Despite glum state budget news, there is some joy in Olympia

There is a brighter side to Christmas this year, despite the weak economy and lawmakers bickering over how to patch the $2 billion hole in the state’s budget.

The good news comes from Boeing.

Boeing and its machinists recently ratified a new four-year contract, which averts a strike through 2016. Even though the plum in the pudding was the accompanying announcement that Boeing would produce its new 737 MAX at its Renton plant, the agreement has much broader significance.

Early ratification of a labor agreement is hugely important to Boeing, its workers, our state and nation. Boeing is one of t...