Washington State

Washington drivers will pay an extra 6 cents per gallon at the pump starting in July, part of a $3.2 billion transportation funding package passed by the Legislature. The increase—the first in nearly a decade—raises the state gas tax to 55.4 cents per gallon and adds a 2% annual inflation adjust...

Lawmakers approved a suite of tax increases to help close Washington’s projected $16 billion shortfall. The new taxes total $4.3 billion over the next two years as part of the state’s $77.8 billion operating budget. Business & occupation tax The largest share—$2.1 billion—comes fro...

Washington state health officials confirmed a fifth case of measles this week, as infections climb both locally and nationally. The latest case involves an infant in King County who contracted the virus after exposure to a contagious traveler. Officials said the child was too young to be vaccinated....

Washington state lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 legislative session this weekend by approving a $71.7 billion operating budget, a $15.5 billion transportation budget, and a $9.3 billion capital budget. The three spending plans now head to Gov. Bob Ferguson for final approval. The two-year, $71.7...

The Washington Legislature passed a bill this week to cap most annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. The measure cleared both chambers over the weekend and now awaits the governor’s signature. If enacted, the new caps would take effect in 2026 and apply to both...

This week the Washington State House and Senate introduced a package of tax proposals aimed at raising an estimated $12 billion over the next four years. The plan includes new taxes and increases to existing tax rates and caps, in an effort to close the state’s multibillion-dollar budget shortfall...