Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Our Legislative History
Washington took its place at the forefront of the modern anti–slavery fight in 2003 when the state became the first in the nation to criminalize human trafficking on the state level. What forced this problem to be faced head on? Why did it take six years to see the first conviction? More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
King Conservation District Board Elections
The King Conservation District is holding elections for one spot on its five–member board of supervisors Tuesday. The agency helps private landowners in King County protect the environment on their own property. But last year, less than one quarter of one percent of King County residents voted in the board's elections. More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
Copper In Brakes To Be Banned, Eventually
The Washington state Legislature is phasing out the use of copper in automobile brake pads. Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the new law later this month. Her signature would make Washington the first state in the nation to ban copper from car brakes. More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
NOAA Employees Fight Fleet Move
At this point the possibility of NOAA's Pacific Fleet remaining in Seattle might seem remote. The agency has signed a lease to house the fleet in Newport, Oregon. Its new facilities are under construction. But Washington officials are keeping up the pressure to reverse NOAA's decision, and they say the agency's own employees in Seattle are cheering them on. More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
Idaho Teachers Face Pay Cuts
Teachers in Idaho may bear some of the burden of state budget cuts to public schools. The legislature's budget writing committee has approved a plan to cut teacher salaries by four percent next year. Not surprisingly, teachers in one north Idaho city aren't happy about it. More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
Washington High School Students To Take WASL Replacement Test
This week, high school students in Washington will take a new state assessment test. The new exam replaces the controversial Washington Assessment of Student Learning, or WASL. Correspondent Doug Nadvornick looks at how these new tests are different and what one school district thinks about them. More »
Monday, March 15, 2010
Poll: Budget Priorities Match Spending But Perception Gap Exists
More than half of Northwest residents think state government spends too much money on low–priority services. This comes from a new public radio poll of 1,200 Idaho, Oregon and Washington residents. Our poll also found that many people dramatically underestimate what portion of state budgets go toward their priorities of schools, law enforcement, and the social safety net. More »
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wash. Legislature Adjourns, Heads Into Overtime
The Washington Legislature has adjourned, but lawmakers will return to Olympia on Monday for a special session. Majority Democrats still have to balance the budget and agree on a tax plan. The 60–day regular session was gaveled to a close at about 8:40 Thursday night. More »
Friday, March 12, 2010
State Lawmakers Lift Tax Exemption On Candy
Washington lawmakers this week approved a sales tax on candy and gum. Initially, the money was going to help pay for public health programs around the state. But as KUOW's Ruby de Luna reports, revenue from that and other new taxes may be going to the state's general fund instead. It's one of the details that lawmakers will sort out when the Legislature goes into special session. More »
Friday, March 12, 2010
Children's Hospital Plan Clears City Committee
Plans to expand Seattle Children's Hospital cleared a key committee at the Seattle City Council Thursday. Hospital officials are celebrating. But housing activists say they aren't yet sure if some last minute language will be adequate to replace housing demolished in the expansion. More »
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