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Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles statement on settlement between City of Seattle and Professional Basketball Club, LLC

OLYMPIA – “While I am pleased that the agreement includes compensation to the City of Seattle, I am very disappointed that it did not result in keeping the Sonics in Seattle. And I’m deeply bothered that the state legislature was not able to pass legislation authorizing King County to seek voter approval of a funding system for a new arena. more>>>

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles statement on DOH proposed Medical Marijuana rules

OLYMPIA – “We have a responsibility to stay true to the values of compassion and empathy that are at the basis of this law, which was passed by voters in 1998. continued>>>

Marr wins top award for environmental work

OLYMPIA ─ One of Washington’s most respected environmental organizations has chosen Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, as its 2008 Legislator of the Year. Washington Conservation Voters is praising Marr for being a tenacious champion of the environment and standing up to powerful business interests opposed to the state’s Growth Management Act. more>>>

Kohl-Welles speaks at national Media Reform conference; highlights Washington’s progress

OLYMPIA – Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, recently spoke at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis, hosted by Free Press and Progressive States Network. The conference covered a wide array of issues from the failures of our media system to the emerging communications technologies, such as access to digital media. more>>>

Sen. Shin honored with Ellis Island Medal of Honor

OLYMPIA – Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, was presented with an Ellis Island Medal of Honor – an award presented to Americans with diverse heritages for their contributions to American society. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, on the efforts of Allegiant Air to bring passenger air service to Paine Field

“Commercial airplanes don’t belong at Paine Field. This is a basic quality-of-life issue for the people who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the airport..." more>>>

Eide appointed to group reviewing funding options for array of King County projects

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, has been appointed to a task force studying the funding sources King County will use to finance programs ranging from affordable housing and the environment to arts and cultural programs, as taxes paying for Qwest and Safeco fields and the Kingdome begin to expire as the facilities are paid off.  more>>>

Hobbs named “Business Champion”

OLYMPIA —The Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Joint Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce has presented Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, with a 2008 Business Champion Award in recognition of his sponsorship and support of legislation to improve the business climate of Washington and Snohomish County. more>>>

May 2, 2008

OLYMPIA — The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) presented their 2008 WEDA LEADER Award to Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, for his commitment to economic development. The award is provided in recognition of Leadership in Economic Advancement, Development and Effective Revitalization of Washington. more>>>

FAST FACTS: State Route 167 HOT lanes open May 3

The State Route 167 High Occupancy Tolls project is the first of its kind in Washington. Due to rain that made stripe painting impossible, the Department of Transportation will open HOT lanes on Saturday, May 3, a week later than planned To make your HOT lane commute easier, here are a few critical things that SR-167 drivers should know, including how not to pay the toll when you don’t need to — and avoiding a traffic ticket. more>>>

Supporting those who sacrifice for all of us

Last week, hundreds of people participated in community outreach events sponsored by the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs in Port Orchard. These events were held to honor our veterans for their service and focused on how we can support military families and veterans. more>>>

Kilmer bill provides funds for public safety

OLYMPIA — Local communities will soon have help from the state in meeting the ever increasing cost of providing adequate public safety services, and in recruiting and retaining qualified fire fighters and law enforcement officers. more>>>

One giant LEAP for tracking government spending

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill aimed at increasing the transparency of our state finances yesterday. more>>>

Sen. Oemig on Northshore School District’s Decision

OLYMPIA – Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, made the following statement about Northshore School District’s decision to not close Woodin Elementary. more>>>

The gregarious marmot and its quest to be the state endemic mammal

OLYMPIA — Question: What’s the only mammal native to the state of Washington? Answer: The Olympic marmot. After making this observation in class, the fourth grade students of Wedgewood Elementary School in Seattle contacted Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, to propose a bill declaring the Olympic marmot as the state endemic mammal of Washington. more>>>

Senator Darlene Fairley recognized as a strong supporter of open government

OLYMPIA — Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, chair of the Government Operations & Elections Committee, has been recognized as being one of the top sponsors of bills in support of open government. more>>>

