The legislature has shot down a bill that would have legalized and regulated marijuana for people over 21 in Washington State. In the throes their anti-reefer madness, they also sent up in smoke another bill that would have taken the less drastic step of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of the drug throughout the state. Legalized marijuana advocates throughout the state were really upset for about thirty seconds, then remembered a really great YouTube clip they saw a while ago and got kinda hungry. more ›

The fellas Jim, Johnny, and José must be shaking their heads as the House passed a bill to increase liquor (wine and beer) license fees for Washington's restaurants, bars, taverns, and even trains. The booze business, is one of the few industries that is somewhat recession proof, which can be very attractive for a state that is $9 billion in the hole. Pending final approval, the bill would raise fees (and probably drink prices) nearly 10 percent, making it even harder for the local "little guys" to hang on. more ›

A proposal that might end up in front of the state legislature in bill form is targeted at suckers like Seattlest, well-intentioned but busy people who would help if helping was made stupidly easy. The proposal would automatically tack on $5 to every Washington car tab fee, and that extra money would go towards keeping state parks open and maintained. Anyone could opt out of paying the extra fee. The option to give $5 for park maintenance is already in effect, but with a slight difference: you have to check a box saying you do want to give the state more of your hard-earned cash. more ›

This morning, the state Senate will reveal their plan for a 2009-2011 operating budget; the House will release their version tomorrow. Given an unavoidable $9 billion shortfall, major cuts are only to be expected. Schmudget reported that if the Senate uses the entire Rainy Day Fund and frees up all available federal funds, legislators will still have to reckon with a deficit of $3.1 billion; that's where the program slicing and dicing comes into play. Stream the budget unveiling proceedings live at Washington State Public Affairs' website, tvw.org, or check online sometime after 10:30 a.m. today to find out what the Senate's budget looks like. more ›