Federal stimulus news: 

►  Today from AP -- Stimulus bill may add highway, transit funds -- Top Democrats plan to add a big increase in highway and mass transit funding to President Barack Obama economic recovery program Tuesday, even as others in the president's party hope to rein in the plan's almost $1 trillion cost to taxpayers. A move by Patty Murray, D-Wash., to add $25 billion in infrastructure projects is first in line as the Senate begins thrashing through dozens of proposed changes to the sprawling $885 billion measure. Murray's plan would increase the money in the bill for highway projects by almost 50 percent, to $40 billion.

►  In today's Columbian -- Stimulus bill may carry help for bridge project -- Local transportation planners are keenly interested in a provision of the bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. They believe it raises the possibility of a major boost to the federal share of replacing the I-5 Bridge, rebuilding freeway interchanges and extending light rail into Vancouver, a colossal project expected to cost $3.5 billion or more.

►  In today's Olympian -- Health care for kids might get funding -- A children's health-insurance bill likely headed to President Obama for signing this week carries extra money for Washington, meaning the state can expand its coverage to 6,000 more kids with no new state cost.

Legislative news: 

►  In today's Everett Herald -- Ferry workers hope to keep jobs after passing up raises -- "Most of our members understand the conditions we're living in and the historic problems with the state economy," says Terri Mast of the Inlandboatmen's Union, which has about 1,000 members in the ferry system. "For us, the bigger issue is about preserving jobs."

►  In today's Seattle Times -- State ferry workers to forgo pay raises -- Also Monday, the House Transportation Committee held a hearing on a bill that would allow companies outside the Washington state to bid for ferry-construction contracts. Supporters say the move would generate competition and qualify the state for federal stimulus dollars. Gregoire says she supports ferry construction in-state but believes in the need for competition.

►  Today from AP -- House trims $300 million, waits on drastic cuts -- The House’s “early action” savings plan makes spending cuts in the present state budget, which runs through June. Republicans, stuck deep in the minority, assailed the savings proposal as far too little. 

►  In today's Olympian -- House pension bill doesn't include Gregoire's proposals -- Democrats in the House say they don't buy Gregoire's plan to save $386 million in payments to state plans.

►  In today's Seattle P-I -- Preserves state's adult day care program (op-ed) -- If Gregoire's proposed budget is enacted the adult day health program, a vital part of the safety net that protects our most vulnerable citizens, will vanish. The consequences will be terrible.

Local news: 

►  Today at HeraldNet.com -- Boeing jobs in India safe -- The Times of India reports that Boeing workers there won’t be among the 10,000 company-wide to lose their jobs this year. (A very similar story to that of Microsoft, which has announced the layoff of 1,400 U.S. workers, including 872 in Seattle, but did NOT lay off any workers in India. Learn more.)

►  In today's Seattle P-I -- Sims picked for HUD; successor debate begins -- He will stay on as King County Executive until the Senate confirms him. His immediate successor would be Kurt Triplett, his chief of staff, who is designated to take over in the event of a vacancy, but only until the County Council appoints someone to serve the 11 months remaining in Sims' 4-year term.

►  In today's Spokesman-Review -- State employment agency adds call centers, hours -- ESD will take calls from jobless workers Saturdays in an effort to keep up with surging benefit claims.

►  Today from AP -- Macy's will cut 7,000 jobs after dismal holiday sales -- Almost 4% of its work force will be cut and contributions to its employees' retirement funds will be reduced.

►  In today's Seattle P-I -- Group asks Hearst for answers about P-I's future -- The Committee for a Two-Newspaper Town sends Hearst a letter, saying that efforts to save the P-I have been taking place behind the scenes, but people need to know first what Hearst intends to do.

Employee Free Choice Act news:  

►  At Huffington Post -- Unions hold firm on EFCA, buoyed by tough ads, White House support -- Despite a a conservative-led spin campaign to undermine the Employee Free Choice Act with phony claims that Democrats will weaken the bill, this past week saw a series of pro-union developments -- from the airwaves to the White House -- that strengthened organized labor for the bruising legislative battle ahead.

►  In today's Spokesman-Review -- Unions improve quality of life (letter by CWA 7818 President Sean Morrow) -- We have clearly seen what the erosion of union density has done to the middle class in this country. The Employee Free Choice Act is an opportunity for workers to have a union without interference from their employer.

►  In today's LA Times -- The power of unions (op-ed) -- Unions are by no means perfect. But before the 30 million low-wage workers in the U.S. can even aim for perfection, they need to be provided with a decent working environment, where rights are protected and standards are raised. The EFCA is the next logical step in strengthening the middle class by helping the American workforce get back on its feet. 

National news:  

►  In today's NY Times -- Small payroll, but big woes on health insurance -- The recession has accelerated the pressure on small-business owners to cut employee health coverage.

►  In today's Washington Post -- White House doors finally open to federal unions -- After being shut out for 8 years, federal employee union leaders felt good to be among those invited into the fold.

►  In today's LA Times -- SAG, studios postpone talks as union president threatens lawsuit -- A lawsuit is threatened to block the new leadership and reinstate Doug Allen as chief negotiator. 

►  In today's LA Times -- Gasoline prices rise on possibility of refinery strike -- Refinery negotiators and the United Steelworkers union are reportedly making slow progress on a new contract. Oil futures fall on the belief that a deal will be reached.

►  In today's NY Times -- Why are you doing this? (editorial) -- Ads designed by health unions and hospitals to frighten citizens don’t help as N.Y. officials work to balance the state budget.