State

WA Bill provides free school meals, but worker shortage is hurdle

A measure in the Washington State Legislature would provide free school meals to K-12 students, but nutrition service workers are worried they are not being considered.The American Federation of Teachers of Washington represents kitchen workers and…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

Senate Local Government Committee to hear two Lovelett bills Tuesday

OLYMPIA – The Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee will hear two bills sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) on Tuesday, January 31.

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Committee hears Lovelett bill to protect southern resident orcas

OLYMPIA – Legislation to further protect Washington’s endangered southern resident orca population was heard in the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee January 30. Senate Bill 5371, sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes), would…

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WA Lawmakers look to add affordable housing for 'Missing Middle'

Washington News Service - January 23, 2023 - Washingtonians are being squeezed out of the housing market, and some state lawmakers want to see significant changes to cities' zoning laws to ensure more people with low…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

WA joins multi-state effort to pass wealth tax

Washington News Service | January 19, 2023 - Lawmakers in Washington and other states are introducing bills taxing wealth in their legislatures in a coordinated effort today. In Olympia, legislators aim to tax wealth made on…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

State formally adopts 9 Tribal proposals to replace derogatory place names

Proposals are first to reach Board of Natural Resources after federal order; Board also approves San Juan County spelling correction OLYMPIA – Nine tribal proposals to rename features across Washington state that once bore a derogatory…

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Ramel, Macri, introduce stability measures to stop excessive rent hikes

OLYMPIA – Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle) and Rep. Alex Ramel (D-Bellingham) have introduced HB 1388 and HB 1389 to stop excessive rent hikes, give renters stability in their rental increases, and empower the Attorney General to…

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Chance to test drive the Road Usage Charge

Drivers have a chance to test drive a per-mile charge system as part of Washington State Road Usage Charge (WA RUC) research. Washington drivers will have the opportunity – at no cost – to help shape…

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Gov. Inslee's State of the State Covers WA's 'Multifaceted' Challenges

Washington News Service: Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his State of the State speech on Tuesday to open up the 2023 legislative session, touching on a wide range of issues he wants to see lawmakers address. After…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

Jan. 13: Temperance and Good Citizenship Day celebrates 100 years of civics education and engagement

OLYMPIA — Public high schools throughout Washington will observe Temperance and Good Citizenship Day Friday, Jan. 13. Now in its 100th year, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is unique to Washington and is one of several…

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Child-Care Crisis Squeezes Families, Workers as WA Session Begins

Washington News Service: Child care could be a crucial issue for state lawmakers as the session begins in Olympia today, January 9, 2023. Because of its cost, early childhood education and care is out of reach…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

National workforce shortages strain public services; ferries, healthcare ...

Across the country and across economic sectors, the challenge to recruit and retain workers has been acute. For state agencies, labor market trends have been disruptive. Ferries need tending. Hospitals need staffing. Without enough workers, state…

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"Legislative privilege" used to deny public records requests

Washington Coalition for Open Government press release: In recent months the Washington state Legislature has quietly rolled out a new legal strategy for circumventing the Public Records Act and keeping more of its documents away from…

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Changes proposed to strengthen oil handling standards and oil transfer requirements for facilities and vessels

Updated requirements will enhance oil spill protection for people, wildlife, and the environment Washington is a major hub for oil transport and refining. Every year, over 18 billion gallons of oil comes through the state, making…

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