In The News

Ana Rosa Bello broke down in tears as she recalled the repeated abuse she has endured as a housekeeper in Seattle. Bello described wage theft, discrimination, threats to her and her family, withheld documents, and being unfairly fired. But, as a single mother, she said she’s had no choice but to keep working and endure these conditions to provide for her ...

With President-elect Donald Trump promising mass deportations when he takes office on Jan. 20, uncertainty is rising for immigrants across the U.S. State lawmakers have limited power over federal immigration enforcement. But in Washington’s upcoming legislative session, legislators will be looking at a bill to strengthen the safety net for immigrants working in the state without legal authorization. Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, ...

Washington residents who don’t qualify for state unemployment benefits because of their immigration status may be eligible for weekly cash relief through a new program.... Workers across Washington deserve permanent support from the state, reads a press release about the pilot benefits fund, regardless of their citizenship status. The press release, sent out Tuesday, included a supportive statement from state Sen. ...

OLYMPIA — A Senate bill aims to end the Washington Department of Corrections practice of informing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when an undocumented person is being detained in state prisons. Advocates say many are sent to immigration detention centers after serving their criminal sentence.

This year, the Washington state Legislature has the unique opportunity to remake how our state stays connected, and how Washingtonians get where we need to go. Straying from the traditional approach of past transportation packages, Move Ahead Washington is the cleanest transportation revenue package in state history. Dedicating $5.4 billion over 16 years directly in transportation approaches that reduce emissions and ...

State legislators are considering a bill this week amending the Washington Voting Rights Act to prevent local jurisdictions from changing voting practices in ways that do not comply with state law. Senate Bill 5597 would block illegal or discriminatory changes ahead of time by requiring preclearance with the state attorney general’s office prior to making certain changes to their voting practices. “These ...