Investment board: Pension fund is down

Events of the past few weeks have rocked the financial world, including retirement funds, which have sustained more than $2 trillion in losses nationwide over 15 months, according to a congressional estimate.

State worker briefs for Oct. 13

• Child care ratings to be field tested
• Farm education CDs available in Spanish

Management award honorees

• Bea Rector, Department of Social and Human Services
• Jose Rodriguez, Department of Labor and Industries

State worker jobs at risk with 1% cut

Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered state agencies to cut spending by 1 percent across the board, a move that could result in layoffs.

State starts 4-day work weeks

Starting work an hour earlier was cause for celebration in some state offices Monday.

Rossi pushes for 'fresh air'

Republican Dino Rossi said Monday he would bring "fresh air" to Olympia by appointing newcomers to run government agencies and using a "red pen" to veto excess spending.

Care worker unions finish pay raise talks

Unionized state workers weren't the only ones to wrap up negotiations with the governor last week. Large groups of state-paid service providers also concluded talks, with similar results.

Agency update for Oct. 6

• John Fraire of Pullman has been appointed to the Arts Commission. The commission promotes the growth and development of the arts in the state, advises state agencies and officials on matters pertaining to the arts, and administers appropriations set aside for acquiring works of art for public buildings.

State worker briefs for Oct. 6

• Program gets award for sustainability
• Four health agencies sign mutual-aid pact
• State posts crisis information on Web

Prison workers lack contract

As the clock ticked down Wednesday night, state prison employees were headed for two years without a contract, possibly meaning no raises.