Government

It's crunch time in Olympia but it's been crunch time in Olympia before. What are the chances that we will have a definite state budget before the end of the legislative session?

Ross Reynolds talks budget and politics with Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins.

While policymakers debate the government’s budget, the Brookings Institute, a private nonprofit research organization, decided to host their own brainstorming session. They asked experts from all different fields to submit ideas for responsible deficit reduction.

One expert, Harvard professor Joseph Aldy, drafted a proposal eliminating oil and gas tax subsidies. A move Aldy estimates would save the US government $41 billion over 10 years.

King County Metro officials are warning of major cuts to bus service if the state Legislature does not pass a transportation funding package or approve increased fees and taxes. If nothing changes, Metro says riders could face a 17 percent cut in service by late next year. We talk public transportation with King County Executive Dow Constantine and take your questions on County business. Call us at 206.543.5869 or email weekday@kuow.org.

The executive director of the Colorado Department of Corrections was shot dead after answering the doorbell at his home Tuesday night. So far no one has been arrested  in the death of Tom Clements.

Next time you go out for a nice dinner, give a listen near the restaurant’s kitchen. Amid the bustle, there’s a decent chance you’ll hear chefs, cooks or dishwashers speaking Spanish.

In Washington state people convicted of crimes are required to surrender their firearms to law enforcement officials.  But people with restraining orders against them – even in cases where there are serious threats of domestic violence – almost never have to give up their guns.  Ross Reynolds talks with Kirkland Democrat Roger Goodman about his proposal to change that.

Who are the undocumented workers? Ross Reynolds sits down with KUOW's Liz Jones to discuss immigration policy and hear stories from undocumented workers in the region.

Story last updated by Phyllis Fletcher on March 20, 2013 at 1:50 p.m.

Starbucks holds its annual shareholders’ meeting Wednesday in Seattle. On the agenda: a proposal from a group of investors that’s meant to limit the company’s involvement in elections.