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Articles by Paul Taylor
Washington Department of Social and Health Services eyes cuts, modernization for 2027
Washington’s largest state agency is preparing for a difficult 2027 budget by pursuing two strategies at once: pulling back where it can while trying to modernize how it delivers services. In an interview on TVW’s “Inside Olympia,” Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Angela Ramirez told host Austin Jenkins the retrenchment could include leaving vacant positions unfilled, consolidating systems, renegotiating contracts and narrowing eligibility for some programs.
Washington energy debate centers on clean energy deadlines, rising utility costs
Washington’s rising utility rates have exposed a central policy divide: Should the state make it easier for utilities to meet its clean energy mandates, or relax those mandates to contain costs and protect reliability? Former Democratic State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, an architect of Washington’s landmark climate laws, argues the state must remove barriers to building new energy resources while preserving its climate goals.
Washington energy debate centers on clean energy deadlines, rising utility costs
Washington’s rising utility rates have exposed a central policy divide: Should the state make it easier for utilities to meet its clean energy mandates, or relax those mandates to contain costs and protect reliability? Former Democratic State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, an architect of Washington’s landmark climate laws, argues the state must remove barriers to building new energy resources while preserving its climate goals.
Washington energy debate centers on clean energy deadlines, rising utility costs
Washington’s rising utility rates have exposed a central policy divide: Should the state make it easier for utilities to meet its clean energy mandates, or relax those mandates to contain costs and protect reliability? Former Democratic State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, an architect of Washington’s landmark climate laws, argues the state must remove barriers to building new energy resources while preserving its climate goals.
Washington energy debate centers on clean energy deadlines, rising utility costs
Washington’s rising utility rates have exposed a central policy divide: Should the state make it easier for utilities to meet its clean energy mandates, or relax those mandates to contain costs and protect reliability? Former Democratic State Sen. Reuven Carlyle, an architect of Washington’s landmark climate laws, argues the state must remove barriers to building new energy resources while preserving its climate goals.
Brown eyes utility costs, tort liability as 2027 legislative priorities
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says rising utility costs and the state’s escalating liability expenses are emerging as priorities as his office develops its agenda for the 2027 Legislature, while other high-profile issues may not produce attorney general-request legislation.
AG Nick Brown eyes utility costs, tort liability as 2027 legislative priorities Original
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says rising utility costs and the state’s escalating liability expenses are emerging as priorities as his office develops its agenda for the 2027 Legislature, while other high-profile issues may not produce attorney general-request legislation.
Brown eyes utility costs, tort liability as 2027 legislative priorities
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says rising utility costs and the state’s escalating liability expenses are emerging as priorities as his office develops its agenda for the 2027 Legislature, while other high-profile issues may not produce attorney general-request legislation.
Congresswoman celebrates opening of Southwest Washington grain project
The following article was provided by the office of Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Last week, Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez spoke at the ribbon cutting for a new grain storage and loading facility at the Port of Chehalis. This project marks a major expansion for the Port in its capacity to store and ship grain. This new facility will dramatically increase market access for farmers and ensure they are able to continue the important work of feeding the country.
Findings expected by year-end in state investigation
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) expects its investigation into the deadly Longview tank implosion that killed 11 workers to take most of the six months allowed under state law, according to agency Director Joel Sacks. The disaster, believed to be the deadliest workplace accident in modern Washington history, remains under investigation by both L&I and the federal Chemical Safety Board.
Findings expected by year-end in state investigation into Longview tank implosion Original
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries expects its investigation into the deadly Longview tank implosion that killed 11 workers to take most of the six months allowed under state law, according to agency Director Joel Sacks. The disaster, believed to be the deadliest workplace accident in modern Washington history, remains under investigation by both L&I and the federal Chemical Safety Board.
Washington state cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply
Federal cannabis policy changes, market consolidation and difficulties with illicit-market enforcement remain among the biggest challenges facing Washington’s legal marijuana industry, according to leaders of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Washington state cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply
Federal cannabis policy changes, market consolidation and difficulties with illicit-market enforcement remain among the biggest challenges facing Washington’s legal marijuana industry, according to leaders of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Washington state cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply
Posted Saturday, June 6, 2026 10:38 am Federal cannabis policy changes, market consolidation and difficulties with illicit-market enforcement remain among the biggest challenges facing Washington’s legal marijuana industry, according to leaders of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
WA cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply Original
Federal cannabis policy changes, market consolidation and difficulties with illicit-market enforcement remain among the biggest challenges facing Washington’s legal marijuana industry, according to leaders of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Open government advocate warns Washington’s public right to know is eroding
Mike Fancher, former Seattle Times executive editor and current president of WashCOG on the set of Inside Olympia with Austin Jenkins. (TVW) Washington’s open government advocates say the state’s once-strong transparency framework is steadily weakening as legislative privilege claims expand, exemptions multiply and reform efforts stall.
