Columbia Countercurrent

Local Government

Washington House Unanimously Backs Permanent Property Tax Exemption for Senior Centers

Washington House lawmakers have unanimously advanced a bill sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Barnard to permanently exempt multipurpose senior centers from property taxes, removing a 2028 sunset and aligning with recent JLARC recommendations.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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Education

Battle Ground Schools Levy Trailing in Early Returns; Hockinson Holds a Lead

Early returns show Battle Ground’s educational levy trailing by a narrow margin, while Hockinson’s renewal is leading. A decision on Feb. 20 could determine funding for critical student services.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Opinion Roundup: Washington’s SB 5292 and the Future of PFML Rate Caps

Washington’s SB 5292 would overhaul how PFML premiums are set by relying on actuarial projections rather than a statutory formula—and include a new reserve requirement. Critics warn the change could make future tax hikes all but inevitable, with low‑wage workers least likely to benefit.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington Legislature Knocks Out Key Social and Health Bills in Fiscal Deadline Fallout

Several high‑profile Washington bills—including proposals on psilocybin therapy, campus medication abortion, and short‑term rental taxes—were killed by Monday’s fiscal‑committee cutoff, highlighting how budget constraints continue to stall progressive reforms in Olympia.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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Business and Economy

Portland’s Economic Slump Rings Alarms: Job Losses, Housing Shortages, and Structural Strains

Portland lost nearly 9,000 jobs in 2025 and multifamily housing permits plunged to a decade-low, signaling structural economic risks—developments with spillover consequences for southwest Washington’s communities.

The Feed

Feb 12, 2026

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State Government

Oregon Lawmakers Debate Public Funding Plan for $600 Million Moda Center Renovation

Oregon lawmakers are weighing whether to direct hundreds of millions of public dollars toward a major renovation of Portland’s Moda...

The Feed

Feb 11, 2026

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Local Government

Washougal School Levy Renewals Lead in Initial Returns

Washougal voters appear to be renewing their support for the Washougal School District’s two critical funding measures in the February...

The Feed

Feb 10, 2026

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State Government

Reykdal presses for ‘Millionaires Tax’ to fund education, cut property taxes

<p>Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is urging lawmakers to back a new income-based tax on the state’s top earners — now facing public demonstrations of support in Olympia — to bolster public education and reduce property taxes.</p>

The Feed

Feb 6, 2026

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State Government

Washington ‘Millionaire Tax’ Advances in Senate with Modifications

Hundreds rallied in Olympia supporting Washington’s proposed ‘millionaire tax’ as SB 6346 advanced with new revisions, now heading toward a potential Senate floor vote.

The Feed

Feb 3, 2026

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Courts and Justice

Washington Court of Appeals Upholds Tax Decision in Betts Patterson & Mines Case

The Washington Court of Appeals has upheld a tax ruling involving Seattle law firm Betts Patterson & Mines and the state Department of Revenue, reaffirming DOR’s position in a 2025 opinion.

The Feed

Feb 2, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Tax Policy

Washington House Unanimously Backs Permanent Property Tax Exemption for Senior Centers

Battle Ground Schools Levy Trailing in Early Returns; Hockinson Holds a Lead

Opinion Roundup: Washington’s SB 5292 and the Future of PFML Rate Caps

Washington Legislature Knocks Out Key Social and Health Bills in Fiscal Deadline Fallout

Portland’s Economic Slump Rings Alarms: Job Losses, Housing Shortages, and Structural Strains

Oregon Lawmakers Debate Public Funding Plan for $600 Million Moda Center Renovation

Washougal School Levy Renewals Lead in Initial Returns

Reykdal presses for ‘Millionaires Tax’ to fund education, cut property taxes

Washington ‘Millionaire Tax’ Advances in Senate with Modifications

Washington Court of Appeals Upholds Tax Decision in Betts Patterson & Mines Case

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