Author Archives: kenf

08 Feb
0

Stanford bill to protect solar power consumers heads to House

OLYMPIA – People planning on installing solar panels at their homes or businesses would receive added consumer protections under legislation passed unanimously yesterday by the Senate. SB 6256 would prevent deceptive sales tactics, ensure that contracts are clear and contain ...

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07 Feb
0

Keiser’s Employee Free Choice Act passes Senate

OLYMPIA – Workers would gain protection against employers who seek to force them to attend meetings where they are required to listen to the employer’s opinions on religious or political matters, under legislation passed by the Senate today. SB 5778 ...

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06 Feb
0

Stanford bill to crack down on predatory loans clears Senate

OLYMPIA – The Senate today unanimously passed legislation to block unscrupulous lenders who are partnering with out-of-state banks to evade Washington’s limits on interest rates. SB 6025, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), makes any attempt to evade the provisions ...

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06 Feb
0

Stanford bill limiting noncompetition contracts passes Senate

OLYMPIA – Workers in Washington state would gain protections against employer-imposed noncompetition agreements, under legislation passed on a 29-20 vote in the Senate. SB 5935, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), provides a range of protections to workers in response ...

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18 Jan
0

Keiser earns praise, continues fight to lower cost of insulin further

OLYMPIA —Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) continues to press for access to life-saving insulin even as she has won national recognition for her work in 2023 to reduce the cost of the drug to diabetes patients. Legislation capping out-of-pocket costs ...

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15 Jan
0

Dhingra: bill represents a ‘victim-centered, trauma-informed’ response to sexual assault

OLYMPIA — An omnibus bill to promote a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual assault in Washington’s legal system was heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Monday. SB 5937 streamlines eligibility for crime victim benefits, covers some of ...

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15 Jan
0

Elected officials, residents propose action to cut noise and air pollution near Sea-Tac Airport

OLYMPIA — Legislators, local elected officials, and community members gathered at a press conference today to demand economic and social justice for people living near Sea-Tac Airport. Speakers supported legislation (SB 5955/HB 2103) to direct a small portion of Port ...

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16 May
0

Legislature prioritizes funding, policy to tackle behavioral health

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s behavioral health system is coming out of the 2023 legislative session with nearly $1 billion in new funding and crucial innovative initiatives established. “With the rollout of Washington’s new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, our state ...

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26 Apr
0

WA Legislature establishes fellowship for journalism in the public interest

OLYMPIA – Small towns around Washington state that have seen local news wither will get a civic shot in the arm from new funding in the state’s budget, passed Sunday. The appropriation of $2.4 million over the next two years, ...

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14 Apr
0

Senate OKs Keiser bill to safeguard access to abortion medication

OLYMPIA – Washingtonians would be guaranteed uninterrupted access to the safe, effective medication used in nearly 60% of abortions in the state, under a bill passed by the Senate today on a 28-18 party-line vote after a lengthy debate. At ...

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