Covid-related relief tops state budget priority list

Washington State Journal

OLYMPIA — Desperately needed COVID-19 relief is a top priority for this year’s Legislature, and Republicans and Democrats generally agree it will be necessary to get that aid out as soon as possible.

The parties are split, however, when it comes to increasing some taxes to erase a pandemic-caused revenue shortfall.

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, last Thursday outlined some of the early action economic relief Democrats have lined up. This included, among other things: at least $300 million for rental and utility assistance, $120 million for business assis...