Majority is using a “felony budget gimmick,” which the State Treasurer calls a “dangerous precedent” and has urged the Legislature to reject. We received some particularly alarming news late last night, when the Senate majority unveiled a last-minute, secret plan to do an “end run” around the state constitution in order to...

Washington State’s 4th District Senator Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, talks about his bill to help struggling startup businesses in Washington state by giving them a break on paying the business and occupations tax for two years, and paying only 50% of it the third year.

4th District Washington State Senator Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, talks about the passage of the final budget and the end of the 2012 legislative session, first special session and second special session.

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...