State's projected budget deficit zooms to $2.6 billion
Curt Woodward; The Associated Press via Seattle Times - Nov. 19, 2009

Tax increases probably can't be avoided as the state tries to patch a budget deficit that's ballooned to about $2.6 billion. Leading options include closing tax loopholes and raising "sin" taxes. Further spending cuts also are on the table, even though the Legislature already whacked billions from state programs earlier this year.

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Gregoire won't call special session
Brad Shannon; The Olympian - Nov. 17, 2009

Democrat Gov. Chris Gregoire rejected new Republican calls for a special legislative session in early December to deal with the growing budget shortfall, despite her prediction it might hit $2.5 billion after Thursday's revenue forecast. Gregoire said the budget crisis is so dire the state’s safety net is at risk as she tries to cut as much as $2 billion from a smaller and smaller part of the budget.

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Anti-amnesty theme draws crowd to Yakima event
Ross A. Courtney; Yakima Herald-Republic - Nov. 15, 2009

Wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan "Stop the Invasion" and applauding exhortations to "take back our country," opponents of amnesty for illegal immigrants gathered at a Yakima event dubbed "Tea Party Against Amnesty and Illegal Immigration." The event was one of 53 similar rallies held across the country Saturday to speak out against immigration reforms proposed by President Barack Obama's administration.

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Reichert ‘just getting started’ in newest attack on AARP policies
Les Blumenthal; The News Tribune - Nov. 15, 2009

Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, says he has no intention of backing off the fight he’s picked with AARP over its support for the health care overhaul narrowly passed by the House. Most recently, his staff asked the Washington state insurance commissioner if AARP should be regulated because of the supplemental Medicare insurance it partners with. Reichert has emerged as the leader of a group of House Republicans that has AARP in its sights.

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State Democrats facing revolt by labor
Seattle Times; Nov. 11, 2009

State Democratic lawmakers have a revolt on their hands among major labor groups that provide the party crucial support during elections. Several state unions have either stopped or sharply reduced donations to Democratic caucus political-action committees that back candidates for the state House and Senate. There's even talk of trying to defeat some Democratic incumbents if they don't support issues important to labor in the next legislative session.

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2010 Winter Olympics ticket monopoly freezes out Northwest fans
Ron Judd and Christine Willmsen; Seattle Times - Nov. 15, 2009

The Olympic Games get lofty billing as a celebration of human achievement — an amateur sports event that builds community and transcends class barriers. It seemed a natural fit for progressive Vancouver, where organizers promised the most fan-friendly Games ever. In spite of record demand, fans seeking tickets to premier events such as medal-round hockey games will have access to only about one-quarter of the seats normally available. Frustrated Northwest fans, who produced the largest ticket demand outside Canada, are lucky to have landed any tickets at all.

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How U.S. lawmakers from Washington state voted
Thomas Voting Reports via Seattle Times - Nov. 15, 2009

Click on the link below to see how U.S. lawmakers from Washington voted on important issues during the week that ended Friday, November 13, including health care bill HR 3962 and whether to prohibit the bill's public option from paying for abortions.

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