News

Panel to review work by Student Achievement Council and provide legislative feedback and recommendations for higher education policy OLYMPIA— State Rep. Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver) was appointed to the Joint Higher Education Committee by Speaker of the House Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) … Continue reading →

May 10th, 2012 Legislative Session Report Your 3rd Legislative District team joined together to create a 2012 Legislative Session Report that was sent to residents in the district this week. You can read the newsletter in PDF form here. In … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Supporting South King County businesses and promoting economic opportunity has always been a legislative priority for state Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines). This year, the Kent Chamber of Commerce is honoring him with a nomination for … Continue reading →

CLARK COUNTY – Heads up, all of you Southwest Washington citizens: State Rep. Jim Moeller will host a Telephone Town Hall Tuesday night, May 1, from 6 to 7. Shortly before 6 o’clock that evening, thousands of 49th Legislative District … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – The state’s new, recently approved construction budget features an item that “will go quite a long way toward helping rebuild a significant piece of the Brier infrastructure,” according to state Rep. Derek Stanford. Stanford worked this past legislative … Continue reading →

April 20, 2012   The 2012 legislative session is over.  It showed how difficult it is to deal with four years of continual decline in state revenues.  We are fortunate that the state’s economy finally is showing signs of improvement.  … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—A last-minute budget amendment that passed moments before the Legislature adjourned early Wednesday ensures a far-reaching government reform will go forward this year.  The amendment by Rep. Mark Miloscia (D-Federal Way) requires every state agency to apply for a Washington … Continue reading →

April 11th, 2012 I am pleased to report that we passed a bi-partisan, balanced operating budget and capital budget/jobs package at 7:15 this morning after working through the night. These budgets will protect the vulnerable in our community, foster prosperity … Continue reading →

As upfront and straightforward as can be, our values are manifested in the 2011-2013 supplemental operating and capital budgets. Our line in the sand, our so-called go-home position exists in Three Benchmarks. We have already advanced a supplemental operating budget … Continue reading →

Olympia—In her last year serving as State Representative for the 46th Legislative District, Representative Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney (D-Seattle) adds a handful of victories to her list of legislative accomplishments. Four of Gutiérrez Kenney’s prime sponsored bills that were signed into … Continue reading →

April 10, 2012 Dear Neighbor, When the owner of Mama Stortini’s, the popular restaurant in Kent Station, told me about a problem he was having with the state Employment Security Department, I thought it was a simple mixup that could … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA— State Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle) introduced a measure (HB 2832) to extend access to quality health care services for all Washingtonians. He said the idea for this legislation came out of a small business roundtable he held before session … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—This Wednesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m., Rep. Luis Moscoso  (D-Mountlake Terrace) will host a telephone town hall meeting to discuss with constituents in the 1st Legislative District on what has been happening in Olympia. This Wednesday, just before 6:00 … Continue reading →

April 9th, 2012 Special Session Update The full House and Senate convened last week and we made significant progress on budget negotiations. On Thursday, the House passed an updated version of the budget that moves closer toward a compromise with … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson refused to give up hope that the House of Representatives would pass the Toxic-Free Kids Act and protect Washington’s children from toxic flame-retardants that are linked to cancers and other adverse health effects. Her hopes … Continue reading →

Olympia—The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) has just named Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (D-Seattle) Chair of its Labor & Workforce Development Task Force. The NHCSL press release follows: National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) Names Representative Phyllis … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—New reforms to Washington’s garnishment statutes will cut paperwork costs for businesses and allow struggling wage earners to keep more of their money. But Rep. Roger Goodman, the lead sponsor of the reforms that were signed into law last week, … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – The House is moving forward Wednesday with a short list of bills that will be necessary to implement (NTIB) the supplemental operating budget.  Although an agreement on the final budget has not yet been reached, the House Democratic … Continue reading →

Streamlined permitting process saves time, money for small businesses; no cost to state OLYMPIA – Boatyards in Washington will have an easier time meeting state requirements to install stormwater treatment systems thanks to legislation signed into law last week – … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Three separate measures that give child welfare caseworkers new and better tools to help the state’s most troubled families were signed into law today.  Together, these reforms allow caseworkers to focus on the core mission of protecting children, … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA–Governor Gregoire signed HB 2048 into law yesterday, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ending homelessness by protecting and expanding funding for services for the homeless, as well as increasing cooperation between state & local government, service providers and private landlords. … Continue reading →

Law reflects state findings on evidence-based crime-fighting OLYMPIA—Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed into law a new “restorative justice” judicial option that encourages non-violent juvenile offenders to take responsibility for their actions and repair the harm their crimes have done to … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—New protections for domestic-violence victims who risk being tracked down by their abusers were signed into law today by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. The measure sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, stiffens penalties for violating no-contact orders and makes it … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—An insurance reform that clears the way for air rescue and evacuation services to be offered again to Washington consumers was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Air evacuation and rescue services save lives and this law ensures … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—A package of efficiency reforms that will enable colleges and universities to cut administrative costs and redirect savings to serving students was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire. “This is regulatory relief for college students that will cut … Continue reading →

