The Washington Observer
@washingtonobserver.bsky.social
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Earlier this week, we shared that Let's Go WA received a large donation from a shadowy new player on the right. Today we have some clarity on exactly where that money comes from. Also, Gov. Ferguson has a new proposal to address
#affordablehousing
.
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The names behind that shadow money
Plus a thriftier year for affordable housing, a contentious pardon, and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/the-names-behind-that-shadow-money
5 days ago
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Our Re-Wire Policy Conference may be over, but that doesn't mean we're done talking about. One of the biggest takeaways from the conference? 2026 may be the year
#WAleg
seriously considers imposing an income tax in WA. Also, how federal cuts to the ACA will impact the uninsured rate in WA.
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Does an income tax finally loom?
Plus a bleak outlook on health care spending, a fun tidbit from the Seattle mayor's race, and some Recommended Reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/does-an-income-tax-finally-loom
12 days ago
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#WAleg
isn’t in session yet, but fights are already forming. State liability costs have exploded, and the self-insurance fund is now in the red. Failure at DCYF is just one piece of the story. Also, the Sunshine Committee is underfunded and largely ignored. What happens when next? We dive in.
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What to do about that $3B liability bomb
Cloudy days for the Sunshine Committee, a zero-job economic forecast, how not to handle succession planning, the revolving door spins, and a Re-Wire reminder.
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/what-to-do-about-that-3b-liability
about 1 month ago
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The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking to
#waleg
to increase the budget aimed at Juvenile Rehabilitation. Existing facilities are too full, so lawmakers are looking for a way forward. Also, WA is leading the way in the EV market, but what does the future hold? We dive in.
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A new juvenile institution on the way?
Juicing electric vehicle sales, a Stranger diaspora, Bob Ferguson's robe collection, another battle with D.C., and... Re-Wire!
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-new-juvenile-institution-on-the
about 1 month ago
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Seattle’s new progressive mayor has business leaders on alert. We look at what they’re watching as Wilson prepares for her new role. And statewide, the Attorney General is weighing a major shift to public-records rules. Here’s what you need to know.
#waleg
#seattle
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Business angst about a progressive Seattle mayor
Keeping the people's records public, a child care bump and a bad look for a lawmaker.
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/business-angst-about-a-progressive
about 1 month ago
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Looks like Seattle is joining NYC with a progressive mayor. We dive into the campaign. Also, Airbnb & Friends are bringing a money gun back to
#waleg
over a tax hike on short-term rentals. We dive in.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starti...
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It's starting to look like a socialist is going to Seattle City Hall
Plus Airbnb goes back to the mattresses, some recommended reading, and it's time to sign up for our Re-Wire Policy Conference
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/its-starting-to-look-like-a-socialist
about 1 month ago
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Ballots are in. Votes are being counted and while initial results might change in the coming days, we have some early breakdowns to share from the
#SeattleMayor
race to four
#waleg
races and some local races we had our eye on. We dive in
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-tra...
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Wilson trails, and other takeaways
We break down the early results
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/wilson-trails-and-other-takeaways
about 2 months ago
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Power plays, PAC money, and abortion politics collide in the 33rd. We break down the late-game fight for this key WA seat. Also, some Observer news and recommended reading.
#journalism
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Late hardball in the 33rd Legislative District
Plus big Observer news, a possible income tax push in '26, and more political cash
https://open.substack.com/pub/washingtonobserver/p/late-hardball-in-the-33rd-legislative?r=8ebd7&utm_medium=ios
about 2 months ago
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Ballots are due in a week which means big money is being spent on the state's most watched races. We break it down. Also, debt collectors are on notice as the Supremes hear a case related to overdue medical bills.
#washingtonstate
#election
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Big checks and spending for the end game
Plus the Supremes tackle a medical debt problem and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/big-checks-and-spending-for-the-end
about 2 months ago
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If you're living in an area with a hot race this November, expect to see a lot of political communications heading your way. We break it down - the races to follow and how much they're spending. Also, new numbers released by the state DCYF has some grim numbers around incarcerated youth.
