Lawmakers still tinkering with budget plans

As lawmakers debate how much money to spend on schools and state government, the budget proposal by House Democrats represents the high-water mark — one that even they cannot meet.

Under the Dome: Today is Saturday, April 27, the 104th day of the 105-day legislative session.

Quoted:"There's a glaring lack of protection for religion in state law."~Sen. Sharon Brown~R-Kennewick, on a bill that would allow businesses the right to deny services or goods if they felt doing so was contrary to their “sincerely held religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs, or matters of conscience.” Brown’s bill is a response to lawsuits filed against a Richland florist who denied service to a gay couple for their upcoming wedding.

Under the Dome: Today is Friday, April 26, the 103rd day of the 105-day legislative session.

Quoted:"It's been very liberating for me. I've gone from riding the pine to playing 48 minutes every game. So, it's a lot different."~Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, during Thursday’s Majority Coalition Caucus press conference. Sheldon, a conservative Democrat, was comparing his current leadership position in the Senate’s majority caucus to his days caucusing with his own party.

Under the Dome: Today is Thursday, April 25, the 102nd day of the 105-day legislative session

Quoted:"You know, Mr. Speaker, I've never given your nose much attention, but since the lady from the 30th (district) brought it up, it quite nice."~Rep. Brandon Vick~R-Vancouver, during Wednesday's floor debate on a $900 million tax package. Vick was referencing an earlier comment by Federal Way Republican Rep. Linda Kochmar, who compared the proposed tax hikes to cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Under the Dome: Today is Wednesday, April 24, the 101st day of the 105-day legislative session

Quoted: "This particular program was never funded and, in my estimation, it will never be funded. And so, I think it's time that we just step forward and eliminate this particular measure and if at some time in the future there is support for, and resources for, it could be brought back, I guess."~Rep. Gary Alexander~R-Olympia, speaking in support of a proposal to indefinitely delay the implementation of the family leave insurance program until funding and payment of benefits are authorized in law. House Bill 2044 passed the Appropriations Committee on a 17-14 vote.

Traffic, debt can affect bridge tolls

With tolls expected to increase a total of 50 cents on the eastbound Tacoma Narrows Bridge over the next two summers, drivers face a hard reality.

Bill-job conflict: It’s routine in Olympia

Rep. Steve Kirby says he kept busy during the Legislature’s brief hiatus this month by training for his new job at a Tacoma-area credit union.

Treasury officials told of IRS probe in June 2012

WASHINGTON — Senior Treasury officials were made aware in June 2012 that investigators were looking into complaints from tea party groups that they were being harassed by the Internal Revenue Service, a Treasury inspector general said Friday, disclosing that Obama administration officials knew there was a probe during the heat of the presidential campaign.

Senate majority names 33 bills for budget talks

OLYMPIA, Wash. — As lawmakers wrap up their first week of a special legislative session, Senate majority leaders have asked that more than 30 bills be considered as part of the budget discussions.

Tougher Washington law against drunken boating

Boaters in Washington who operate under the influence face tougher penalties under a law signed Thursday by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Wash. lawmakers look to make recall process easier

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington lawmakers are considering ways to make it easier for citizens to recall elected officials, holding a work session Wednesday that explored the hurdles people face when they try to pursue such a campaign.

Planned Puget Sound Energy rate hike gets hearing

Puget Sound Energy customers can comment on a proposed four-year electric and natural gas rate plan agreed to between commission staff and the utility, a plan that could raise some electric customer’s bills by 3.4 percent or $3.29 more each month for service.

State budget writers bound by pasts, not vision

At a high school baseball game in his hometown last week helping sell raffle tickets to benefit his favorite charity, Andy Hill made his pitch with a personal story.

Senate committee OKs tougher impaired driving law

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced a bill to make changes to the state's impaired driving laws, including making driving under the influence a felony on the fourth conviction.

Deputy to lead Liquor Control Board

The state Liquor Control Board is promoting deputy director Rick Garza to director, putting him at the helm of an effort to create a system of licensed, taxed and regulated marijuana.