Legislature

WA Legislature OKs bill to eliminate some boards

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Legislature has approved a measure that would eliminate about four dozen boards and commissions.

More lawmakers turning down per diem pay

The cost of the special legislative session in Olympia has shrunk to less than $14,000 a day, thanks to a growing line of state legislators who are refusing to accept their $90-per-day expense allowances.

Wash. lawmakers: Tax compromise could be possible

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Legislative leaders were more optimistic Thursday that compromise might be possible on an $800 million tax package to help bridge the state's budget deficit, the main attraction of a special session heading into its fifth day.

Tax break for data centers OK'd; laws lose controversial term

Lawmakers approved a tax break Wednesday for technology companies' computer servers, the first piece of Democrats' jobs agenda to go to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature and one with the bipartisan support lacking for other job-creation proposals.

Bills for building, tech jobs advance

Bills for Building, tech jobs advance On the same day that new state reports showed joblessness climbed in February to 9.5 percent statewide, lawmakers moved forward two measures aimed at sparking job growth through major construction projects.

Campaign for bail measure opens

With a tough-on-crime mission and sympathetic supporters - the families of fallen police officers - it could have the ingredients to score with voters.

Senate approves furloughs

Job furloughs for about one-quarter of the state government work force remained a piece of the majority Democrats' proposed budget solution Tuesday. The Senate approved a bill calling for 10 furlough days on a 30-11 vote, with the days to occur between July 2010 and June 2011.

Wash. lawmakers working on pieces of budget fix

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Senate has approved a measure that directs agencies to trim about $50 million in payroll costs through furloughs and other steps, as lawmakers continued Tuesday to work toward patching together a budget agreement.

Budget battle tough to solve in overtime

State lawmakers returned to the state capitol on Monday to start an overtime session needed to balance a $2.8 billion budget deficit.

Bill would let lights shine a bit 'greener'

OLYMPIA - The ability of residents to recycle their used fluorescent bulbs and tubes might get easier.