Legislative news:

►  In today's Olympian -- State budget shortfall likely to increase -- Budget writers are bracing for other bad blows this week when the latest state employment and revenue outlooks are issued. Wednesday's revenue forecast may increase the expected $3.2 billion shortfall to $4 billion or more for the two-year budget period that begins July 1.

►  In today's Seattle Times -- Ferries built out of state could cost state less -- A consultant says WSF could save millions of dollars by opening new ferry construction to shipyards outside the state and recommends putting off building two new 144-car boats and instead build four like the 64-car boat planned for Port Townsend-Keystone.

►  In today's Everett Herald -- Outsourcing state ferries: An idea that just won't float (Sen. Haugen op-ed) -- When talking about the long-term consequences of how our government is spending our tax dollars, we need to look beyond the bottom line and consider where that money is going. We have a responsibility to recognize the value of what we're paying for, and paying to outsource Washington (shipbuilding) jobs doesn't make sense.

►  In the Seattle Times -- Waterfront Parkway is best plan for replacing Seattle's crumbling viaduct (op-ed by WA State BCTC's Dave Johnson and two others) -- As representatives of the business, labor and environmental communities, we believe that the Waterfront Parkway is the right solution. It creates a new and expanded transportation corridor that can be constructed on budget with funds already approved, and at the same time add a unique new jewel to Seattle's crown.

►  In today's Seattle Times -- How Washington's GOP can get its mojo back (op-ed by Randy Pepple) -- The GOP needs to stand for something again. Our mantra need not be change, but rather trust. 

National news: 

►  In today's Chicago Tribune -- Pro-labor bill has Obama in quandary -- American Rights at Work, whose founder is David Bonior, a former Michigan congressman and one of Obama's economic advisers, launched a national ad campaign Sunday calling for the legislation. Obama and Biden embraced the measure in the Senate last year, and on the campaign trail this year, particularly in front of union audiences. But if Obama pushes for the law, he risks alienating business, which will be crucial to his efforts to fix the crippled economy and overhaul the health-care system.

►  In today's NY Times -- AFT president offers to talk on tenure, merit pay -- AFT President Randi Weingarten says that given the economic crisis, her union would be willing to discuss new approaches to issues like teacher tenure and merit pay. “Faced with declining tax revenues, state and local governments are cutting” education budgets nationwide, she says. “In the spirit of this extraordinary moment, and as a pledge of shared responsibility, I’ll take the first step. With the exception of vouchers, which siphon scarce resources from public schools, no issue should be off the table, provided it is good for children and fair to teachers.”

►  In today's NY Times -- Clout has plunged for U.S. automakers and union, too -- Thus far, much of the commentary in Washington has been against providing financial support for the companies. The waves of criticism have been so strong that one Detroit Free Press columnist was moved to write on Sunday’s front page: “I never knew Detroit was a dirty word.” It is a remarkable shift for an industry that has long wielded considerable clout in Washington

►  In today's Washington Post -- Pass the Columbia trade pact (editorial) -- We don’t say it all that often, but President Bush is right: Congress should pass this free-trade agreement now.

Attractive Girls' Union (AGU) refuses to talk to Mike Greenman: