State budget

Positive revenue news could break budget logjam in Olympia

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:24:53 +0000

There’s suddenly a flurry of talk in Olympia about a quick resolution to the weeks-long budget stalemate. The change in rhetoric follows Tuesday’s positive revenue and caseload forecasts.

Budget writers will now have more than $300 million in additional funds to help bridge their differences, thanks to a recovering housing market and improved consumer confidence.

Washington budget deadline looms

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:01:39 +0000

Washington’s overtime legislative session ends at midnight on Tuesday. But there’s still no agreement on a state budget for the next two years.

Over the weekend, the mostly Republican senate majority passed a revised version of its own spending plan, along with a trio of controversial policy measures.

The three policy bills are not new, the Senate passed them during the regular session.

Inslee issues greenest-yet budget pledge for Climate Solutions

Bellamy Pailthorp — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:01:47 +0000

As the special legislative session gets underway in Olympia, Gov. Jay Inslee says some of the most important parts of his two-year budget proposal are investments in clean energy.

During a fundraiser for the nonprofit group Climate Solutions on Monday, the governor said he is pushing for a state budget that includes funds to start a new research center at the University of Washington.

Washington lawmakers rack up hefty cellphone bills

The Associated Press — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:53:57 +0000

During last year's legislative session that focused on budget troubles, Washington state Sen. Jerome Delvin racked up a cellphone bill that would make most users recoil: $309.21 in one month alone.

It wasn't out of the norm for Delvin, who submitted his costs for taxpayers to cover.

New political dynamics, budget challenges face state lawmakers

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:50:02 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington lawmakers convene for the start of the 2013 session. They face a $2B budget problem, an unusual political dynamic in the state senate and hot button issues like gun control.

It’s like Downton Abbey. A new season of the legislature begins with plenty of intrigue and tensions between powerful personalities. There are familiar faces and new ones. Chief among them Governor-elect Jay Inslee.

Budget fallout: Juvenile re-arrest rates spike after parole cut

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:24:01 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – We’re starting to see real world fallout from some of the state budget cuts made in last few years. One of the clearest examples in Washington is juvenile parole. It turns out that the chief suspect in a recent high profile bar shooting had committed a previous murder – but did not qualify for intensive parole supervision because of cutbacks.

State superintendent gives his proposal for school funding

The Associated Press and KPLU News Staff — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:37:29 +0000

The good news in this week's new Washington state revenue forecast has drawn the attention of everyone who wants some money for their department or program.

But in a statement put out by Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, Dorn says the state Constitution and the Supreme Court give Washington only one choice: pay for education first.

Revenue forecast up as tax idea loses steam

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:27:23 +0000

Governor Chris Gregoire is backing off her proposal for a half-penny sales tax increase. The shift comes after Thursday’s positive revenue forecast. It shows a nearly $100 million bump in state revenues.

Just a few days ago, Governor Gregoire was standing in the Senate wings surrounded by reporters. And she reiterated her support for a temporary sales tax increase to offset budget cuts.

“We’re in tough times," Gregoire said. "We need a little help from the public to get us through for the next three years until we get our feet on the ground again.”

Running Start students could face financial hurdle next year

Charla Bear — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:17:40 +0000

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Some high school students are expected to ditch the state’s popular Running Start program this fall.

The number of students who take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit has grown every year since the program began in the early 90’s, but that progress could be coming to a halt.

It's a do-or-die week for Washington special session

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:00:20 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-969017.mp3

It’s do-or-die week in the Washington Legislature. A budget deal will have to come together over the next several days if lawmakers are to finish business within the 30-day special session.

Marchers arrive at state capitol as special session looms

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:57:14 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-964205.mp3

The Washington legislature is headed for an overtime session. The Senate late Monday approved its plan to close a 5-billion dollar budget shortfall. But it is unlikely differences between the House and Senate can be reconciled by this Sunday’s Easter deadline.

Taking a broader look at the value of natural resources

Liam Moriarty — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:05:29 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-962755.mp3

Lawmakers in Olympia are struggling to close a $5 billion budget gap, and, like many state programs, natural resource agencies are on the chopping block. A study by a Tacoma-based non-profit says cutting those services too deeply could cost a lot more money than it saves.

Forecast: State revenue projections take another big hit

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:33:35 +0000

Washington’s budget shortfall has now grown to $5.1 billion over the next two years. That’s the estimate from the Governor’s office after Thursday’s state revenue forecast.

The state's chief economist, Arun Raha, predicts the state will collect nearly $800 million dollars less than previously forecast for a variety of reasons.

Worker retraining programs run dry at community colleges

Charla Bear — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:53:50 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-956446.mp3

Unemployed workers are facing yet another obstacle as they try to get back on their feet. A lot of community colleges have run out of money to retrain them for in-demand jobs.

It’s hard enough for most people to find work right now, let alone those whose fields have been pummeled by the recession. Changes in the job market have driven more workers than ever to take advantage of grants for retraining. So many, that even though the state spent $17.6 million to train an extra 3,784 people this year, it hasn’t been enough.

One year later: Did Idaho's "love letter" attract Washington and Oregon businesses?

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:23:08 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-951050.mp3

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. So we thought it was a good time to update a story from nearly a year ago. Last March, Idaho Governor Butch Otter penned a "love letter" to Washington and Oregon businesses. He was trying to romance companies into moving to his state.