Republicans in state House re-elect DeBolt as leader

House Republicans re-elected Rep. Richard DeBolt of Chehalis as their leader for two more years, and Senate Republicans retained Sen. Mike Hewitt of Walla Walla as their leader.

Colleges told to prepare for funding crunch

The state Office of Financial Management has asked state colleges to develop plans for a 20 percent cut in expected spending, a move aimed at saving about $600 million in the next two years.

Government lists priorities for spending

The state has a list of things it shouldn't spend money on - including the Family Policy Council, a computer to handle state employee health insurance and reports on how effective government services are.

Cuts loom as state faces $5.1 billion budget shortfall

Washington faces a bigger-than-expected budget shortfall of at least $5.1 billion in the 2009-11 cycle, raising the specter of immediate spending cuts to balance the books.
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Sen. Murray won't head VA, but keeps powerful post

Washington Sen. Patty Murray was re-elected Democratic conference secretary Tuesday, the fourth most powerful position among Senate Democrats.

State shortfall likely to increase

Gov. Chris Gregoire and state budget writers are bracing for other bad blows this week when the latest state employment and revenue outlooks are issued.

Washingto schools missing millions in equipment

SEATTLE — The state's largest school districts are missing millions of dollars in equipment that taxpayers provided for their classrooms. The missing items range from digital cameras to construction equipment.