US EditionVeto or sign? WA governor keeps everyone guessing on tax and budget bills
- Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1258 on May 15 to address Spokane's 911 excise tax distribution and emergency communications funding.
- The bill followed disputes between Spokane city officials and Spokane Regional Emergency Communications over tax shares and membership after the city fire department was ousted in January.
- HB 1258 ensures some funding for Spokane if it forms its own emergency communication system, while leaving final tax apportionment unresolved amid arguments over whether the city should get half or closer to 42% of tax dollars.
- Approximately 55% of Spokane County's 911 calls originated from within Spokane city limits last year. Cody Rohrbach expressed satisfaction with the revised bill language, and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown conveyed her appreciation for the bill being passed into law.
- Both the city and SREC expect mediation soon to resolve partnership issues, while payments to Spokane would begin in 2026 if it exits SREC, indicating ongoing negotiation rather than a final settlement.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Washington Gov Ferguson Dodges Controversial Bills - American Faith
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is visiting the Tri-Cities on Thursday to sign 11 bills into law, but several high-profile and controversial measures—particularly those involving parental rights, student privacy, and healthcare costs—are noticeably absent from his schedule. One bill drawing sharp criticism is House Bill 1296. Supporters argue it enhances student safety and privacy in schools, while critics contend it marginalizes parents in cri…
The spokesman-Review
Yakima Herald-RepublicSpokane promised share of 911 dispatch funds if negotiations fail with regional dispatcher
A once-contentious bill to claw back Spokane’s share of taxes funding the regional 911 dispatch service was signed by Governor Bob Ferguson Thursday – and after some modifications, all sides appear pleased by the outcome.
Veto or sign? WA governor keeps everyone guessing on tax and budget bills - Lynnwood Today
Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters about the budget on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He has until Tuesday to act on what the Legislature passed. Several tax bills also await action by the governor. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard) Will Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson sign or veto a pile of tax bills and a state budget dependent on them? It’s anyone’s guess. Lawmakers, lobbyists and business leaders are all watching to see …
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