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Keiser applauds Paid Family and Medical Leave program for avoiding premium increases and covering more families than expected.

Keiser applauds Paid Family and Medical Leave program for avoiding premium increases and covering more families than expected.

DES MOINES — Upon the publication of the 2021 premium rate for the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which will stay the same as the 2020 rate, Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) released the following statement:

“With the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, the Employment Security Department was given a tall order: stand up an unprecedented program from scratch ...

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Keiser applauds financial support measure for furloughed workers, employers

Keiser applauds financial support measure for furloughed workers, employers

From the Kent Reporter State Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, announced her support of Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation to strengthen and extend the state Employment Security Department’s SharedWork program for small businesses, nonprofits and local governments. SharedWork is a voluntary business sustainability program with the state that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours. “The governor’s action to strengthen our state’s ...

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Keiser applauds measure to strengthen financial support for furloughed workers and employers

Keiser applauds measure to strengthen financial support for furloughed workers and employers

Upon the announcement of proclamation 20-58 by Governor Inslee, Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) released the following statement:

The governor’s action today to strengthen our state’s SharedWork program will remove barriers to partial employment for many workers who have been furloughed and will help keep small businesses, non-profits, and local governments solvent during this crisis. Washington’s SharedWork is a proven win-win program ...

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Media Advisory: 33rd District Legislative Delegation Joined by WA Health Care Authority Official for Facebook Live Community Conversation on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Media Advisory: 33rd District Legislative Delegation Joined by WA Health Care Authority Official for Facebook Live Community Conversation on the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 30, 2020 WHO: Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), Reps. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Mia Gregerson (D-Seatac) of the 33rd Legislative District will be joined by Dr. Charissa Fotinos, deputy chief medical officer for the Washington State Health Care Authority. WHAT: A Facebook Live Community Conversation. WHEN: 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 WHERE: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1213781995492392/.  You can sign up there ahead of time ...

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New law improves options for people with developmental disabilities

New law improves options for people with developmental disabilities

A new law signed today by Gov. Inslee will create groundbreaking new options for people with developmental disabilities, including community care close to home, nursing home care, and state centers of excellence. “This is a major turning point in the long debate about our state’s RHCs, rehabilitation centers for people with developmental disabilities,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), the sponsor ...

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WA Legislators request federal disaster unemployment assistance for independent contractors

WA Legislators request federal disaster unemployment assistance for independent contractors

The Senate and House Democratic caucuses have requested that the federal government unlock disaster unemployment assistance for thousands of independent contractors in Washington who are losing work during the coronavirus pandemic. Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), who authored the letter, said: "The American workplace has changed and thousands of workers who are independent contractors—from hairdressers to high tech coders—do not qualify ...

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Legislature passes Keiser bills to cap insulin costs, curb drug prices

Legislature passes Keiser bills to cap insulin costs, curb drug prices

With final Senate votes today, two bills sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) to curb sharply rising prescription drug prices have now passed the Legislature with broad bipartisan support and will go to the governor for his signature. “Prescription drug costs are out of control,” said Keiser. “Our constituents can’t wait. The taxpayers can’t wait. This is a major step ...

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Keiser releases statement on sports betting bill

Keiser releases statement on sports betting bill

After the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee today heard and passed HB 2638, which would legalize and regulate some sports betting in tribal facilities, committee chair Karen Keiser released the following statement: “I myself am not a great fan of either sports or betting. Gambling brings with it the threat of addiction and corruption. That’s why it’s wise for our ...

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Strong showing for labor bills in first half of legislative session

Strong showing for labor bills in first half of legislative session

Halfway through the legislative session, the state Senate has passed a wide array of legislation to help working families by raising workplace standards and expanding collective bargaining rights. “The bills we have passed will go a long way toward making Washington a better place to work,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), the chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. ...

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Senate passes three Keiser bills to curb prescription drug prices

Senate passes three Keiser bills to curb prescription drug prices

The Senate has passed three bills sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) that would rein in sharply rising prescription drug prices. “Prescription drug costs are out of control,” said Keiser. “Our constituents can’t wait. The taxpayers can’t wait. We have to do something about this increase in costs.” The three bills that the Senate passed take on insulin costs as well ...

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