Local Politics

From Olympia to Boise and in many cities in-between people are gathering in protest on this tax day.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a measure that lets counties and the state increase taxes on land lines and cell phones to pay for 911 system upgrades.

Gov. Chris Gregoire is praising the Washington Legislature for its work that wrapped up early Tuesday with the end of the special session in Olympia.

The shrinking budget for Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare is already having an impact on dozens of mentally ill patients and some of the services those clients receive.

The state Senate has approved a measure that lets counties and the state increase a tax on landline and cell phone bills to pay for 911 system upgrades.

Gov. Butch Otter is heaping high praise on the hard work and tough fiscal choices made by lawmakers to balance the state's budget and protect taxpayers from having to shell out more money to make ends meet.

Lawmakers cautioned public schools chief Tom Luna his plan to absorb a $135 million loss under the governor's proposed budget for the next fiscal year may have to cover an additional shortfall.