Spokane-area business Haskins Steel to become first award recipient in four years State Sens. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, and Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, today recognized the efforts of Spokane-area employer Haskins Steel for its stellar record of hiring military veterans and guardsmen. Later this morning the state will award Haskins Steel...

Padden says bill is ‘unnecessary, unconstitutional and could prove costly for state’ The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. today on House Bill 2330, a controversial measure that would require private-insurance plans which provide maternity coverage to also pay for elective abortions. “Proponents...

The Senate Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee on Wednesday gave a “do pass” recommendation to a bill introduced by Sen. Mike Padden that would bring much needed relief to new businesses. Senate Bill 6327 would create a one-year exemption from the state business and occupation (B&O) tax for all...

Relief measure could benefit 90,000 businesses over the next four years Washington’s business and occupation (B&O) tax is widely regarded as one of the most onerous and punitive taxes that new and small businesses face. Spokane Valley Republican Sen. Mike Padden is now taking aim at this leading cause of...