Author Archives: oheersink

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate gave final approval Monday to legislation prohibiting local, state, and federal law enforcement officers – including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents – from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public.  Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), strengthens existing law requiring ...

OLYMPIA — On Friday, the Senate passed its proposed 2025–27 supplemental operating budget that continues key investments in health care, education, and behavioral health while maintaining access to essential services Washington families rely on every day.  The roughly $79.3 billion plan updates the state’s current 2025–27 operating budget to reflect ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Democratic budget leaders on Monday unveiled a proposed 2025–27 supplemental operating budget that continues key investments in health care, education, and behavioral health while maintaining access to essential services Washington families rely on every day.   The proposal updates the state’s current 2025–27 operating ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued a statement in response to the release of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s supplemental operating budget proposal Tuesday:  “Gov. Ferguson’s proposed supplemental operating budget reflects how challenging the state’s fiscal landscape ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the following statement on Tuesday’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “Today’s revenue forecast confirms what we’ve been warning — Washington’s economy is under strain from both uncertainty and ...

OLYMPIA — The Legislature passed a $77.1 billion operating budget Sunday that protects essential services while significantly boosting support for K-12 education.  The budget includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to responsibly address the state budget deficit. It ...

OLYMPIA — The Senate approved a $78.5 billion operating budget plan Saturday that protects essential services while putting Washington on a stronger financial footing.  The proposal, which passed with a 28-21 vote, includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to address ...

OLYMPIA — Senate budget leaders unveiled a $78.5 billion operating budget plan Monday that puts the state on a path toward long-term fiscal stability while preserving essential services.  The proposal includes both targeted reductions and new revenue streams to address ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the following statement on Tuesday’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting:  “Today’s revenue forecast shows a modest decline in projected revenue, which is what we expected. While it doesn’t ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the statement below Tuesday in response to Senate Republicans’ budget proposal:  “I appreciate the work my Republican colleagues have put into crafting their proposal and their willingness to engage ...