Goodman bill to crack down on metal theft also becomes law OLYMPIA—A new law signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire enacts sweeping changes to DUI statutes that will increase the accountability of offenders and make it harder for them to … Continue reading →

Although House Bill 2757 might at first glance seem a relatively small measure, don’t let that first glance fool you. In fact, this legislation signed into law by the governor today is quite important. The bill will make a big … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA — A bipartisan plan that Washington communities can harness to break the criminal cycle before it breaks their young people captured the governor’s autograph today. The Tacoma Democrat and Yakima Republican who championed House Bill 2535 said they want … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—An insurance reform that clears the way for air rescue and evacuation services to be offered again to Washington consumers was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Air evacuation and rescue services save lives and this law ensures … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Washington industries located along the Puget Sound and other important waters dodged an expensive regulatory bullet today when Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a new approach to protecting sensitive waters against bacteria in industrial storm water runoff. The law, … Continue reading →

Probst’s Opportunity Scholarships will help 3,000 families afford college   OLYMPIA – Washington state high school seniors and college students may apply immediately for a new college scholarship program that reaches far into the middle class.  The Opportunity Scholarships program … Continue reading →

March 28, 2012   BUDGET TALKS DRAG ON One of my favorite cartoon characters is Wylie Coyote.  This poor coyote spends all his time and effort trying to find a way to catch the crafty and speedy roadrunner.  Right now, … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—This Wednesday, March 28, state Representatives Steve Tharinger (D – Dungeness) and Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim) will host a live telephone town hall meeting for constituents in the 24th Legislative District. Households in the district should receive … Continue reading →

By Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor) and Rep. Larry Haler (R-Richland) Right now, leadership and budget writers from all four caucuses and the governor’s office are negotiating a final supplemental operating budget. Unfortunately, disagreements over the best ways to fund … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – A measure signed by Governor Gregoire today helps to complete the supply chain for Washington’s aviation biofuels industry all the way from research to market. House Bill 2422, sponsored by Rep. Andy Billig(D – Spokane) will help foster … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – State Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo, 23rd) was appointed this month to a fourth term as a legislative member of the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Appleton, the senior member of the 23rd-district legislative team, will also continue as … Continue reading →

There has been a lot of talk about legislators taking “per diem.” When the House of Representatives releases its report on per diem, you will see my name there. I’m not going to apologize for taking $90/day to help maintain … Continue reading →

Rep. Clibborn chairs the House Transportation Committee Today’s bill signings put the finishing touch on a biennium’s worth of work for transportation.  The citizens of Washington can be proud of what we accomplished. Democrats and Republicans put partisan politics aside … Continue reading →

    OLYMPIA – For her record of combatting sexual assault and supporting victims of the crime, Rep. Jeannie Darneille of Tacoma, has been named a legislator of the year by the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.  In announcing … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – “Outstanding Legislator of the Year” – that’s the title bestowed on state Rep. Sherry Appleton by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.  Appleton (D-Poulsbo, 23rd), who was first elected to the House … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA: Representative Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) received a very prestigious high-five from the business community earlier this week. The Association of Washington Business presented Rep. Morris with a 2011 Cornerstone Award for his support of business in the legislature. In … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Legislation to provide tools for cities and counties to invest in transit needs received a boost today from a coalition of community leaders.  The group’s letter, organized by Transportation for Washington, explains why passing the local transportation revenue … Continue reading →

March 16, 2012Legislative Update Hello Friends, Thursday, March 8 marked the end of the 2012 regular legislative session. While there are some important accomplishments I am happy to report below, I am also sorry to say that the House and … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Driving drunk with a child in the car will soon cost you more. Much more.  A new law signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire requires courts to impose an additional $1,000 to $5,000 fine for first-time DUI offenders if a … Continue reading →

Special session starts Because the House and Senate were unable to agree on a supplemental operating budget last week, the Governor called us back to work on Monday.  The majority of legislators, however, including myself, are not returning to the … Continue reading →

March 12th, 2012 House Passes Balanced, Responsible Budget I sent an update on Friday morning after a midnight Sine Die the night before and, judging from the questions I’ve received, I think I could have done a more thorough job … Continue reading →

Democratic legislators succeed in efforts on new boat, Colman Dock, Kingston OLYMPIA – The transportation budget approved late Thursday night by the Legislature buoys prospects for maintaining ferry service between Kitsap County ports and Seattle, thanks to the efforts of … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA — A top lawmaker is lamenting the loss just now, Friday afternoon — the day after the 2012 Legislature staggered to its denouement in the midnight hour on Thursday, the 60th legislative day, and the governor announced a special … Continue reading →

March 9th 2012 Sine Die In Latin, Sine Die (Pronounced “Sign-ee Dye”) means “without day.” In legislative-speak it means adjournment of the legislative session. Yesterday was Sine Die for the 2012 Regular Session of the Washington State Legislature.  We accomplished … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Struggling homeowners will get much needed help from the state in a measure passed by the Legislature earlier this week. House Bill 2614, sponsored by State Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney (D-Seattle) will bring clarity to the short-sale process so that … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Today, the governor signed into law a bipartisan bill that will give teachers and principals the tools to ensure every child has a high-quality education. SB 5895, the Senate version of Rep. Kristine Lytton’s HB 2334, will follow … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA — The state would defer sales taxes that are helping drive increases in Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls under legislation passed by the Legislature this evening. Senate Bill 6073 would defer sales tax due on the construction of the Narrows … Continue reading →

