“We could write a budget that funds all of our priorities without raising taxes,” said Rep Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn). Democrats are running out of time to pass a budget before the 2019 regular session comes to a close. Undoubtedly one of the key sticking points for Democrats has been deciding how many new taxes they want. Well, as of last night, Democratic leadership claimed that they had found a tentative budget agreement. We’ll see if that actually manifests into a signed and delivered budget. (Seattle Times)

Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a bill that will keep youth who send sexually explicit texts from being charged under adult sex crime laws. The bill creates a new group of crimes reserved specifically for minors who are caught sexting. The new law takes effect at the end of July. (Columbian)

Seattle Municipal Court judge responded to calls from City Attorney Pete Holmes for him to step down. “I am declining your suggestion to step aside as Seattle Municipal Court’s Presiding Judge,” McKenna wrote. “I was elected to this position by my peers and enjoy continued support from the bench.” The Judge added that he categorically denied allegations that he violated judicial conduct. (Seattle Times)

All Wapato City Council actions since February 2018 could be declared null and void in court, according to a 15-page memo prepared by the attorneys then representing the city and addressed to Mayor Dora Alvarez-Roa. “The memo is clearly and conspicuously marked as privileged,” attorney David Linehan said. “It was intended solely for the eyes of the Mayor and the seven members of the City Council, and we provided a copy only to those eight individuals and, subsequently, to the new City Attorney. (Yakima Herald)

Walla Walla Mayor Barbara Clark announced she will not seek re-election after serving on the council for 22 years. “It feels like the right time to do it,” she said. Clark is the second-longest serving City Councilor. (Union-Bulletin)

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