Category Archives: News Release

19 Mar
0

It’s the law: Stanford bill puts $72 million toward more paras in schools

OLYMPIA – Public schools across Washington will be able to put more paraeducators in classrooms to better meet student needs, under legislation signed into law today. SB 5882 increases the staff allocation for paraeducators in the prototypical school funding model, ...

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13 Mar
0

Stanford legislation limiting noncompetition contracts signed into law

OLYMPIA – Washington’s strong protections for workers against employer-imposed noncompetition agreements will grow even stronger under legislation signed into law today. SB 5935, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), increases protections for workers and consumers in response to real-life situations ...

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07 Mar
0

Transportation budget that prioritizes public safety, preservation and ferries heads to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA — The Legislature on Thursday passed the supplemental transportation budget (HB 2134), a $14.6 billion plan which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.   “After a thorough negotiation process, I am ...

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07 Mar
0

State supplemental budget makes huge investments in addressing fentanyl, boosts commitments to students, housing, and climate action

OLYMPIA – Budget leaders in both chambers unveiled an agreed-to budget that puts Washington’s families and students first. The supplemental budget, which builds on last year’s biennial budget, also makes the state’s biggest commitment ever in combating substance use disorder ...

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05 Mar
0

Final Capital Budget agreement funds $1.3 billion in projects around the state

OLYMPIA—Leaders in the House and Senate today announced their final agreement on the state’s supplemental capital budget for 2024. The $1.3 billion budget funds construction projects and infrastructure across Washington and makes major investments in school construction, behavioral health facilities, ...

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05 Mar
0

Senate President Pro Tempore to retire from WA State Legislature

OLYMPIA — Sen. Karen Keiser announced today on the Senate floor that she will retire later this year. “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the 33rd Legislative District and the people of the State of Washington ...

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04 Mar
0

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig will not seek re-election

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2024. Billig, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will finish his current term and continue to serve as majority leader ...

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01 Mar
0

House passes bill to reduce health risks from Sea-Tac Airport

OLYMPIA — Residents living near Sea-Tac International Airport, who face disproportionate health risks due to aircraft noise and pollution, could receive assistance to repair failing soundproofing for their houses under legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by the House today. ...

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29 Feb
0

House unanimously passes Stanford bill to crack down on predatory loans

OLYMPIA – Legislation to block unscrupulous lenders who are partnering with out-of-state banks to evade Washington’s limits on interest rates has now passed both the Senate and the House unanimously. SB 6025, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), makes any ...

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29 Feb
0

Bill to allow WA police to enforce tribal warrants passes House

Update March 19, 2024: The bill as described below has been signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. TVW coverage available here. OLYMPIA — People who commit crimes on tribal lands would not be able to escape justice by fleeing ...

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