The role of natural gas and Washington’s energy future Original
The Pacific Northwest faces a near-term electricity shortfall as demand rises faster than new resources can be built, according to a new regional analysis from San Francisco-based Energy and Environmental Economics. Arne Olson, a senior partner at the firm, said the findings point to an immediate challenge for utilities and policymakers trying to balance reliability, affordability and decarbonization.
Mel Tonasket reflects on 55 Years in Indian Country Original
Mel Tonasket says the modern history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is defined by a single turning point: the decision to reject federal termination, and the decades of work that followed to rebuild tribal sovereignty and influence.
Indigenous leader reflects on 55 years in Indian Country
Mel Tonasket says the modern history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is defined by a single turning point: the decision to reject federal termination, and the decades of work that followed to rebuild tribal sovereignty and influence.
Reykdal: state behind as lawmakers study school phone limits
The state’s school chief says Washington is falling behind a national push to restrict smartphones in schools, arguing the state should move to a statewide standard rather than continue studying the issue. In recent months, states have accelerated efforts to limit student phone use.
Reykdal: Washington behind as lawmakers study school phone limits
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal testifies during a committee hearing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) The state’s school chief says Washington is falling behind a national push to restrict smartphones in schools, arguing the state should move to a statewide standard rather than continue studying the issue. In recent months, states have accelerated efforts to limit student phone use.
Microsoft’s Smith urges housing supply push, cautions on tax burden Original
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard February 6, 2026 Microsoft President Brad Smith says affordability is now “the single most important political issue” in the United States and a central lens for Washington lawmakers weighing housing, taxes and infrastructure demands tied to data centers and artificial intelligence.
Washington pollster Stuart Elway to end his influential statewide survey
Longtime pollster Stuart Elway is ending the Elway Poll after 33 years, closing Washington’s only continuous statewide public-opinion survey. His decision shutters the last independent survey tracking long-term voter attitudes, trend lines and political moods in Washington.
New resident portal promises easier access to state services
For Washington residents, getting help from state government could soon become easier and more secure, thanks in part to increased use of artificial intelligence. Early next year, the state will launch the first public version of a new Resident Portal as part of a redesigned and expanded wa.gov. It will give people a single place to sign in and find and use online services across state agencies.
WA's new resident portal promises easier access to state services • Washington State Standard Original
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard November 22, 2025 For Washington residents, getting help from state government could soon become easier and more secure, thanks in part to increased use of artificial intelligence. Early next year, the state will launch the first public version of a new Resident Portal as part of a redesigned and expanded wa.gov. It will give people a single place to sign in and find and use online services across state agencies.
Justice Mary Yu reflects on a 25 year-career on the Washington state bench - The Reflector Original
After a quarter century on the bench, Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu is ready to slow down — to “sip coffee rather than gulp it,” as she puts it. The longtime jurist will retire at the end of this year, closing a trailblazing career. From the King County Superior Court to the state’s highest bench, Yu said she found that justice often emerges from respectful clashes of perspective.
Justice Mary Yu reflects on a 25 year-career on the Washington state bench Original
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard November 9, 2025 This article was first published by TVW. After a quarter century on the bench, Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu is ready to slow down — to “sip coffee rather than gulp it,” as she puts it. The longtime jurist will retire at the end of this year, closing a trailblazing career. From the King County Superior Court to the state’s highest bench, Yu said she found that justice often emerges from respectful clashes of perspective.
Washington state agency investigating police deadly force incidents plans for expansion into new regions - The Daily Chronicle
Washington’s independent office investigating police deadly force incidents plans to name its second region in the coming weeks and pair it with a roadmap for opening the remaining regions statewide. Office of Independent Investigations Director Roger Rogoff said in an “Inside Olympia” interview with Austin Jenkins that the announcement would come before the end of the year, adding that the agency will also lay out when the final four regions will open after that.
WA State Patrol to step up protection efforts for lawmakers
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste says that in response to increased political threats against public officials nationwide, the agency has redirected an existing state intelligence post to focus more directly on protecting Washington’s legislators.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste says that in response to increased political threats against public officials nationwide, the agency has redirected an existing state intelligence post to focus more directly on protecting Washington’s legislators.
Washington state public lands chief seeks new revenue as timber policy faces scrutiny - The Daily Chronicle
Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove defended his decision to pause some timber sales and said he will seek 2026 legislation to diversify revenue from state trust lands, arguing the state can “do more for climate and habitat while providing stability.” In an interview on TVW’s “Inside Olympia,” Upthegrove told host Austin Jenkins that his halt on harvesting in older, “structurally complex forests” — those that have some but not all the characteristics of “old-growth”— began as...
