Politics
What would Republicans do about the state budget?
Don't raise taxes. Cut the budget. So say Republicans, without getting specific. Here's what the shadow government would likely do, if given the chance.
Austin Jenkins
Latest work
Politics
Sales tax increase rises from its political grave
The House, leaning toward a temporary boost in the sales tax, is diverging from the governor and the Senate's approach of a menu of tax boosts.
Politics
What would Dick Cheney say?
How much power does Lt. Gov. Brad Owens have, in voting to break a tie in the state Senate on final passage? Senate rules say one thing, while the state constitution says another.
Politics
A whiff of mutiny among Democrats in Olympia
Democratic majorities, while large, are much less solid than the numbers indicate. Caucus mutinies are brewing over the budget and taxes, both on the left and the center. This week, some important cards will be laid on the table.
Politics
A Pyrrhic victory for school funding advocates?
Court rulings on how the state needs to fund schools better, such as handed down last week, don't tend to stick very long. And this year's session is no time for finding more money.