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Agencies closed Monday

The near-monthly furlough of state government employees continues Monday, giving thousands of workers a four-day weekend that included the Christmas holiday Friday.
Many Washington agencies closed Monday

Thousands of Washington state employees will have an extended Christmas weekend with an unpaid day off Monday.
Nick Handy retiring as Washington elections director

Secretary of State Sam Reed announced Monday that Nick Handy is departing his post as Washington's State elections director after leading widely praised reform efforts that have boosted voter turnout and helped restore confidence in the elections process.
Governor's pay-cut request goes against state constitution

A commission that sets salaries of elected officials in state government said Thursday it can't order a pay cut, as requested by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Temporary budget cuts disappoint Zarelli

State Sen. Joe Zarelli disagrees, but Gov. Chris Gregoire says it's wrong to ask state employees or teachers to sacrifice more than they already are to balance the state government budget next year.
Gregoire's team, unions agree on furlough plan

Gov. Chris Gregoire's negotiators struck a tentative deal with three major state-employee unions Tuesday that would cut compensation by the equivalent of 3 percent through furloughs over the next two years.
Gregoire plan merges agencies

Gov. Chris Gregoire would take on more authority over recreation and environmental preservation under a proposal she laid out Tuesday to consolidate state agencies.
Advocates start lining up at Capitol

Advocates for various causes are making themselves heard at the Capitol this week, including as many as 400 corrections workers who rallied on the Legislative Building steps Thursday to oppose cuts in prison staffing and to support public safety.
Regence's request for rate increase is rejected

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has rejected the most recent health insurance rate increases requested by Regence BlueShield and its subsidiary companies.
Mental health safety net taking a hit as budget cuts trim services

The latest round of budget cuts is falling hard on Washington state's safety net for the mentally ill, and state workers fear it could be just the beginning.