In The News

WA State Standard: Lobbying the Legislature from behind bars

WA State Standard: Lobbying the Legislature from behind bars

Charles Longshore is the author of a bill Washington lawmakers considered this year that would have allowed judges to review and shorten long prison sentences.

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WA State Standard: WA lawmakers consider free prison phone calls to help keep families connected

WA State Standard: WA lawmakers consider free prison phone calls to help keep families connected

Washington Sen. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, knew that the state charged people for phone calls and messages in and out of prison. But he didn’t realize the extent of these fees, he said, until he started talking to incarcerated people.

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Dallas Observer: Ken Paxton's Shakedown of Seattle Hospital Warning of 'Tyranny,' Critics Say

Dallas Observer: Ken Paxton's Shakedown of Seattle Hospital Warning of 'Tyranny,' Critics Say

Texas hates it when progressive ideas encroach on our conservative turf, but we clearly don’t mind treading on other states’ toes. Last week, news broke that Seattle Children’s Hospital had sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office over claims the office ...

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The Washington Post: Seattle hospital sues Texas AG who sought records of trans minors

The Washington Post: Seattle hospital sues Texas AG who sought records of trans minors

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) tried to compel a Seattle hospital to hand over information about gender-affirming treatment Texas youths may have received across state lines, according to court filings, signaling an escalation of his office’s attempts to crack ...

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PBS NewsHour: Formerly incarcerated lawmaker reflects on breaking down barriers after prison

PBS NewsHour: Formerly incarcerated lawmaker reflects on breaking down barriers after prison

Tarra Simmons is the first formerly incarcerated state legislator in Washington state. As part of our “Searching for Justice” series, special correspondent Cat Wise reports on how she went from teen mother to felon to lawyer, and now a state ...

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NYT: Washington State Moves Toward Free and Reduced College Tuition, With Businesses Footing the Bill

NYT: Washington State Moves Toward Free and Reduced College Tuition, With Businesses Footing the Bill

State lawmakers have taken a major step toward offering free or reduced college tuition using funds from businesses there, including Amazon and Microsoft, in a move that is being applauded by policy analysts for its innovation and reach. Last week, state ...

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Crosscut: Free college is coming for WA families making under $50K

Crosscut: Free college is coming for WA families making under $50K

For years, Washington state has failed to fully fund its financial-aid program for low-income college students. This school year, about 18,000 people qualified for Washington’s State Need Grant, but didn’t get an award because of the program’s limited budget.

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Seattle Times: 110,000 Washington students a year will get money for college, many a free ride

Seattle Times: 110,000 Washington students a year will get money for college, many a free ride

Starting in 2020, more Washington residents will be able to attend college for less money. For many, it will be free. About 110,000 low-to median-income students will qualify for help each year, including adults who never got a degree and want ...

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