to reopen
Governor Jay Inslee last month signed a pact with California and Oregon that was later joined by Nevada and Colorado which calls for “a shared vision for reopening their economies.” As many of those...
View ArticleBipartisan pressure mounts to reopen economy
After more than a month of business closures throughout the state related to the COVID-19 pandemic, bipartisan pressure is building on Governor Jay Inslee from state lawmakers to reopen the economy as...
View ArticleRetailers work to shift sales, marketing tactics
As retailers prepare for expanded operations after an initial reopening on May 8, many have already shifted their marketing and business strategies in response to the COVID-19 shutdown and to what...
View ArticleState faces $4.5 billion budget shortfall
The latest revenue forecast released by the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) revealed what most state officials and legislators already expected: a $4.5 billion revenue shortfall for...
View Article“Trojan Horse” cap gains proposal likely in 2021
Despite Sen. Mark Mullet (D-5) narrowly holding onto his legislative seat this November, proponents of a capital gains income tax say they still intend to file a bill in the upcoming 2021 legislative...
View ArticleBellevue stakeholders: budget process elevates policy, de-escalates politics
The Seattle City Council this year has voted to slash police department funding in the next biennium by 18 percent and has enacted a new business tax that is now under legal challenge by the local...
View ArticleAs Inslee pushes income tax, shift in messaging to attract out of state...
Part of the debate over Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed nine percent capital gains income tax, as with other prior proposals, is whether it is in fact an income tax and therefore subject to state...
View ArticleBellevue makes case for transportation package
The City of Bellevue has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. With a population of 145,300 in 2019, up from 109,569 in the 2000 census, Bellevue now ranks as the fifth largest city in...
View ArticleAnother try for small airport loan bill
After numerous efforts to make permanent a temporary revolving aviation loan program, state lawmakers are optimistic that this session the proposal will pass muster with both the legislature and...
View ArticleLegal action possible over insurance commissioner’s three-year ban on credit...
In a move that has industry associations calling foul and evaluating possible legal action, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has issued an “emergency rule” instituting a ban on the use of credit...
View ArticleLegislature on verge of approving local infrastructure financing tool
Washington is one of only two states in the country that generally prohibits a financing tool that’s popular among local governments to encourage economic development in areas lacking public...
View ArticleStakeholders say collaboration key to Cherry Point regulatory changes
The Whatcom County Council has unanimously approved regulatory changes to the Cherry Point industrial area following an extensive six-year process working with labor, industry, and environment...
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