Author Archives: kenf

02 Mar
0

Keiser: Rx affordability board would restrain skyrocketing prices

OLYMPIA — Washington would take an important step to bring down skyrocketing prescription drug prices, under a bill passed today by the House. “It’s no secret that prescription drug prices are out of control,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), ...

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16 Feb
0

Senate capital construction budget invests in housing, broadband, school seismic safety

OLYMPIA — The Senate’s bipartisan proposed supplemental capital construction budget (SB 5651) would invest nearly $1 billion in priority infrastructure across the state, including a landmark investment in a new school seismic safety fund. “This budget invests in the most ...

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12 Feb
0

Senate passes legislation to expand and strengthen apprenticeships

OLYMPIA — Workers in Washington state would benefit from new apprenticeship programs in growing fields, reinvigorated support for existing apprenticeships, and significantly increased state funding for apprentices at public colleges, under two bills passed recently by the Senate. “The ‘earn-while-you-learn’ approach, with both classroom ...

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09 Feb
0

Senate unanimously approves major school seismic safety funding bill

OLYMPIA — Schools in parts of the state threatened by earthquakes or tsunamis would be able to draw from a sizable pot of state funding to replace or retrofit buildings, under a bill passed by the Senate tonight. “Hundreds of ...

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09 Feb
0

Keiser: Unemployment insurance tax relief will help small businesses

Update March 1: The House of Representatives has passed SB 5873 unanimously. OLYMPIA — Washington businesses would see $214 million in unemployment insurance tax relief this year, with no use of state funds, under a bill passed by the Senate ...

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09 Feb
0

Senate passes Keiser bill to cap insulin costs at $35 per month

OLYMPIA — Washingtonians with diabetes would pay no more than $35 a month for insulin under SB 5546, passed yesterday by the Senate. “Insulin is a lifesaving medication,” said Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines), the sponsor of the legislation. “It ...

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14 Jan
0

An American first: Muslim, Hindu, Sikh legislators serve together in WA Senate

OLYMPIA – It has been a week of firsts in the Washington State Legislature. The swearing in of Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) on Monday, joining Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Sen. Mona Das (D-Kent), marked the first time in American ...

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12 Jan
0

Bill would protect domestic violence survivors from coercive abuse

OLYMPIA – Survivors of domestic violence in Washington state could be protected against severe emotional abuse through the civil protection order system through the passage of legislation sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland). SB 5845 ...

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12 Jan
0

Apprenticeship bills promise stronger, more just economy

OLYMPIA — Workers in Washington state would benefit from new apprenticeship programs in growing fields, reinvigorated support for existing apprenticeships, and significantly increased state funding for apprentices at public colleges, under two bills scheduled for committee hearings on Thursday. “The ‘earn-while-you-learn’ approach, with both classroom ...

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16 Dec
0

Dhingra voted chair of Senate Law & Justice Committee

REDMOND – Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) has been chosen to chair the Senate Law & Justice Committee. “I’m honored to have the trust of my colleagues to lead our efforts to ensure the effective and equitable administration of justice in ...

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