Category Archives: News Release

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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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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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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20 Feb
0

Transportation budget focuses on ferries, traffic safety, green investments

OLYMPIA — On Tuesday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias unveiled the 2024 supplemental transportation budget, Senate Bill 5947, a $14.6 billion proposal which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.  “Our ...

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19 Feb
0

Senate budget proposal emphasizes investments in behavioral health, public schools

OLYMPIA — Washington State Senate budget leaders unveiled a $71.7 billion supplemental operating budget plan Monday that increases support for behavioral health and public schools.  The budget adds roughly $1.9 billion in new spending to the two-year budget passed by lawmakers ...

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16 Feb
0

Sen. Billig, Speaker Jinkins: Three initiatives will have hearings, three will not

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins announced Friday that public hearings will be held on Initiative 2113 (police pursuits), I-2111 (state income tax) and I-2081 (parental rights). The lawmakers also confirmed I-2117, ...

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12 Feb
0

Sen. Billig: Initiative’s $5 billion cut would “devastate” early learning, childcare, K-12 in Washington

A Department of Revenue analysis of Initiative 2109 found that its passage would result in the loss of more than $5.6 billion in funding for early learning, childcare and K-12 education programs across Washington by 2029. Senate Majority Leader Andy ...

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