Washington News: 3/8/05

Speaker of the House reroutes union-backed bill
Senate passes election-overhaul bill
Seattle City Council approves tax break for more low-rent apartments
Families want Guard excused from Iraq
Panel considers mail-only ballots
TPU board will consider 7.2% electric rate increase
Gas prices wallop wallets
GOP’s election reform amendments pass Senate The state Senate passes Republican amendments to the election reform package. The changes would crack down on illegal voters.
Donors seek land-use changes
USGS says smelter source of waste
Study: Water cuts to cost millions