Sen. Eide statement on $500,000 state contribution for new Federal Way performing arts center

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, released the following statement on securing $500,000 in funding toward a new Federal Way performing arts center. The funding was included in the state’s 2008 Supplemental Capital Budget. more>>>

Home ownership options for low, middle income families continue as Kauffman bill heads to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA – At a time when financial institutions are leaving many would-be home owners out in the cold, the Legislature passed a bill that helps open the door to housing options and home ownership for more low and middle income families. more>>>

Remarks by Sen. Ed Murray at the signing of House Bill 3104, expanding the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners

Today we celebrate another step on the road to full equality for the LGBT community. more>>>

Kitsap Caucus secures funding for higher education on peninsula

OLYMPIA — The 2008 Conference Committee Operating Budget, expected to be passed by the Legislature on Thursday, includes $212,000 for the Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a program and operating plan for a university center in the Kitsap County area that will expand higher education opportunities for residents of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. more>>>

Post-Session Town Hall with Sen. Tom, Reps. Hunter and Eddy

BELLEVUE – The 48th District’s legislative delegation will host a post-session town hall Saturday, March 22 at Bellevue City Hall. Significant time will be held for questions, but members are expected to talk about transportation, housing, education and other issues addressed by the Legislature this session. more>>>

Legislature plans for high-speed internet deployment across state

OLYMPIA - A proposal to increase broadband internet access across the state passed the Legislature unanimously today. The successful measure was forged out of companion bills Engrossed Second Substitute Bill 6438, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D – Seattle, and Substitute House Bill 2559, sponsored by Rep. Zack Hudgins, D – Tukwila. more>>>

Sen. Tom “moving it” all over the capitol campus

OLYMPIA — As the 2008 legislative session draws to a close in Olympia, so does the fourth annual Regence BlueShield "Move It" Legislative Walking Challenge, in which legislators wear a pedometer to record their back and forth journeys during session. more>>>

Marr walks all over the competition

OLYMPIA — The end of a legislative session in Olympia is fraught with competition among legislators trying to ensure that they meet their goals as the clock ticks down to the final moments before Sine Die. more>>>

Governor signs domestic partnership expansion into law

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation to help domestic partners achieve financial security. Rep. Jamie Pedersen and Sen. Ed Murray, both D-Seattle, sponsored the House and Senate versions of the proposal. more>>>

Tidal energy bill surges through Legislature

OLYMPIA — Washington will soon be taking the first steps toward establishing a clean and renewable power source based on hydrokinetic energy thanks to the work of two state legislators. more>>>

Kohl-Welles campus safety bill passes Legislature; sent to Governor

OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 6328, which provides state colleges and universities additional authority to develop campus safety plans, unanimously passed the House of Representatives on March 5, and was sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. more>>>

Kohl-Welles bill to highlight Washington beer and wine passes Legislature

OLYMPIA – A new proposal sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, passed the legislature today, and will create a pilot project allowing a small number of grocery stores in Washington to offer beer or wine samples. Senate Bill 5751 passed the Senate on a 32-15 vote on Feb. 12, and passed the House 51-41 March 7. more>>>

Law clarifying unlawful detainer procedure passes

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Legislature unanimously passed legislation today that clarifies the process for landlords and tenants to follow when there is a question of unpaid rent. more>>>

Expanded whistleblower rights and definitions pass House

OLYMPIA — The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Tuesday that strengthens the protections for whistleblowers and expands the definition of “improper governmental actions.” more>>>

House passes bill expanding definition of civil disorder training

OLYMPIA – With a 93 to 2 vote yesterday, the House of Representatives passed legislation adding property damage to the 2002 Anti-Civil Disorder Training bill. more>>>

Condo reserve studies one step closer to law

OLYMPIA – With a 92 to 2 vote yesterday, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6215, sponsored by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, requiring residential condominium associations to conduct annual reserve studies to determine condo owners’ future maintenance and repair costs of common areas. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Paull Shin supporting Boeing

