State lawmakers will turn their attention to Olympia on Monday for the start of the 2022 legislative session. Despite a short 60-day window, legislators already have a long list of priorities they want to tackle.
In Washington politics, is it really Seattle’s state now?
Right-wing and wealthy interests have long whipped up anti-Seattle sentiments and used them to their advantage. Now, they may be losing their grip.
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House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, left, and Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, D-Spokane, take part in the AP Legislative Preview, Jan. 9, 2020, at the Capitol in Olympia. (Ted S. Warren/AP)
The Washington state Legislature wrapped up an eventful session last week, passing a raft of major legislation on everything from climate change and child care to policing and progressive taxation. Just how major are these accomplishments, and what do they portend for Washington state politics?
Other newly approved measures aim to curb greenhouse gas emissions and fight the effects of climate change.
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Here s a look at some of the most significant policies Washington s Legislature advanced this year. You can also check our bill tracker about the status of other individual bills we ve been covering.
Capital gains tax
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A capital gains tax is something legislators in Olympia have been talking about for the past decade.
But it took until 2021 for lawmakers to actually pass the policy, which affects profits from selling assets such as stocks and bonds.
Senate Bill 5096 will enact a 7% tax on capital gains that exceed $250,000 per year. Profits from selling real estate and cashing out retirement accounts are exempt.