Christine Gregoire Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

It’s An Election Year. But That’s Not Scaring Washington Democrats From Talking Taxes

By Austin Jenkins June 11, 2020

In this 2012 file photo, then Gov. Chris Gregoire talks about the state budget. During the Great Recession, Democrats largely addressed plummeting revenues through budget cuts instead of tax hikes. The response to the COVID-19 recession may be different. CREDIT: Austin Jenkins/N3

Unlike during the Great Recession, when the budget was largely balanced through spending cuts, this time around majority Democrats and their allies, like labor unions, are already signaling that tax increases are almost certain to be part of any solution. Read More

Affirmative Action Returns To Washington Ballot — More Than 20 Years After Voters Rejected It

By Austin Jenkins October 7, 2019

Affirmative action opponents demonstrate outside the Washington Senate on Sunday night following a vote to approve I-1000. AUSTIN JENKINS/N3

In 1998, Washington voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 200, which effectively ended affirmative action in the state. Now, 21 years later, voters this November will once again have a chance to weigh in on the issue. Read More

Three Former Governors Testify In Olympia To Bring Back Affirmative Action In Washington

By Austin Jenkins April 18, 2019

Former Washington Governors Chris Gregoire, Dan Evans and Gary Locke testify in favor of I-1000. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS/N3

Washington’s three living former governors testified Thursday in favor of an initiative to once again allow affirmative action policies in public employment, education and contracting. At a joint House-Senate hearing in Olympia, the three governors – Republican Dan Evans and Democrats Gary Locke and Chris Gregoire – called on state lawmakers to pass I-1000Read More

Frustrated And Broke, Washington Counties Consider Suing State

By Austin Jenkins April 5, 2018

Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell says he would likely support a lawsuit against the State of Washington over unfunded mandates to counties. He spoke on TVW's ''Inside Olympia'' program. TVW

After years of pleading with the state Legislature for more state funding, Washington's 39 counties could decide this year whether to file a lawsuit against the state over unfunded mandates.Read More