#wastate
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As political cash flies around, it's time to vote
Plus grim numbers for youth incarceration and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/as-political-cash-flies-around-its
about 2 months ago
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Here at the Observer we pride ourselves on our obsession with campaign cash: who has it, where it's going and why it matters to you. To make it easy on you, we've put together a roundup. Also, a weed battle is raising eyebrows in Olympia.
#wastate
#waleg
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A campaign cash roundup to start your weekend
Plus a homegrown weed fight and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-campaign-cash-roundup-to-start
2 months ago
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The PAC behind Incumbent Harrell in the
#Seattle
Mayor race comes out swinging. Their warchest is at least five times bigger than the PAC behind Wilson. What's this mean? We dive in. Also, Fergson courts labor with an executive order and more campaign cash tracking.
#wastate
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Pro-Harrell PAC comes after Wilson for inexperience
Plus Ferguson courts labor and some campaign cash tidbits
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/pro-harrell-pac-comes-after-wilson
2 months ago
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We are officially in the hardball phase of the Seattle Mayor race as the PAC behind Katie Wilson dropped an attack on incumbent Harrell. But that's not the only mayor race we're tracking, Tacoma is looking at an open Mayor race between Councilman John Hines and former Councilman Anders Ibsen.
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Pro-Wilson PAC comes out swinging for Harrell
Plus the mayor's race in Tacoma and other campaign news
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/pro-wilson-pac-comes-out-swinging
2 months ago
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It's that time of year where money starts moving as we're less than a month out from the November 4 election. $125,000 enters the race for King County Executive and Katie Wilson get's $75,000 from Protec17. Also a look at the dueling profiles on Katie Wilson. We dive in.
#waleg
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Builders ready a play in King County exec race
Plus union money for Wilson in Seattle and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/builders-ready-a-play-in-king-county
3 months ago
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Remember when we said spending in the state Senate race in the 26th district would get out of hand? Prepare yourselves, independent spending is coming. Also, a plot to fix a real estate fight and better news for foster families. We dive in.
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More big money in the 26th LD
Plus a real estate fight with the AG and better news for foster families
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/more-big-money-in-the-26th-ld
3 months ago
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The PAC behind Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is growing a sizeable war chest as some of the regions richest citizens line up to donate. Though Katie Wilson still seems to be the favorite according to one source. We have the details.
#seattle
#washingtondtate
#mayorrace
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Pro-Harrell PAC tops $1M in campaign cash
Plus bettors love Harrell's challenger, Brown dings rental giant over veteran fees, and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/pro-harrell-pac-tops-1m-in-campaign
3 months ago
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Cowardice is the word we'd use to describe Cascade Public Media's Cascade Public Media's decision to kill off the newsroom formerly known as Crosscut, throwing more than 15 journalists out onto the street. What happened and what does it mean? We dive in.
#journalism
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Death of a newsroom
Cascade Public Media capitulates to federal budget cuts
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/death-of-a-newsroom
3 months ago
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The state's safety net for tenants is fraying. With an increase in eviction filings, the state is struggling to keep up. We dive in. Also, the MLK Labor Council divided their support in Seattle's Mayor race.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-looming-...
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A looming hole in the eviction safety net
Plus MLK Labor Council splits its mayoral endorsement and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-looming-hole-in-the-eviction-safety
3 months ago
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Money is flowing in the race for Seattle Mayor - including money going to PACs supporting Incumbent Mayor Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson. We track the details so you don't have to.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/harrell-pr...
