Washington State Legislature

Big insurers rack up billions in surpluses, now lawmakers may take a bite of the pie

In recent years, people who buy health insurance on the individual market have experienced steep premium hikes, higher deductibles and increases in other out-of-pocket expenses. At the same time, Washington’s three biggest nonprofit insurers have amassed nearly $4.5 billion dollars in surpluses.

Grief and furor as gun violence victims and gun rights advocates descend on Olympia

A gun rally in Virginia on Monday drew thousands of people and national attention. But guns were also on the agenda at the Washington state Capitol...

Politics

What Washington lawmakers were up to during their first week in session

Washington state lawmakers have been on the job for one week now. The start of 2020 was filled with historical moments and and hearings on a range of issues.

State lawmakers aim to make WA schools safer for undocumented students

A proposed measure would make sure schools across Washington state do not collect the immigration status of students or their families.

Politics

Washington lawmakers turn their eyes to gap in services for developmental disabilities

An estimated 13,000 people with developmental disabilities in Washington are not receiving services from the state. Monday, state lawmakers will take a closer look at the issue.

Politics

With R-88 defeated, what's next for affirmative action in WA?

Kim Malcolm talks with Austin Jenkins about the future of affirmative action in Washington state.

Education

Lack of affordable child care costs WA $2 billion per year, report says

Paige Browning talks with child care advocate Ryan Pricco about how a shortage of affordable child care in Washington is affecting the state's economy.

Politics

Affirmative action campaign in WA sued for not paying signature gatherers

Last winter, Anthony Hill and his wife Anita came to Washington state from Michigan to gather voter signatures for I-1000, an initiative to the Legislature to restore affirmative action.