Mood less-than-hopeful in Olympia

The mood heading into Washington state’s 2025 legislative session Jan. 13 was not exactly hopeful. According to the Cascade PBS/Elway poll, a majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Many Democrats and Republicans agree, with more than half of those surveyed saying things are getting worse with high taxes, budget shortfalls and the rising cost of living.

Voters want their pocketbooks prioritized. The poll found 66% of respondents preferred cutting government spending to address the state’s budget deficit rather than raising taxes. It’s a clear message to lawmakers: S...