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Harrell, pro-Harrell PAC erase Wilson’s campaign cash advantage
Plus some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/harrell-pro-harrell-pac-erase-wilsons
3 months ago
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ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
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A really expensive football date with Bob Ferguson
Plus booze for Coug fans at home games in Pullman
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-expensive-football-date
3 months ago
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ICYMI: For $10,000 you could join Gov. Ferguson at an upcoming Seahawks' game. Where's the money going? That would be to the Democratic Governors Association, a dark money PAC who throws their weight behind Democratic governors. We dive in.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-e...
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A really expensive football date with Bob Ferguson
Plus booze for Coug fans at home games in Pullman
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-really-expensive-football-date
3 months ago
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We're back. Did you miss us? We know those tracking how political money moves throughout our state did. We dive into how Microsoft is funding leg races and also the return of Let's Go Washington.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-mic...
#waleg
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Mostly-Microsoft money headed for hot legislative races
Plus LGW launches two ballot measures and a pile of recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/mostly-microsoft-money-headed-for
3 months ago
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Being a first time lawmaker is tough, more often than not you watch your bills die. However, there are exceptions and we’re diving into them.
#waleg
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Rookie lawmakers in retrospect
Plus Braun makes Congressional bid official
https://open.substack.com/pub/washingtonobserver/p/rookie-lawmakers-in-retrospect?r=8ebd7&utm_medium=ios
4 months ago
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Seattle voters made a bold move last week, but maybe not the one you expected. They renewed the levy funding the city’s democracy voucher program. We dig into what it means + share some recommended reading:
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-...
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Democracy vouchers redux
Could this be the year Seattle's system delivers an outsider mayor?
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democracy-vouchers-redux
4 months ago
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A small group of us did our civic duty and turned in our ballots for the August primary, and an even smaller number of us have had our votes counted. So while we await additional vote counts, here's some early takeaways for you.
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/early-prim...
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Early primary takeaways
It’s looking like a big night for the left
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/early-primary-takeaways
5 months ago
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We got some primary polling for you. First a poll on Gov. Ferguson's approval rating and second a poll on the Seattle Mayor's race. Also, an update from the Senate Housing Committee as they try to turn WA into a home-building factor.
#wastate
#augustprimary
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Tasty pre-primary polling
Plus a pitch for a better way to build starter homes and some recommended listening
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/tasty-pre-primary-polling
5 months ago
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Two Seattle races are seeing independent money fly as the Aug. 5 primary draws near. We dive into the Mayor's race and Dionne Foster's challenge to Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson. Also, updated numbers on what Trump's Big Beautiful Bill will cost the hardest-pressed Washingtontonians.
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Pre-primary spending heats up in Seattle
Plus more bad news on Medicaid, a big PDC fine and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/pre-primary-spending-heats-up-in
5 months ago
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What's the most closely watched race in WA this year? It has to be the dem-vs-dem showdown between Sen. Vandana Slatter and Rep. Amy Walen for the 48th leg district. We dive in, also an update on Amazon and Medicaid dollars.
#washingtonstate
#independentjournalism
#waleg
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Business PAC money plays in the 48th
Plus more on that Amazon-Medicaid thing
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/business-pac-money-plays-in-the-48th
5 months ago
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Providence, one of the largest healthcare systems in Washington, was back in court to challenge a 2024 decision that found the healthcare giant was underpaying its staff. We dive in.
#healthcare
#washingtonstate
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Big hospital chain goes back to court
Plus some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/big-hospital-chain-goes-back-to-court
5 months ago
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What happens when counties encourage sprawl and cities get stuck with the bill? A turf war north of Bellingham has lawmakers eyeing change. We dive in.
#washingtonstate
#bellingham
#journalism
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Counting the costs of annexations
Plus campaign cash in hot Senate races and more recommended reading/listening
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/counting-the-costs-of-annexations
5 months ago
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ICYMI we did a dive into one of the state's less appreciated costs: overtime pay. It's one of the state's trickiest expenses to budget around, so we did the research so you don't have to.
