Tagged: Jay Inslee

Washington Governor Jay Inslee says the eyes of the nation will be on the state as it creates a legal marijuana market over the next year. The new governor said Thursday that along with legalization comes the expectation that illegal pot production and sales will mostly end.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he is open to extending the temporary taxes set to expire this year. On his first full day in office, the Democratic governor said he still favors balancing the budget without tax increases, in his words, “as much as humanly possible.”

But Inslee says he does not consider the continuation of a temporary tax as an actual tax hike.

“I am not proposing or advocating to do that today," the governor said. "But I want to make sure that I allow the legislators room to discuss this potential.”

On his first night as Washington Governor, Jay Inslee wore a black suit with a maroon tie and lapels. The area where he stood earlier in the day to take the oath of office was now surrounded by sharply dressed people. Inslee had just a few words for guests at the Inaugural Ball.

Washington’s new governor touched a nerve with some Republicans in his inaugural address. On the topic of abortion Democrat Jay Inslee called on the legislature to pass the so-called Reproductive Parity Act. It would require health insurers that cover maternity services to also pay for abortions.