The Washington State Legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to a bipartisan $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief measure to expand testing and vaccine distribution, provide support to schools, make grants available for small business, and help thousands meet basic needs with housing and food assistance. The bill (HB 1368) will now head to Gov. Inslee to be signed into law. “This pandemic continues to put strain on communities across our state, and these investments target critical areas that will help us defeat COVID-19 while building back a stronger and more resilient Washington,” said Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), chair ...
Read MoreNews
All businesses in Washington would see significant relief from unemployment taxes, including reductions in bills due in April, if SB 5061 is passed by the Legislature by mid-February. The bill, which passed on the Senate floor today with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, has an emergency clause and would take effect as soon as Governor Inslee signs it into law. [TVW link] SB 5061, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), targets relief to the most affected businesses and helps low-wage workers by raising their benefits. “This issue is urgent,” said Keiser. “Employers are seeing increases of 300 ...
Read More
OLYMPIA – The Senate Law & Justice Committee held a public hearing on SB 5038 today, which would prohibit the open carry of firearms or other weapons at public demonstrations and the state capitol grounds. [TVW Link] SB 5038, sponsored by Sen. Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue), would also prevent open carry weapons within 1,000 feet of public demonstrations. Similar restrictions exist in Maryland, Alabama, and Washington, D.C. “The purpose of openly carrying a weapon at a protest is to intimidate people who are exercising their First Amendment rights,” said Kuderer testifying in support of ...
Read More
Democrats in the Washington State Legislature released a $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief package today that would expand testing and vaccine availability, extend support to schools, provide grants for small business, and help thousands meet basic needs with housing and food assistance. The proposals are scheduled to receive hearings in the House and Senate next week. The overall relief package includes separate legislation that provides unemployment insurance relief for employers and workers across the state. “Getting this money out the door is a key part of our state’s battle against the pandemic, and this package will ensure that federal funding ...
Read More
Former state representative Brady Piñero Walkinshaw was sworn in Friday morning as the Senate Democratic Caucus representative on the Washington State Redistricting Commission. Walkinshaw, who was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, joins Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) AFL-CIO April Sims, who will represent the House of Representatives on the Commission and took the oath of office Monday. "I'm honored to be serving our state in this once-in-a-decade effort that's so vital to our democratic process," said Walkinshaw. "I look forward to partnering with my fellow commissioners to lay the foundation for ...
Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 18, 2021 The Senate Members of Color Caucus co-chairs – Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) and Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-White Center) today issued a statement on behalf of the Members of Color Caucus in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy he has left the nation. “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a radical liberator. He was both defender and builder of American democracy. He was an enemy of white supremacy and a champion of justice. He fought against the immorality of inequity, he organized against generations ...
Read More
Washington State Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) released the following statement on Wednesday's events in Washington D.C. and Olympia: “We all have the right to protest, but we all also have a responsibility to not cross the line into intimidation or violence. Today at our state capital and in our nation’s capital, we have seen that line crossed. I condemn any violence, intimidation and destruction in the strongest terms possible. “I ask all elected officials, at all levels and of every political affiliation to join me in denouncing today's actions and to fully support a smooth and peaceful ...
Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2020
Senate Members of Color Caucus co-chairs support governor’s equity package
The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) co-chairs today issued the following statements concerning Gov. Jay Inslee’s Equity Proposal.
“Our communities have long been calling out for leadership that takes a hard look at inequity in our state and steps forward with bold action to respond to these needs,” said Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle). “I look forward to partnering with the governor in this work to serve every ...
Read More
“Congratulations to Sen. John Braun. This is a well-earned honor for someone who has been at the center of many of the key decisions that have impacted our state in recent years.
“I have frequently found myself in deep policy debates with Sen. Braun on the Senate floor and at numerous negotiating tables. And although we have had differences of opinion on many issues, he has always shown himself to be a thoughtful, honest, and hard-working legislator.
“As we enter a critical moment in our state’s history, I look forward to working ...
Read More
OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus on Monday voted to confirm committee membership and leadership positions ahead of the 2021 Legislative session. “I am proud of the work Senate Democrats have done in putting people first in recent years,” said Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane). “The pandemic has challenged our state like never before and this upcoming session will be unlike any other. I am confident that we have the team to meet these challenges head on and do our part in helping all Washingtonians battle back stronger than before.” Key changes to committees include the following:
- Sen. ...Read More