OLYMPIA -- Today, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, along with 38 other Washington state senators, submitted a letter to the President and Congress. The letter urges the President and Congress to examine a possible Boeing appeal of the February 29 decision to award the Air Force’s refueling-tanker contract to Airbus. more>>>

Domestic partnership bill passes legislature; heads to Gregoire for signature

OLYMPIA – The Senate passed legislation expanding rights and responsibilities to registered domestic partners — creating a new level of financial security and equity for Washington families. The measure passed the Senate Tuesday evening 29-20. more>>>

Rebecca Griego bill passes House, one step closer to Gregoire’s signature

OLYMPIA – On a unanimous vote today, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6357, now known as the Rebecca Jane Griego Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. more>>>

Bill restoring regulation of individual health care premiums clears the House; Keiser declares victory for consumers

OLYMPIA — By a vote of 68-26, the state House today passed a key consumer protection bill restoring oversight of health insurance premiums to the Washington State Insurance Commissioner. more>>>

Kitsap senators secure funding for higher education, mental health and newborn babies

OLYMPIA — The proposed 2008 Operating and Capital Budgets passed this week by the Senate include funding for expanding higher education and mental health services in Kitsap county. more>>>

Bill for tidal energy ebbs and flows in Senate

OLYMPIA — The Senate moved one step closer to establishing a clean and renewable source of energy to power Snohomish County today, passing Senate Bill 6111 sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. more>>>

Yellowstone to Yukon initiative works cooperatively with all

OLYMPIA – The Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Y2Y, is a nonprofit organization formed by scientists and conservationists who saw the need for an organized forum with the purpose of connecting all different groups such as government, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, Native Americans, researchers and non-government organizations to ensure the outdoor values and wildlife can be enjoyed by all for now and future generations. more>>>

Real estate licensing gets 30 year update

OLYMPIA — The world has changed, the economy has changed, home buying has changed, yet the licensing process for realtors has stayed the same. “During the past 30 years we have not updated our real estate statutes,” said Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, prime sponsor of legislation that updates the licensing process and overwhelming passed the Senate Monday. more>>>

Senate approves more judicial discretion in sentencing

OLYMPIA – Getting tough on crime makes a nice bumper sticker, but the real challenge is applying the slogan to real life. Arguing that judges need more flexibility in sentencing criminals based upon aggravating or mitigating factors, Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, sponsored legislation to allow more judicial discretion. more>>>

Simple majority amendment gives way to approval for more than fifty school districts

OLYMPIA – More than 55 school levies across Washington that would have failed last year are currently passing after yesterday’s election, thanks to a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2007. more>>>

Skilled workers, more family wage jobs a key to local business

When I go to the Capitol each morning, my top priority is to work for more good jobs in our community. But economic development isn’t just something I focus on during the legislative session – it’s my profession. As the Business Retention Manager for the Economic Development Board, I meet yearly with about 200 businesses to support their efforts to grow and succeed in our region. more>>>

Identifying real property bill passes Senate

OLYMPIA — In order for a real estate purchase-and-sale agreement to be binding, a legal description is one of the required elements. For years, agents have used the county’s tax parcel identification number as the legal description, especially sense it’s easier to understand than the traditional metes and bounds description. more>>>

Senate approves military bills

OLYMPIA — Among the long list of legislation approved by the Senate on its last day to consider bills in their house of origin were a wide range of proposals expanding benefits to members of the armed forces. more>>>

Kohl-Welles bill offers clarity for Department of Health

OLYMPIA – The Department of Health currently is caught in a statutory Catch-22, in which the department is forced by state law to apply for federal grants that it is ineligible to receive under federal law. Senate Bill 6305, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, and passed by the Senate on Feb. 18 with a 37-11 vote, would fix the current dilemma. more>>>

