Jay Inslee

A torrent of support for curbing Inslee’s emergency powers as lawmakers take public testimony

Washington’s Covid-19 state of emergency is approaching its two-year anniversary. Under current law, the governor has broad emergency powers. But the Legislature is considering new restrictions on that authority.

Politics

Police reform, guns, and pickleball: First week of Washington's 2022 session

Week one of the 2022 legislative session is in the bag – and it’s been a busy one.

Health

Inslee deploying 100 National Guard to help hospitals, orders pause on non-emergency procedures

Following the lead of Oregon and other states, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that he will deploy 100 members of the National Guard to assist hospitals struggling to respond to a spike in Covid-19 patients due to the highly-contagious omicron variant.

Five things to know about Washington’s 2022 legislative session

The Washington Legislature convenes on Monday for a short, 60-day session. Top issues include delaying and making fixes to the state's long-term care insurance program, clarifying some of last year's police reforms and deciding how to spend $1.3 billion in leftover federal COVID-19 relief money the state received.

Environment

This flooded NW Washington town is still 'being put back together' as risk of winter storms grows

The threat of severe weather looms over a small northwest Washington community that is still recovering from November floods.

Health

Inslee orders delay in collection of new long-term care tax from workers

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic leaders in the Legislature announced Friday a delay in the collection of a payroll tax to pay for a new long-term care insurance program in Washington.

Environment

Natural gas furnaces, water heaters in crosshairs of some Northwest policymakers

Fossil fuel use in buildings looks to be the next frontier for climate activists at the state and local level. There's a convergence of activity in the Pacific Northwest right now aimed at phasing out natural gas furnaces and water heaters. Cities from Eugene to Bellingham have teed up bans on natural gas in new commercial buildings. But natural gas has its defenders, too, who have beaten back proposed phaseouts before.

Government

More than 630 days and counting. When will Inslee’s state of emergency end?

For months, minority Republicans in the Washington Legislature have called for limits on the governor’s emergency powers. But now even some Democrats are expressing concerns about the open-endedness of the COVID-19 state of emergency and the limited role of state lawmakers.

Government

Another breach at Washington governor’s mansion reveals ongoing security gaps

A woman was able to enter the secure grounds of Washington's governor's residence on Wednesday before being stopped by the Washington State Patrol. Gov. Jay Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee were not home at the time. The security breach follows a much larger incident on January 6 when a group of pro-Trump supporters forced open a gate and spilled onto the mansion lawn, eventually making their way to the mansion's front portico.

Washington troopers and public employees file lawsuit to overturn Gov. Inslee's vaccine mandate

Dozens of Washington state troopers, prison correctional officers, ferry workers and other public sector employees have filed a lawsuit in Walla Walla County to try to overturn Gov. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine. The lawsuit alleges the mandate is unlawful and unconstitutional.