Category Archives: In the News

06 Feb
0

Crosscut: Despite industry pushback, WA farmworkers will keep overtime pay

Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, said she felt for Clayton but remained wary of going back on the deal legislators came up with back in 2021 when the agricultural overtime law passed. ...

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15 Jan
0

KIRO 7: State lawmakers hold press conference on Sea-Tac Airport noise, pollution bill

SEATAC, Wash. — The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is at the center of new legislation aimed at improving life for residents nearby. At 9 a.m. on Monday, State Senator Karen Keiser and Representative Tina Orwall held a press conference on House ...

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09 Jan
0

Washington State Standard: Washington lawmakers look at providing unemployment benefits to striking workers

Washington may become one of a few states that allow striking workers to qualify for unemployment benefits under certain conditions. Under House Bill 5777, workers who walk off the job will qualify for unemployment if employers lock them out of ...

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05 Jan
0

FOX 13 Seattle: Kent’s only 2024 legislative proposal aims to raise sales tax to hire more police officers

KENT, Wash. – Leaders of the City of Kent will be asking state lawmakers to give them authority to increase a local sales tax to hire more police officers. In the city’s only proposal for the 2024 legislative session, the ...

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03 Jan
0

Komo News: Washington lawmakers draft new plans to counter pot shop burglaries

Washington state lawmakers are drafting plans in the new year to support small businesses that are targeted by burglars using stolen vehicles to break into stores. The nonprofit, Cannabis Alliance reports there has been an uptick in these crimes over ...

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03 Jan
0

Axios: Washington now bans most pre-employment pot tests

A positive test for cannabis can no longer disqualify you for most jobs in Washington state. What’s happening: A new law that took effect Monday bans most employers from denying someone a job based on a drug screening that turns ...

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15 Dec
0

Seattle Times: WA’s news fellowship draws heavy interest, highlights need

As Washington’s local-news fellowship takes shape, one thing is already clear. The program, which is placing eight journalists at local news outlets starting early next year, will provide just a fraction of what’s needed to restore and sustain essential, civic ...

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11 Dec
0

Crosscut: Washington caps insulin costs at $35/month. More reforms may come

At a January 2020 hearing for State Sen. Karen Keiser’s first insulin cost-sharing bill, physicians and patients testified to the high cost of the drug that keeps them alive. Kevin Wren of patient advocacy group Insulin 4 All described the impossible choices ...

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07 Dec
0

Washington Post: States are done waiting for the feds on drug prices, insurance

Biden’s fallen short on his health-care promises. Some states are trying to control costs themselves. President Biden and his Democratic allies made big promises about health care on the campaign trail and beyond. He’s backed the public option, a government-run ...

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04 Dec
0

WA State Standard: Washington lawmakers begin to drop bills ahead of upcoming session

Providing striking workers with unemployment checks. Protecting unspent gift card balances for consumers. Keeping the old name for a new state building. These are among the matters Washington lawmakers are teeing up for debate in the 2024 session. Legislators on ...

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