Newstalk 870 KFLD: The Mid Columbia's Newstalk Leader » legislature

What Does Washington State's Legislature Need Accomplish During the Special Session?

John McKay — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:14:48 +0000

According to Washington Policy Center, a non-profit, non-partisan independent think tank that addresses political and economic issues in Washington, there are five key issues.

Read More|Comment

Gov. Inslee in Controversial Letter to Supporters Urges: 'Students Over Tax Breaks'

John McKay — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:24:43 +0000

A recent email letter sent out by Gov. Inslee is ruffling a few feathers, especially in the business community. Newstalk 870 has a copy.

Read More|Comment

Seattle-Based Group Plans Another Gun Control Initiative That Would Include Universal Backround Checks

John McKay — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:05:09 +0000

Several controversial gun control measures were crushed in Olympia this spring, but an anti-gun advocacy group is going to try again.

Read More|Comment

Online Database Will Show How All Washington State Fees Spent

John McKay — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:39:38 +0000

Soon, Washington residents will finally be able to see where their money is going from state fees.

Read More|Comment

Washington Legislature Kills Bill Regulating Use of Drones

John McKay — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:00:16 +0000

Despite significant support from both parties and many other groups, the bill didn't even make it to a vote.

Read More|Comment

Controversial Gun Control Bill Is Dead in the Washington Legislature

John McKay — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:53:25 +0000

According to the latest from the Seattle Times, a controversial bill requiring background checks for gun purchases is dead!

Read More|Comment

WA GOP Budget Leader Fears New Taxes After Supreme Court Ruling [AUDIO]

John McKay — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:00:48 +0000

Now that the Washington State Supreme Court has cleared a two-decade hurdle that often kept the legislature from enacting a number of tax packages, State leaders fear more increases.

Read More|Comment

WA State Supreme Court Strikes Down Supermajority Requirement for Tax Hikes!

John McKay — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:26:04 +0000

Once again, the folks in Olympia just don't get it!

Read More|Comment

Oregon and Colorado Congressmen Want Medical Marijuana Legalized Everywhere

John McKay — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:00:31 +0000

A new medical marijuana bill could set precedent.

Read More|Comment

Reproductive Parity Act Making Progress in Olympia – Forces Employers to Offer Abortion Insurance

John McKay — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:19:03 +0000

Washington businesses and insurance companies are keeping a close eye on Olympia where the controversial Reproductive Parity Act passed the House.

Read More|Comment

Controversial Gun Control Bill Now Dead in Olympia

John McKay — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:49:03 +0000

Washington state's gun control proposal is off the table for this legislative session.

Read More|Comment

Proposal Would Force Washington Couples to Wait One Year Before Divorcing [POLL]

John McKay — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:00:02 +0000

Currently, married couples wishing to divorce in Washington must sit out a three-month waiting period. A new bill in Olympia would extend that to one year.

Read More|Comment

Race-Equality Group Announces Pasco Press Conference Dec. 10 – We Can't Wait!

John McKay — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:28:10 +0000

You may have never heard of Washington CAN! but you will have heard of who endorses them. Once you know, you'll be as excited as we are (sarcasm) for the Monday event in Tri-Cities the group announced on its website.

Read More|Comment

I-1185 Passes-Will It Finally Force 2/3 Majority In Olympia In Order To Raise Taxes?

John McKay — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:00:28 +0000

Part of our continuing series Decision 2012-Where Do We Go From Here-takes a look at Initiative 1185, which (again) would force the state legislature to have a majority to raise our taxes.

Read More|Comment

Franklin County Judge Overrules State On Cigarette Tax

John McKay — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:00:15 +0000

A Franklin County Judge has gone over the State of Washington, and agreed with several cigarette shop vendors who say a new tax on 'roll-your-own' products is in violation of state law.

Read More|Comment

Gregoire Seeks Billions In Spending Despite Shortfall

John McKay — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:00:59 +0000

Despite legislators having to try to close a billion dollar plus shortfall as they convene this week in Olympia, Gov. Gregoire is expected to ask for billions for transportation projects--and wants voters to pay for it.

Read More|Comment

Proposed Bill Would Require Abortion Be Covered by Private Insurance

John McKay — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:18 +0000

One of many new pieces of proposed legislation facing WA Lawmakers convening this week

Read More|Comment