#washingtonstate
#overtimepay
#journalismthreads
#waleg
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A look at rising overtime costs
Plus a ferry update and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-look-at-rising-overtime-costs
5 months ago
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The race for
#KingCounty
executive is heating up and it looks like a two-horse race between Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilary. We dive into the money and ads behind the campaigns. Also, some recommended reading.
#washingtonstate
#racewatch
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KC executive race heats up as primary nears
Plus some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/kc-executive-race-heats-up-as-primary
5 months ago
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ICYMI because of America’s birthday: Real transparency from the Supremes doesn't seem to be a goal of theirs as they shield state labor negotiations from public records. but wait. Isn't that our tax dollars? Also, you can expect gas prices to increase thanks to a new gas tax hike.
#waleg
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Supremes shield state labor negotiations from public records law
Plus higher gas taxes, some recommended reading, and we're out for the 4th
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/supremes-shield-state-labor-negotiations
6 months ago
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The math isn't mathing when it comes to legal weed in Washington. We dive into a recent report from RAND that shows a decrease in profit for weed - but what's causing it? We dive in.
#weed
#washingtonstate
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Hard times in the legal weed business
Plus some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/hard-times-in-the-legal-weed-business
6 months ago
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The Seattle Mayor race is heating up with unlikely challenger, Joe Mallahan, launching a new website against Mayor Bruce Harrell. If Mallahan's name looks familiar, that's because he is - he ran for mayor in 2009. We dive into the race and share some recommended reading.
#washingtonstate
#journalism
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Hardball in the Seattle mayor’s race
A voice from 2009 comes after Harrell, plus some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/hardball-in-the-seattle-mayors-race
6 months ago
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Out-of-state
#homeownership
has increased in Washington state with some of our more desirable locations going to those with deep pocket books. Also, AG Brown sues a California property manager. We dive in
washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/washington...
#washingtonstate
#waleg
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Washington’s elusive out-of-state homeowners
Plus the AG goes after alleged slumlords and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/washingtons-elusive-out-of-state
6 months ago
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Gov. Ferguson put the progressive left on edge, and yet, when push comes to shove he's embraced the left as the final
#waleg
budget package gets his signature. Also, an updated student bill of rights and permit-to-purchase gun control gets the green light.
#journalism
#wastate
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Ferguson tacks left and embraces the Legislature
Plus more bill action, an Eyman photobomb, and we're outta here for a bit
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/ferguson-tacks-left-and-embraces
7 months ago
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Why did sixteen school superintendents write a veto request to Gov. Ferguson? We dive in. Also, Gov. Ferguson continues his bill signing frenzy with signatures going to a recycling revamp, a lot-splitting bill, cash for cops (sort of), the right to fix your gadgets, and more.
#waleg
#k12
#wastate
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A somewhat unusual veto request
Plus the bill-signing festival rolls on
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-somewhat-unusual-veto-request
7 months ago
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A lot of money is already flowing for November 2025 and we have the details, including a look at the race for King County Executive and Constantine's war chest. Also, Gov. Ferguson signed four bills in honor of the late Sen. Bill Ramos.
#washingtonstate
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King County Executive candidates stack cash
Plus more political money goodness and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/king-county-executive-candidates
7 months ago
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Gov. Ferguson issued his second veto of the year, removing emergency language from Senate Bill 5351. The Governor is also planning a bill-signing jaunt to the eastern side of the state. Speaking of bill-signing a number of housing bills were approved this week. We dive in.
#waleg
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Another mild veto
Plus more housing bill action and some recommended reading
https://substack.com/home/post/p-163497920?source=queue
7 months ago
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As Gov. Ferguson plays a will-he-won't-he game with the various bills awaiting his signature, we dive into the history of the veto and which governors used their pen the most. Also, key takeaways from the filing deadline and a look at a new law targeting speeders.