Senate passes Hobbs bill for military kids

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed landmark legislation to promote an interstate compact on educational opportunities for military children. Senate Bill 6426, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, enters Washington into a multi-state agreement that seeks to create uniform standards on issues surrounding the areas of student enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation. more>>>

Senate approves Family Military Leave Act

OLYMPIA — Life for members of the armed forces and their families is tough enough without having to worry about whether or not a civilian employer will give a military spouse time off when their partner is on leave. But today, the Senate took a vote to help ensure that military families can to spend more time together. more>>>

Kilmer fights for POW status for family of local vet

OLYMPIA — Dean Gehring was serving in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War when he was taken prisoner during a reconnaissance patrol in enemy territory. He was held in a shack for two days before escaping, and spent over a week travelling through the snow with no food or shelter. By the time he reached allied forces, he was on the verge of starvation, and had to spend 30 days in a Tokyo hospital to recover. more>>>

Senate approves admissibility of prior bad acts in sex offense cases

OLYMPIA — This morning the Senate unanimously approved a bill that would allow evidence of a prior bad act by a defendant on trial for a sex offense to be admissible. more>>>

Senate approves climate change mitigation through growth management

OLYMPIA — Legislation aimed at reducing the carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions of growing communities in Washington passed the Senate today on a vote of 31-18, and now moves to the House for consideration. more>>>

Senate agrees, physician data-mining should not be allowed

OLYMPIA – Last night the Senate passed Senate Bill 6241, which prohibits the sale or use of prescriber-identifiable prescription data for commercial or marketing purposes, otherwise known as ‘data-mining’. more>>>

Senate bill raises property damage costs in relation to sentencing

OLYMPIA — In 1975, the Washington Criminal Code was adopted to establish the degree of sentencing for property crimes based on the value of the items stolen. Those numbers have never been adjusted. A crime based on $1500 in property damage in 1975 would be equal to a property crime based on over $5600 property damage today. more>>>

Legislation gives renters and landlords legal guidance

OLYMPIA — Knowing what to do when a tenant fails to pay rent can be a real dilemma for the property owner. This is because understanding the complex process and their legal rights under the Landlord-Tenant Laws, can be confusing for both the owner and the renter. more>>>

National popular vote approved by Senate

OLYMPIA – Few have forgotten the 2000 presidential election when Al Gore won the national popular vote but not the presidency. Today, the Washington Senate took a step closer to ensuring this never happens again. more>>>

Privacy protections for car owners passes senate

OLYMPIA – A bill by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, passed the senate today with the goal of making it clear to consumers what’s under the hood of their car, and creating privacy protections for the information that newer vehicle ‘black boxes’ hold. more>>>

Whistleblower rights and definitions expanded

OLYMPIA — The state Whistleblower Protection Program was created to give state employees a safe, confidential place to report violations within the work place. An employee can “blow the whistle” on a co-worker who violates policies or laws, wastes public funds, and/or acts in a way that could be a danger to public health or safety. more>>>

Hobbs, Somers working on the railroad

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed legislation aimed at maintaining the viability of publically owned railway assets, which could be a vital element in returning rail service between Snohomish and Renton. more>>>

Government monitoring government on the move

OLYMPIA — State agencies maintain internal databases which may contain personal or confidential information on employees, clients, constituents, maybe even you. more>>>

21st District legislators holding town hall Feb. 23

OLYMPIA – The legislative delegation from the 21st District will hold a town hall Saturday, Feb. 23. more>>>

45th District legislators holding town halls Feb. 23

OLYMPIA – The legislative delegation from the 45th District will hold a pair of town halls Saturday, Feb. 23. The district includes Carnation, Duvall, Woodinville, and parts of Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish and the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. more>>>

In wake of tragedies, campus safety bill unanimously passes Senate

OLYMPIA – After the murder of Rebecca Griego at the University of Washington in April 2007, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history at Virginia Tech leaving 33 dead just two weeks later, the deaths of three in a murder-suicide tragedy at a technical college in Louisiana last week, and now the tragic shooting deaths of five students and the gunman, and wounding of 16 others at Northern Illinois University this afternoon, the Washington State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 6328, at the request of Governor Chris Gregoire and sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Wells, D-Seattle. more>>>

