Last week, House Speaker Frank Chopp said there was a better than 50-50 chance that lawmakers would send voters a sales tax hike to approve or deny. Here's a link to Andrew Garber's Seattle Times story, which includes Senate Majority Leader's comment that she'd rather tax the rich. Adam Wilson reports that Brown is skeptical of Rep. Hans Dunshee's bond package, which Chopp likes. 

 

Rich Roesler has more on Chopp's press conference.  And Joni Balter writes in the Seattle Times editorial blog that she thinks a sales tax hike for education has a better chance than one for health and social services, though the legislature appears headed the other way.

 

Don Brunell reminds folks that it's unlikely any proposed sales tax will receive voter approval. And he cites a recent survey to back it up.

 

Sen. Joe Zarelli looks at the final weeks of legislative activy and reviews 10 recommendations for structural reform (Budget Brief #4). The Columbian has more on four of his ideas.