The Washington State Wire broke down the budget process, providing a unique look into the challenges lawmakers have when turning their budget priorities into law. “Ninety percent of people in Olympia play defense. Only nine percent can play offense. But only one percent can play in the budget.” That’s what former state Senator Paull Shin (D-Mukilteo) had to say about the level of difficulty to get anything in to the budget that can pass both chambers. (Washington State Wire)

King County is actually moving forward with a plan to use taxpayer money to pay bail for offenders. “It’s frustrating enough that King County is legalizing criminal behavior, such as not charging people for drug possession,” a King County Sheriff’s deputy said. “But now King County wants to take it even further and start posting bail for people. The only people that suffer are law abiding citizens.” (MyNorthwest)

Tacoma’s Old City Hall is set to house restaurants, retail shops, offices, and more as part of a redevelopment plan. The City Council approved the purchase and redevelopment of the building for $4 million, which will be split between $2 million in cash and $2 million in public benefits. “For the first time in the city’s history, the redevelopment of Old City Hall will incorporate equity into the agreements to enable opportunity for all and celebrate the city’s diversity,” read a statement from the council. (The News Tribune)

The Seattle Department of Transportation announced that plans a for controversial bike lane will not be advancing. The decision came after a wave of negative feedback from residents of the neighborhood complained about the proposed bike lanes. “In response to the feedback we heard about the design, and based on industry best practices, data analysis, and continued conversations with the community, we’ve chosen to move forward with a new design,” SDOT said. (MyNorthwest)

Spokane City Council approved an ordinance that will open City Hall to the public without a time limit. “A simple ordinance brought forward to reaffirm City Hall as a public space has been misconstrued as something the ordinance doesn’t, and never did say,” said City Council President Ben Stuckart. Some have criticized the proposal on safety concerns, saying the change will attract homeless looking for a place to stay. (Spokesman-Review)

The Yakima School Board approved a historic bargaining agreement with its roughly 400 paraeducators. The agreement approves a 10 percent pay increase for this academic year, as well as at least 2.5 percent increases the following two years. “I feel like that it shows how far kind of our profession has come, and it really shows that I think the district is really starting to see our value,” said Yakima Association of Paraeducators President Tiffany Moritz. (Yakima Herald)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at morningbriefing@shiftwa.org.

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.