Author Archives: kenf

OLYMPIA — Senate Democrats’ proposed capital construction budget (Senate Bill 5083), which would be the largest in state history, would build $6.2 billion in priority infrastructure across the state—expanding broadband internet access, growing the state’s affordable housing, safeguarding natural resources, ...

OLYMPIA – Washington would extend its public-health approach to substance use disorder by establishing a new legal framework for the possession of controlled substances, under a bill introduced today by Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond). In a Feb. 25 decision in ...

OLYMPIA — Frontline election workers would be protected from harassment in Washington state under a bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by the Senate late on Thursday. “Elections are meant to safeguard our democracy—they are our democracy,” said Sen. David ...

OLYMPIA – Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will gain crucial protections and supports, and abusers will be held more accountable, if four bills passed unanimously by the Senate become law. SB 5180, passed today, would make it easier ...

OLYMPIA — Frontline workers who are infected with COVID-19 would receive medical coverage and partial wage replacement for lost work hours under the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), passed today by the Senate on a vote of 48-1. “HELSA ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SEATTLE — The bipartisan Senate Special Committee on Economic Recovery today released recommendations for rebuilding a post-pandemic economy that works for all Washingtonians. “Washington’s economy has been stretched in unparalleled ways as the public health crisis began, leveled off, and ...