#waleg
#ferguson
#veto
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A brief history of the veto pen
Plus takeaways from the filing deadline, a bid to rein in speeders, and hospitals hope for veto relief
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-brief-history-of-the-veto-pen
7 months ago
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The Legislative Ethics Board recently investigated House Business Chair, Rep. Amy Walen, whose day job raised some eyebrows for the fate of an auto bill. We dive in. Also, will he or won't he? The power of the veto pen is now Gov. Ferguson's who has 20 days to approve or veto bills passed by
#waleg
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A challenge for the House business chair
Plus bills signing/veto season begins in earnest, and some recommended reading
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/a-challenge-for-the-house-business
8 months ago
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One surprise of this
#waleg
session was the death of an accountability bill that would protect consumers and punish bad actors. What happened? We dive in. Plus it's filing week - we'll be monitoring who steps up for the nine open leg seats.
#wastate
#journalism
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How an accountability bill for bad actors in the insurance industry died
Plus it's filing week, and some recommended reading and listening
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/how-an-accountability-bill-for-bad
8 months ago
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And who lost this
#waleg
session? To name a few: landlords, garbage haulers, main street, property-poor school districts and nonprofits. We dive in
#washingtonstate
#statebudget
#budgetseason
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The winners at the 2025 Legislature
We look at who came out ahead this year, plus new workplace safety protections for students
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/the-winners-at-the-2025-legislature
8 months ago
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So who won this
#Waleg
session? We dive into the big winners coming out of this session, but to give a preview of who's coming out on top: state employees, billionaires, affluent school districts, gun control advocates, and gun control advocates.
#journalism
#wastate
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The winners at the 2025 Legislature
We look at who came out ahead this year, plus new workplace safety protections for students
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/the-winners-at-the-2025-legislature
8 months ago
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Despite a massive budget deficit, Public Education advocates started the
#waleg
session pushing for billions in new funding for
#K12education
. What they got was way less. What happened? We dive in.
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How lawmakers went from $3B for education to making the system more regressive
Plus some recommended reading and some internal Observer news
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/how-lawmakers-went-from-3b-for-education
8 months ago
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#Waleg
is out for the year. Fee hikes, more cops, last-minute details - we're breaking it all down. Today focuses on the choice decisions and consequences of the deal. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll look at the winners and losers.
#budget
#wastate
#independentjournalism
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And they’re outta here
Taxes, fees, budget cuts, and a weird wealth tax vote as lawmakers blow town
https://substack.com/home/post/p-162339822?source=queue
8 months ago
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Two major progressive priorities are heading for the finish line: unemployment benefits for strikers and a compromise cap on rent increases. Also, tax increases are headed for Ferguson's desk. We dive into the nitty gritty.
#waleg
#journalism
#legsession
#wastate
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Democrats hug it out over rent restriction, UI for strikers
Plus the tax bills start to hit Ferguson's desk, and "students' bill of rights" passes
https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/democrats-hug-it-out-over-rent-restriction
8 months ago
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The House passed an updated Education funding package that could widen the education gap between districts in our state. Also, a politically dicey vote on the B&O tax and some additional bill action including an update on the “Tesla tax.”
#waleg
#washingtonstate
#k12funding
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House Democrats narrowly advance big changes to education levies
Plus a dicey B&O vote, taxing Tesla, Fitzgibbon gets un-trucked on low-carbon fuels, and more
https://open.substack.com/pub/washingtonobserver/p/house-democrats-narrowly-advance?r=8ebd7&utm_medium=ios
8 months ago
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Washington's Recovery Navigator Program, which is a lifeline keeping people struggling with addition off the streets and out of jail, is on the chopping block as
#waleg
looks to make budget cuts. We dive in. Also, a look at some tax revisions from Senate Dems.
#wastate
#journalism
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A lifeline for drug treatment on the ropes
Plus a taxing Saturday in the Senate, a skinnier wealth tax, and RIP Sen. Bill Ramos
https://substack.com/home/post/p-161817432?source=queue
8 months ago
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