State Sen. Guy Palumbo (D-Maltby) is stepping down from the Legislature to run Amazon’s Washington state public policy shop. “While the work isn’t finished, I feel like I am leaving our district and our state in better shape than when I took office,” Palumbo said following the announcement. Palumbo, like so many former members of an elected body, seems set to cash in as a lobbyist. (Seattle Times)

We have no idea how, but Jay Inslee’s presidential campaign actually managed to convince 65,000 people to donate to his campaign. Because of that, Inslee has just about cemented in his appearance at the first Democratic debate next month. In his last gubernatorial debate Inslee not only lied about his stance on taxes, but made fun of child abuse. What gems will we greet us from his podium on the national stage? (Politico)

King County’s Voter Education Fund is handing out $1 million for voter outreach in historically underrepresented communities. Organizations are being funded at two levels: up to $40,000 to develop a two-year campaign to engage voters or potential voters, or up to $15,000 to provide a series of smaller activities through 2019 and 2020. (King County Elections)

“I work downtown, I catch the bus on Third and Pine, and so I see people who have a lot of substance abuse issues and a lot of mental health issues on my way to work,” said panelist Amber Mattha. She was one of three other panelists that took up the issue of homelessness in the region during Washington Policy Center Young Professionals panel. At the center of the discussion was the controversial and enlightening KOMO documentary, Seattle is Dying. (MyNorthwest)

Looking at a sizable deficit, just north of $20 million, the Spokane school district is weighing the possibility of placing a supplementary levy on the November ballot. Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner, pitched one possible solution – offering all districts in Spokane County a short-term, low-interest bridge loan. Some districts have expressed interest. “If it’s appropriate, I would like our office to play a role in keeping teachers employed,” Baumgartner said. “We just want to be a resource. What I don’t want is schools shutting down or folks being laid off.” (Spokesman-Review)

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