Rep. J.T. Wilcox’s first major task as the new leader of House Republicans is guiding the caucus through the November election. “I don’t feel like this is fated to be a permanently blue state,” Yelm’s Wilcox said. Democrats currently hold a two-seat majority in the House. (Seattle Times)

An initiative to the legislature aims to prohibit the sale of firearms and ammunition to individuals under the age of 21, the current age required to purchase handgun. The initiative would make an exception for firearm transfers that occur between immediate family members who are at least 18 years old. (Washington State Wire)

The Washington Policy Center named John Otter its new chairman.Otter said of the appointment, “As Chairman, I am proud to be a part of Washington Policy Center, one of our nation’s premier state-level policy organizations, as we harness the power of information to lead Washingtonians to a more responsible and limited government.” Otter is the son of Idaho’s governor, Butch Otter. (Washington State Wire)

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan wants a city ballot measure this fall to pay for preschool and college programs, as the existing $235 million Families and Education Levy is set to expire. Durkan previously announced plans to make community college free. The city council will have a chance to review Durkan’s proposal before it heads to the ballot. (Seattle Times)

The Walla Walla School District’s Community Facilities Task Force will present its final recommendation to school board members today concerning the two bond options before them. One bond would cost local taxpayers $65.6 million, while the other clocks in at $73.9 million. Both would fund major renovations to Walla Walla and Lincoln high schools, as well as Pioneer Middle School. (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin)

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