Key project will assist in restoring big piece of Brier’s infrastructure OLYMPIA – The state’s updated capital budget currently moving, slowly but at least slightly surely, toward the governor’s desk “would go a long way in helping repair a significant … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Just hours before the end of the 2012 regular session, state representatives and senators voted unanimously to pass sweeping drunk-driving reforms that increase the accountability of drunk drivers and make it harder for them to repeat their crimes. “More accountability … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA— The Washington State Legislature passed a transportation budget in the final minutes of the regular session that includes $57 million in new spending this biennium for roads and highways, public transit, the ferry system, freight mobility and public safety. … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – The legislature approved changes today to the Discover Pass system that reflect the public’s feedback and make the pass more user-friendly. House Bill 2373, co-sponsored by Representatives Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim) and Steve Tharinger(D – … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – As the possibility of a special session edged ever closer to reality, Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland,  announced March 7 that she will not run for another term in the state Legislature. “When recruited, I promised to serve for … Continue reading →

Senator Craig Pridemore Representative Jim Moeller Representative Sharon Wylie Let’s talk about the 2012 legislative session. Representatives Moeller and Wylie emphasize that this Town Hall will also be a golden opportunity to salute and celebrate Senator Pridemore in what will … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Early learning advocates cheered when it was announced in December that our state would receive a $60 million Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant. Yesterday, the legislature gave final approval to a measure that will enable … Continue reading →

Olympia – Responding to years of concern by the Washington business community, the House passed a bill that would completely overhaul the management of the state’s higher education system of six public universities and 34 community and technical colleges. House … Continue reading →

Tacoma lawmaker’s measure brings kids ‘back from the ledge of youth crime’ OLYMPIA — State Rep. Connie Ladenburgwon full support in the House of Representatives yesterday for her plan to break the criminal cycle before it breaks young people. The … Continue reading →

Olympia – The House of Representatives took another step towards helping struggling public schools by approving House Bill 2799 Monday afternoon. HB 2799, sponsored by Rep. Pat Sullivan (D-Covington), creates a five-year pilot project known as the Collaborative Schools for … Continue reading →

March 6, 2012 “Earlier this session I stood with legislators from across the state, Democrats and Republicans, to introduce a package of bills designed to close the achievement gap in Washington.  I’m proud of the legislation we crafted and I … Continue reading →

March 5, 2012 OLYMPIA – A landmark piece of health care reform passed the House and Senate – and is now heading for the governor’s desk to be signed into law. “Passage of this legislation puts Washington in the forefront … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Up to 2500 Olympic Peninsula residents are losing their health care coverage on July 1 of this year when their KPS insurance provider exits the individual and family market. But thanks to a bill recently approved by the … Continue reading →

  OLYMPIA—A comprehensive reform of Washington’s garnishment laws awaits only Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signature to become law after passing the House by a vote of 56-41 today. “This wide-ranging rewrite of our garnishment laws is a big win for small … Continue reading →

Olympia – The House of Representatives approved a measure that will provide school districts with a cheaper alternative to expensive textbooks. House Bill 2337, sponsored by Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), is designed to fix two major problems with K-12 textbooks: … Continue reading →

Message from Rep. Sells Late Friday afternoon, three Democrats decided to side with the Republicans to give them an effective majority in the State Senate; it took less than five minutes for them to show what a Republican majority really … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—The House today passed a $9.8 billion supplemental transportation budget that creates or sustains about 43,000 jobs over the biennium while addressing  urgent needs and making a head start on future projects, such as a fix to I-5 traffic congestion … Continue reading →

Anti-child-pornography bill backed by Tacoma lawmaker captures final passage OLYMPIA — State Rep. Connie Ladenburg‘s measure (House Bill 2177) barring the copying or creation of additional child pornography during the discovery process in a child-pornography trial is on its way … Continue reading →

“I congratulate Congressman Dicks on his decades of service to the people of his district and to our entire state. He has been a hardworking and tireless advocate for family-wage jobs, a healthy environment, and critical infrastructure projects that keep … Continue reading →

Following is a statement from Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) regarding legislation that died in the state Senate Friday evening. I’m disappointed partisanship got in the way of enacting two very important, bipartisan pieces of legislation today. Our State Environmental Policy … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – A bill no one testified against during its first public hearing, and which passed the state House of Representatives by a wide bipartisan margin, is now generating opposition based on misinformation. State Representatives Steve Tharinger (D – Dungeness) … Continue reading →

“Earlier this week, the House passed a supplemental operating budget for our state. I was one of three House Democrats who voted against this budget, and want to be clear about my reason for doing so. “My district is comprised … Continue reading →

March 2, 2012 Message from Rep. Mike Sells The session is scheduled to end next Thursday, March 8. We are in high-gear right now as the final budget details are negotiated with the Senate and we pass the bills that … Continue reading →