Feb. 13, 2008

Yellowstone to Yukon bill makes the first move

OLYMPIA – A bill designed to promote the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative was successfully passed today from the Senate to the House. The purpose of Y2Y is to define and designate a life-sustaining network of wildlife cores, movement corridors and transition areas throughout the Y2Y ecoregion which stretches from the Mackenzie Mountains in the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the southern end of the Wind River range on the border of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. more>>>

Rebecca Griego bill passes Senate unanimously

OLYMPIA – A bill designed to help protect victims of domestic violence, crafted after the tragic murder of Rebecca Griego by her estranged former partner at the University of Washington in April 2007, passed the Senate today on a unanimous vote. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, sponsored Senate Bill 6357, and has made campus safety one of her major priorities for the 2008 Legislative session in Olympia. more>>>

Two clarifying bills pass Senate

OLYMPIA — The Washington Senate unanimously passed legislation Monday clarifying the calculation method used for drug offender sentencing. Enacted in 1999, the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative’s (DOSA) primary goal is to reduce the likelihood of drug offenders returning to abusing drugs. more>>>

Hobbs, Somers working on the railroad

OLYMPIA — Maintaining the viability of the Eastside Rail Corridor is a focus of two prominent Snohomish elected officials. “Rail infrastructure is too valuable an asset to simply tear out unless we’re absolutely sure we won’t end up wanting to put it back in a few years,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. more>>>

No surprises for condo owners

OLYMPIA — Condominiums are one of the last bastions of affordable housing. Many people choose them over single-family homes, hoping to be spared the extra costs of maintenance and major repairs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. more>>>

Marr long-term health care bill wins unanimous approval

OLYMPIA — The Senate today gave overwhelming approval of a key piece of legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane. “Many people with long-term care policies are caught having to pay rapidly increasing premiums or dropping their policies,” said Marr. more>>>

President Morse honored by state Senate today

OLYMPIA – Citing her 15 years of service to Western Washington University, the Washington State Senate honored President Karen Morse today – who is set to retire this September. more>>>

Senate says yes to disclosure of broker profits

OLYMPIA – Buying a house is expensive. Most homebuyers pay thousands of dollars in brokerage fees without even knowing just how much is pure profit for the mortgage broker. more>>>

Kilmer receives WACOPS award

OLYMPIA — The Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs (WACOPS) has recognized the legislative achievements of Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, by presenting him with their 2007 Legislator of the Year Award. more>>>

Government’s 1st priority should be care for our vulnerable

OLYMPIA – The programs funded by our public tax dollars should reflect our core values. “I believe the state has a fundamental responsibility to help and protect our most vulnerable residents,” says Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park. For this reason Fairley is sponsor of Senate Bill 6935, the First Priorities Fund. more>>>

Senate says yes to disclosure of broker profits

OLYMPIA – Buying a house is expensive. Most homebuyers pay thousands of dollars in brokerage fees without even knowing just how much is pure profit for the mortgage broker. more>>>

Homebuyers one step closer to safer mortgage experience

OLYMPIA – Buying a home in today’s market can be a scary endeavor. Last fall, the Governor’s Homeowner Security Task Force analyzed the national mortgage crisis and made recommendations for protecting homebuyers. Today, the Washington Legislature passed the first measure of its 2008 session, a plan to spend $1.5 million on financial literacy education and counseling for homebuyers. more>>>

Residents get a breather from stinky beaches under Eide plan

OLYMPIA – Sea Lettuce stinks.

