Politics
Latest Seattle Politics
State Senate Group Blocks Abortion Insurance
A Republican-dominated coalition in the Washington state Senate blocked discussion on a plan to require insurers to cover abortion Wednesday, voting down a procedural motion after a tense exchange about why the legislation has languished in the chamber.
Gov. Inslee Announces Bill To Address Drunken Driving
Gov. Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a plan on Tuesday that would make changes to the state’s impaired driving laws, including requiring an arrest on the first offense and mandatory jail time if offenders don’t enroll in a sobriety program after a second arrest.
State Gun Control Proponents Prep For Initiative
Supporters of gun control in Washington state are laying the groundwork for an initiative campaign to try and expand the use of background checks if a similar proposal fails to pass Congress.
New Bill Would Ease State-Federal Pot Conflict
A bill introduced in Congress would fix the conflict between the federal government’s marijuana prohibition and state laws that allow medical or recreational use.
Montana Lawmakers Vote To Strike Down Law Criminalizing Gay Sex
The woman who led the court battle to strike down a Montana law that made gay sex illegal knows that having the unconstitutional law struck from the books is a symbolic act.
LaHood: Either Commit Hundreds Of Millions To River Project Or Risk Losing More Than $1 Billion In Federal Support
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood told Washington state lawmakers Wednesday that they must commit hundreds of millions of dollars toward the estimated $3.1 billion Columbia River Crossing project this year or risk losing up to $1.2 billion in federal support.
Wash. State Sues Florist Who Refused To Provide Wedding Flowers To Gay Couple
Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against a florist who refused to provide wedding flowers to a same-sex couple.
Protesters Shake And Sway Away To Repeal Longtime State ‘Dance Tax’
Dozens of people protesting a decades-old state tax on dance venues swayed, kicked and twirled to the rhythm of music Monday in support of a repeal being considered by lawmakers in Washington state.
Gov. Inslee Proposes Extension Of Temporary Taxes
Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled his budget proposal Thursday, laying out plans to make some temporary taxes permanent and to end some tax exemptions to address both the state’s projected budget deficit and a court-ordered requirement to put more money into the state’s basic education system.
Washington, Colorado Bars Test Waters On Marijuana Users
A tiny number of bars, cafes and private clubs are catering to the new stoner class in Washington and Colorado since voters last fall made them the first states to legalize marijuana for adults over 21.
