Spokane Headlines: Tax Debate, Clean Water Order, Election Shift, Valley Fire
Spokane, WA – March 17, 2026 – Lawmakers advance a new tax plan, state orders PFAS cleanup, a key rep steps aside, and crews contain a Valley fire.
It’s been a busy stretch across Spokane, with major developments in Olympia and here at home.
Senate Advances ‘Millionaires Tax’
Washington’s Senate has passed a proposal often referred to as a ‘Millionaires Tax,’ aimed at generating new revenue from the state’s highest earners. Supporters say the measure could help fund schools and essential services, while some state leaders are raising constitutional concerns about how the tax would be structured.
The bill now moves forward in the legislative process, setting up what’s expected to be a closely watched debate in the House.
State Orders Plan for PFAS-Contaminated Wells
The Washington Department of Ecology has ordered Spokane County and the City of Spokane to produce a plan to provide clean drinking water to residents in parts of the West Plains affected by PFAS contamination.
The directive calls for immediate solutions such as bottled water or filtration systems for impacted households. Local leaders say they are working to meet the state’s deadline and outline both short-term relief and longer-term infrastructure fixes.
Rep. Jenny Graham Will Not Seek Reelection
Spokane Representative Jenny Graham announced she will not run for reelection in the 6th Legislative District. Her decision opens the door for a competitive race in a district that includes Airway Heights, Medical Lake and much of Spokane County.
Candidates have already begun signaling interest, and the open seat is expected to draw significant attention in the upcoming election cycle.
Crews Contain Fire on North Barker Road
In Spokane Valley, firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 4700 block of North Barker Road. Crews were able to quickly contain the blaze, limiting damage and preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.
No major injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sources
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiggJBVV95cUxOTjV0Tk9UTFhmM01nTjhQazl3Y2N6OFg2ZklBNEJwYzF1bUZqQnpkM
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivwJBVV95cUxPN1RuaDdyNFlzQWZZdUtQUDJFcFRQaDlXeXNKNFo0dzVmb1Fqa2
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxNMEJ6WmRtRE5YZXlCbXFLc1BGbGpZaGxTR1RNdE9YVUY0eW42
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi6AFBVV95cUxNQ0xwMC15SVo5dnJmeWd1TEZrb2ZFUC11UVhBYmV0Z3pNbC1Hd