That’s not something that residents of Dumas Bay, on the west end of Federal Way need to be told, though. A plan by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, to develop a program to clean up the stinky seaweed passed the Senate today and now moves on to the House of Representatives. more>>>

Senate promotes Hobbs military bills one step closer to floor

OLYMPIA — As the Senate begins the fourth week of its 60-day 2008 session, several bills sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, are being considered by the Senate Rules Committee for movement to the floor for debate and passage. more>>>

Human trafficking victim protection bill passes Senate

OLYMPIA — On Feb. 1, 1865, President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery. Fast forward one hundred and forty three years later to today: implausibly, people are still being enslaved in this country. more>>>

Kauffman’s legislation providing more home ownership opportunity passes

OLYMPIA – A measure by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent,  to help open the door to home ownership for more low and moderate income families passed the senate unanimously today. more>>>

Domestic partnership bill clears first Senate hurdle

OLYMPIA – Legislation expanding rights and responsibilities to domestic partners passed the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee today and now moves one step closer to a vote by the full senate. more>>>

Bill allowing oversight of individual health care plans clears the Senate

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate passed a bill today giving the Office of the Insurance Commissioner the authority to review the rates of individual health benefit plans. Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, sponsored Senate Bill 5261 along with four others. more>>>

3rd Stryker Brigade Silver Star recipients to be honored at the State Capitol

OLYMPIA ─ The Washington State Senate will honor the 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Friday, Feb. 1 in Olympia. Recipients of the Silver Star, the third-highest combat award, will be in attendance along with Brigade Commander Col. David Funk. more>>>

Senate committee moves homeowner security legislation

OLYMPIA – Buying a home in today’s market can be a scary endeavor. Though Washington has been spared the worst of the nationwide mortgage crisis, there is fear that many homeowners could still get hit within the next year. more>>>

Kilmer bills promoting local jobs clear first hurdle

OLYMPIA — As the 2008 Legislature finished its second week, the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Management Committee and the Senate Higher Education Committee passed several bills sponsored by the vice-chair of those committees, Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor. Kilmer successfully passed three bills from the Economic Development Committee and three bills from the Higher Education Committee – all with unanimous bi-partisan support. more>>>

Allow past sex crimes as evidence in court

As a result of efforts to remove the statute of limitations on child sex crimes in Washington, I have worked with victims' rights advocates, the legal community and experts in offender treatment to identify ways to stem sex offender recidivism. more>>>

State Sen. Tom, Reps. Hunter and Eddy to continue town halls Feb. 9

BELLEVUE – The 48th District’s legislative delegation will host a town hall February 9 in Kirkland at Kirkland City Hall. A post-session town hall is scheduled March 22 in Bellevue. more>>>

Marr gins up bill to raise distillers’ spirits

OLYMPIA — Homebrew beer and do-it-yourself wines may soon have some companion beverages in Washington. Yesterday the senate committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development heard testimony supporting a bill by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, that will allow craft distilleries in Washington. more>>>

Eide introduces measure to rescue Washington’s school libraries

OLYMPIA – Cuts to school library programs is a national epidemic, and Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, says that a comprehensive bill she is sponsoring will add much needed funding back to Washington’s libraries. more>>>

Domestic partnership bill seeks financial security for all Washington families

OLYMPIA – State lawmakers today introduced a measure to help registered domestic partners laws achieve financial security. Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, say that their legislation will expand both rights and responsibilities for domestic partners, such as community property, probate protections, joint responsibility for debts and protection from having to sell the family home to pay for nursing home costs. more>>>

Sen. Keiser to fellow lawmakers: Let’s finally fix our health care system

OLYMPIA — Washington patients and health care providers have complained for years that the health care system is broken, now lawmakers have the opportunity to fix it. more>>>

Hearing for proposed bill increasing airline passenger rights

OLYMPIA — Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D- Seattle, introduced Senate Bill 6269 to provide airline passengers with the same assurances of food, water, ventilation and sanitary facilities that are now available to travelers passing through New York's airports. more>>>

