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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Washington Legislature. Austin Jenkins is the Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) weekly public affairs program "Inside Olympia."

Timeline: Governor Chris Gregoire

State of Washington

2005

Jan. 12 - Inaugurated over Republican objections
May 17 - Signs 2-year, $26B budget, includes tax hikes on liquor and cigarettes
June 6 - Chelan County Judge Upholds Gregoire Victory – 133 votes

2006

Feb. 15 - State Revenue Forecaster warns housing market showing signs of a correction
Feb. 16 - Signs landmark Columbia River water deal to protect fish and farms

2007

Feb. 7 - Signs executive order setting goal of 1990 level greenhouse gas emissions by 2020
May 16 - Signs $33B two-year budget, includes constitutionally protected rainy day fund

2008

April 7 - Launches re-election bid
Dec. 18 - Proposes all cuts budget dubbed “nightmare before Christmas” by social services lobbyist

2009

Jan. 14 - Inaugurated for a second term
Feb. 19 - Shortfall balloons to $8B, ¼ of operating budget
Sep. 29 - Softens stance on raising taxes

2010

Feb. 17 - Proposes candy, gum, soda taxes to help close $3B shortfall
Sep. 16 - Orders 6 percent cuts, warns layoffs likely

2011

June 15 - Signs two-year budget, education cut by nearly $2B
Nov. 21 - Proposes half-cent sales tax increase to “buy back” some cuts

2012

Feb. 13 - Signs same-sex marriage law
May 2 - Calls for new dedicated revenue for schools

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."