Washington State
26 states may soon need to regulate cannabis—here’s what they can learn from Colorado and Washington
COMMENTARY | Colorado and Washington, the first two states to legalize marijuana, have more than a decade of experience writing and enforcing laws to control the marijuana marketplace.
Data centers demand a massive amount of energy. Here’s how some states are tackling the industry’s impact.
As the draw on the grid from these computer warehouses undergoes explosive growth, states that offer tax exemptions to support the industry are considering whether their approach still makes sense.
Western cities won the right to clear homeless encampments—but will they use it?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order encouraging cities to “move with urgency” to clear out camps. The move, which is at odds with others in the West, follows a Supreme Court ruling in June.
Skills-based hiring smashes through ‘paper ceiling’
Multiple states have embraced a movement to drop degree requirements for certain jobs. But the change is not as simple as a stroke of a pen.
Could this state's health ‘hub’ model treating opioid addiction go nationwide?
Washington state's model provides a walk-in, “one-stop shop” for substance-use disorder patients. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is now championing it in Congress.
As cities ban them from public spaces, homeless people scatter in search of refuge
Attorneys say bans could become more common nationwide if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns lower-court rulings in Oregon and Idaho that protect homeless people from being ticketed, charged or arrested for sleeping on public property.
US long-term care costs are sky-high, but one state's plan to help pay for them could be nixed
COMMENTARY | Washington state's WA Cares Fund collects a 0.58% tax out of residents’ paychecks to fund a new long-term care social insurance program. It’s not clear, however, whether the state’s strategy is going to work out.
Can the snarky ‘Save Our Yachts’ campaign save Washington’s capital gains tax?
The long-fought-for and hard-won tax has survived its legal challenges. Now it must survive the ballot.
In reversal, more areas allow high-speed police chases
Supporters of policy rollbacks say police pursuits can reduce crime; some experts aren’t so sure.
Longtime state senator announces plans to retire
In an interview from earlier this year, Washington’s Karen Keiser discussed her nearly 30-year career and how to affect change in state legislatures.
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Washington’s key climate law is under attack
In 2023, the state’s Climate Commitment Act generated more than $2 billion for projects to clean up transportation, shift to clean energy and help communities adapt to the effects of a changing climate. But this fall, voters will get a chance to shut it all down.
Washington’s cap on carbon is raising billions for climate action. Can it survive the backlash?
A repeal initiative blaming the state's climate law for higher gas prices could wind up on the ballot in November.
A seasoned legislator looks to help newcomers navigate the complex world of lawmaking
As state legislatures across the country prepare for the new session, Washington state Sen. Karen Keiser offers newly elected lawmakers advice in a new book that looks back on a 25-year career.
Nation’s Longest-Serving Governor Won’t Run for Reelection
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee made a name for himself at home and nationally as an environmental champion.
How Washington Raised $300 Million for Climate Action From Polluters
The state's first "cap-and-invest" auction nearly doubled the price of carbon recently sold in California.
Localities Are Finding Creative Affordable Housing Solutions
There's an estimated shortage of 3.8 million housing units nationwide. Cities and towns are stepping up to help residents.
Murder Hornets in US Being Trapped With ‘Sex Spray’
The Asian giant hornet is killing honeybees in the west and may migrate east, which could have a devastating economic impact.
When Counties Need Fines, More Women Go to Jail
"Heavy reliance on monetary sanctions as a source of revenue creates an obvious conflict of interest for local governments: They need people to violate the law in order to keep themselves out of the red," researcher Kate O'Neill says.
States Lawmakers are Taking On Housing Policy Once Left to Locals
Legislators are looking at new—and sometimes controversial—ways to spur denser development and more affordable homes.
States Embrace Vaccine Mandates Despite Potential Worker Exodus
“No one’s in panic mode here.”