Statement calling for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney

OLYMPIA -- Today, the Senate Government & Operations Committee heard Substitute Senate Memorial 8016 petitioning Congress to conduct a full investigation and trial of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. The memorial’s prime sponsor Sen. Oemig, D-Kirkland, made the following statement at the hearing... more>>>

‘Puppy Mill Bill’ requires pet shops to sell healthy pets

OLYMPIA – If you buy a pet in Washington State, you may get more than you bargained for, including heartbreak. When Charlene Mathew brought her new puppy, Dolce, home from the local pet store, there were no signs of trouble. But, by the end of the day, the puppy, along with Mathew’s other dog, were both vomiting. At first, she thought it was food poisoning, but Dolce’s vomiting didn’t stop. more>>>

Kohl-Welles seeks additional protections from unsafe toys

OLYMPIA – Lead paint chips. Asbestos powder. Acid leaking from failed batteries. While such hazards should be more closely associated with exposure to run-down construction sites from a bygone era than with today’s toys and other children’s products, they are just a few of the reasons why millions of toys have been recalled federal Consumer Product Safety Commission over the past several months. more>>>

Public participation needed for health care reform discussion

OLYMPIA – Got an idea to help fix our health care system? The Washington Senate has scheduled a two-day electronic town hall meeting on health care reform and invites the public to participate in the discussion. more>>>

Sister of UW murder-suicide victim to testify on protection order legislation

OLYMPIA — The sister of the victim of a much-publicized murder-suicide at the University of Washington last spring will testify tomorrow before a Senate committee on legislation to streamline the process for obtaining a protection order. more>>>

Oemig introduces impeachment memorial

OLYMPIA – Citing warrantless searches, breaking of U.S. and international law, and the use of torture, Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, introduced Substitute Senate Memorial 8016 petitioning Congress to conduct a full investigation and trial of the president and vice president. Oemig said it was his constituents’ insistence that something be done that served as motivation for him to bring the memorial forward. more>>>

Kohl-Welles legislation to offer confidentiality to human trafficking victims

OLYMPIA — Washington shares national borders with Canada, has multiple ports, and is a major agricultural exporter – all of which make it a particularly attractive destination for human traffickers to ply their despicable trade. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, has been working to combat the issue of human trafficking for six years, and is one of the champions behind Washington’s role as national leader in addressing the problem. more>>>

Work as Senate pages during 2008 session

OLYMPIA – Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, invites middle and high school students to apply for one-week, paid Senate page positions available in his office during the 2008 legislative session, which will take place from Jan. 14 through March 13. more>>>

Hobbs appointed assistant majority whip

OLYMPIA — The Senate Democratic Caucus has chosen Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, as its assistant whip for the 2008 legislative session. more>>>

Health care briefing scheduled for this Friday

OLYMPIA – Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, has scheduled an informal briefing for reporters on health care issues likely to come before the 2008 Legislature. more>>>

Port of Seattle property tax repeal bill to be introduced for 2008 legislative session

OLYMPIA - State Senator Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) will introduce legislation tomorrow that would repeal the property tax authority of the Port of Seattle. “I have proposed similar legislation in the past, but this year the recent audit findings should give new energy to my efforts to make the Port more accountable and less of a burden to property taxpayers.” more>>>

Hobbs proposes boosting reimbursement rates for Snohomish supported living providers

OLYMPIA — Returning to Olympia a week before the 2008 Legislature is set to begin, Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, is already working to get colleagues to sign on to a key part of his legislative agenda for the new year. more>>>

Washington state celebrates Korean American Day on Jan. 12th.

OLYMPIA – Sunday, January 13th marks Korean American day, but Washington state will celebrate on January 12th. Senate Bill 5166, passed last Legislative session, made Washington the first state in the nation to recognize Korean Americans in an honorary state holiday. The day is significant; on January 13, 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii.  more>>>

Jan. 4, 2008

Franklin to hold town hall meetings

OLYMPIA — Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma and Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma will host two town hall meetings to discuss a host of important issues facing residents of the 29th Legislative District. more>>>