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Conflicting views aside, business surveys do have value

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published May 15th, 2013 - 12:05AM

Economist Peter Fisher doesn’t think much of business climate studies. And he and the groups he works with hope you agree with them. If you do, they think it will make it much easier for them to convince legislators to raise taxes and expand regulation.

Overtime session should focus on one issue: The budget

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published May 1st, 2013 - 12:05AM

After 105 days, the Legislature goes into overtime, with a two-week timeout for “cooling off.” Gov. Jay Inslee set the special session to begin May 13. Key budget writers will doubtless continue negotiations during intermission.

Education the common ground in competing state budgets

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published April 17th, 2013 - 12:05AM

Olympia has produced three budgets in two themes. Call them “education first” and “education-plus.” It’s all education finance this year.

We need to do something about educating for the workplace

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published April 3rd, 2013 - 12:05AM

A bad jobs market has been tough on the young. A college degree often provides inadequate insulation. Student loan defaults are at record levels. Many graduates settle for jobs that don’t use their degrees.

Lawmakers need to take cautious approach with budget

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published March 20th, 2013 - 12:05AM

The final piece in the state budget puzzle falls into place today when the state economist, Steve Lerch, releases his revenue forecast. Most observers expect a reduction from the quarterly estimate made in November.

Only voter pressure will enshrine supermajority rule

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published March 6th, 2013 - 12:05AM

Washington voters display something approaching an affinity for liberal politicians and an antipathy for tax increases. That quirk reasserted itself last November. The biggest statewide winner, with 64 percent approval, was Initiative 1053, which reimposed the two-thirds majority for tax increases. In a high turnout presidential year, the measure garnered nearly 1.9 million votes, passing in all 39 counties. Sen. Maria Cantwell came in second, with 60 percent, followed by President Barack Obama with 56 percent. Gov. Jay Inslee was elected with 51.5 percent.

The jobs will come – but only if state makes the right moves

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published February 20th, 2013 - 12:05AM

Nearly 17 percent of the state’s workforce – one in six of us – is either unemployed or underemployed. So much for the recovery.

Family leave seems hopelessly stuck in the on-deck circle

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published February 6th, 2013 - 12:05AM

Our state’s celebrated paid family leave law takes center stage in Olympia again this year.

Be patient, change in government is no small, easy task

RICHARD S. DAVIS

Published January 23rd, 2013 - 12:05AM

In his inaugural address last week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the beginning of a “multi-year effort to bring disruptive change to Olympia.” He wants to institute “a cultural shift that will endure well beyond my administration.”

Inslee has the opportunity to make a good impression