Gov calls lawmakers back for special session
Rachel La Corte; The Associated Press via The Olympian - March 11, 2010

Gov. Chris Gregoire is calling a special session so that lawmakers can finish their work on patching a $2.8 billion budget hole. Lawmakers adjourned their 60-day regular session on Thursday night. But House and Senate Democrats don't yet have an agreement on their updated budget plan or tax package. The special session will begin Monday.

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State spending to rise, despite budget cuts
Jim Brunner; Seattle Times - March 10, 2010

There was a lot of talk two months ago about making deep cuts in spending and reducing the size of state government to help close a $2.8 billion budget shortfall. Yet as the legislative session nears an end, spending is on track to increase. Lawmakers are planning cuts but have apparently set aside efforts to streamline state government that many feel could ease future budget problems.

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State House bill would curtail travel money for ferry workers
The Associated Press via Seattle Times - March 6, 2010

Lawmakers want to end a practice of paying some state ferry workers for their travel to and from terminals. The benefit earned one deckhand nearly $73,000 last year. On Friday, the Washington House passed a bill that would give the governor a stronger hand in negotiating worker benefits. The aim is to move ferry worker benefits closer to what other state employee union contracts provide.

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At least 36 die during first year of state's assisted suicide law
Carol M. Ostrom; Seattle Times - March 4, 2010

A report issued Thursday showing that 36 patients have used Washington's Death with Dignity Act to hasten their deaths added momentum to the ongoing fight between advocates and opponents of the year-old law, which allows doctors to prescribe lethal medication for terminally ill patients.

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Gov Tim Pawlenty to keynote state GOP dinner April 24
Washington State Republican Party - March 6, 2010

Chairman Luke Esser of the Washington State Republican Party announced today that Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) will deliver the keynote address at the 28th Annual WSRP Gala Dinner & Auction to be held Saturday, April 24 at the Bellevue Hilton.

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