The Senate has passed legislation to create a task force to develop a pilot wellness program to address the health impacts of systematic inequities and discrimination. “This is about opening the doors to the outdoors for communities that need healing, both physically and mentally,” said Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest). “This is an issue of justice. In my work prior to the Legislature, I specifically focused on girls and our Black communities to provide healing from institutional racism and other trauma.” Nobles’ Senate Bill 5292 will now be considered by the House. The bill would direct the task force to ...
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OLYMPIA – Native American tribes would gain a say in Washington state’s emergency management preparations under legislation passed unanimously today by the Senate. “Emergencies do not recognize borders,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), the bill’s sponsor. “It’s crucial that federally recognized tribes, as sovereign nations, have a seat at the table as our state plans for emergencies like a pandemic.” SB 5101 would increase the size of the Washington state Emergency Management Council, which advises the governor and the adjutant general, who commands the Washington National Guard, from 18 members to 20. The additional two members would ...
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OLYMPIA – If a law enforcement officer uses excessive force, fellow officers would have a duty to intervene to stop it, under a bill passed today by the Senate. “I have had the pleasure of working with many law enforcement officers in my previous career as a senior deputy prosecutor, and the vast majority are committed to doing the right thing,” said Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the bill’s sponsor. “They hold themselves up to a high ethical standard. This bill is about empowering our good officers to hold their peers to the same high standard.” SB 5066, ...
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A bill aimed at restoring salmon habitat for Puget Sound orcas struggling to find enough food to survive was approved by the Senate by a vote of 28-21 on Thursday. Senate Bill 5273, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), would require residential property owners to use an alternative that has the least amount of negative impact on marine life when replacing existing shoreline seawalls.
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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