Government

Washington lawmakers have returned to their home districts after another busy legislative session, prompting some in Olympia to question whether the state’s parttime Legislature still fits the demands of modern state government.

Following a harrowing shootout during a burglary response in Suncrest, a Stevens County deputy is recovering from surgery. The incident, which involved regional SWAT teams and a drone deployment, ended with the suspect's death. State Patrol is now leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Rehn, who is the superintendent for the Valley School District, between Chewelah and Springdale, is set to formally begin her new job in July, succeeding outgoing Superintendent Brian Talbott, who has led the district for more than five years.

The trio reflected on the progress they made for their constituents, as well as frustrations endured, during their time at the state’s capital. 

The Republican from Inchelium said in a March 20 social media announcement that the state is “at a crossroads,” contrasting what he described as increasing taxes and regulatory pressure with an alternative focused on affordability, competitiveness, and protection of rural lifestyles.

Engell said the issue first surfaced after he attended a fundraiser for the local nonprofit pregnancy resource center last year, where attendees voiced concerns that the state was working against organizations like theirs.

Senate Bill 6346 would impose a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million, roughly impacting 20,000 top-earning households, starting in 2029, according to the Washington State Budget and Policy Center.