‘Attacking the science’: Washington state Ecology director slams Trump’s climate policies - Nisqually Valley News Original
Washington’s push to cut greenhouse gas emissions, expand electric vehicles and grow a clean-energy economy faces new hurdles as the Trump administration rolls back federal climate policies — changes state officials warn could slow progress and jeopardize billions in planned investments. Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller said the federal government is “attacking the science” that underpins decades of climate action and weakening the state’s ability to meet ambitious targets.
Reykdal seeks $10 million AI pilot as test gaps persist in WA schools Original
This article was first published by TVW. Washington’s top K-12 official is asking lawmakers to bankroll a statewide push in 2026 to bring artificial intelligence tools and training into classrooms. Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal told TVW’s “Inside Olympia“ that he will request about $10 million in the upcoming supplemental budget for a statewide pilot program to purchase AI tutoring tools — beginning with math — and fund teacher training.
Professor who helped propel UW computer science program reflects on five decade career Original
This article was first published by TVW. The timeline of Ed Lazowska’s life in computing doubles as a quick history of the field. From mainframes to PCs to the internet’s public debut in the 1990s and today’s artificial intelligence surge, Lazowska has been both witness and builder.
Washington’s historian closes the book on a career in a melancholy mood - Port Townsend Leader
John C. Hughes is, at root, a storyteller. As he marks the end of a nearly six-decade career that spanned hot-type newspapering on the coast to crafting the biographical record of Washington’s political and civic leaders, he recognizes a shift in his own disposition. Once sanguine about civic life, even with all its faults, he finds himself in a funk at this time of transition — morose, melancholy, and discouraged.
Washington’s historian closes the book on a storied career in a melancholy mood
This article was first published by TVW. John C. Hughes is, at root, a storyteller. As he marks the end of a nearly six-decade career that spanned hot-type newspapering on the coast to crafting the biographical record of Washington’s political and civic leaders, he recognizes a shift in his own disposition. Once sanguine about civic life, even with all its faults, he finds himself in a funk at this time of transition — morose, melancholy, and discouraged.
State deploys new tools to prevent summer traffic deaths
Summer in Washington is supposed to be a season of celebration: high school graduations, family road trips, long weekends at the lake. But traffic safety officials view it as the most dangerous time of year. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are statistically the deadliest stretch on Washington’s roads. This year, the state is expanding efforts to turn the tide on a post-pandemic spike in highway fatalities.
Washington deploys new tools hoping to prevent summer traffic deaths Original
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard June 19, 2025 This article was first published by TVW. Summer in Washington is supposed to be a season of celebration: high school graduations, family road trips, long weekends at the lake. But traffic safety officials view it as the most dangerous time of year. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are statistically the deadliest stretch on Washington’s roads.
School and Medicaid funding worries linger post-session
The ink is hardly dry on Washington’s new budget, and already legislative leaders are anticipating more fiscal uncertainty. Democrats are focused on threats to health care access if Congress slashes Medicaid funding, while Republicans are warning of renewed legal jeopardy in education funding.
School and Medicaid funding worries linger post-session for WA lawmakers Original
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard June 1, 2025 This article was first published by TVW. The ink is hardly dry on Washington’s new budget and already legislative leaders are anticipating more fiscal uncertainty. Democrats are focused on threats to health care access if Congress slashes Medicaid funding, while Republicans are warning of renewed legal jeopardy in education funding.
Commerce chief warns tariff fallout could hit state hard
Washington’s top commerce official says the state cannot shield its economy from the fallout of rapidly escalating tariffs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, aerospace and technology. “There is no way in Washington state that we can cover the gap for a global tariff trade war,” said Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn in a wide-ranging interview on “Inside Olympia.” “We haven’t recovered from the last trade war [in 2018],” he told host Austin Jenkins.
WA Commerce chief warns of tariff fallout - Port Townsend Leader
\Washington’s top commerce official says the state cannot shield its economy from the fallout of rapidly escalating tariffs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, aerospace and technology. “There is no way in Washington state that we can cover the gap for a global tariff trade war,” said Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyen in a wide-ranging interview on “Inside Olympia”.
Washington state commerce chief warns tariff fallout could hit state hard - The Daily Chronicle
Washington’s top commerce official says the state cannot shield its economy from the fallout of rapidly escalating tariffs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, aerospace and technology.
WA Commerce chief warns tariff fallout could hit state hard
by Paul W. Taylor, Washington State Standard April 21, 2025 This article was first published by TVW. Washington’s top commerce official says the state cannot shield its economy from the fallout of rapidly escalating tariffs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, aerospace and technology. “There is no way in Washington state that we can cover the gap for a global tariff trade war,” said Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn in a wide-ranging interview on “Inside Olympia”.
Washington state chief justice defends equity push, flags AI concerns - The Daily Chronicle
This article was first published by TVW. Despite growing national backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens says the state’s high court remains committed to examining its own practices and advancing equity in the justice system. In an interview on TVW’s Inside Olympia, Stephens told host Austin Jenkins that Washington’s judiciary has long worked to identify and correct systemic bias in court rules, precedents and access.
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