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This is the archived 2007 page. For the 2008 page, please click here.

Where’s the middle class going?

When I talk with community members in our area, one thing emerges above everything else: it’s getting more and more difficult for hardworking people to make a comfortable living. more>>>

Kitsap County receives salmon grant recovery funding

OLYMPIA — Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, announced today that Kitsap County has received a total of $1,055,641 from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board to protect and restore salmon populations and their habitats. more>>>

Opportunity for local students to work as Senate pages during 2008 session

OLYMPIA – Pages provide invaluable services to legislators and staff by relaying documents across the Capitol Campus, responding to requests from senators at work in the Senate chamber and presenting the flag during floor sessions. In exchange, students receive a valuable, hands-on civics lesson by seeing state government at work firsthand. more>>>

Senator Weinstein will not seek reelection in 2008

Senator Brian Weinstein, (D-Mercer Island) announced today that he will not seek reelection at the conclusion of his four year term in November 2008. “I plan on finishing my term, but have decided not to run again” said Weinstein. more>>>

Sen. Keiser: Consumers must have access to legal prescriptions

OLYMPIA – Washington’s pharmacies have to allow women access to a legal form of birth control as a condition of doing business in the state, if a bill introduced by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, becomes law. more>>>

Rockefeller announced chair of Senate Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee

OLYMPIA — Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, has been selected to lead the Water, Energy & Telecommunications (WET) Committee by the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus. Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, was named to serve as vice chair. Rockefeller’s selection follows the resignation of previous chair Sen. Erik Poulsen, D-Seattle. Poulsen has resigned from the Legislature. more>>>

Haugen hosts legislative panel with Skagit farmers to “cultivate the future”

OLYMPIA — Following up on her pivotal role in the creation of the Office of Farmland Preservation during the 2007 legislative session, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, hosted a legislative panel in Olympia to discuss the prospects for young farmers in Washington. more>>>

South Sound reps at forefront of property tax session

OLYMPIA – Thursday’s legislative session on property taxes featured two local representatives, Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) and Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor). more>>>

McDermott named to Senate committees, ready to ‘hit the ground running’

OLYMPIA – Sen. Joe McDermott (D-Seattle) has been named to three influential senate committees, capitalizing on his experience with issues ranging from education to civil rights. McDermott will serve on the Early Learning & K-12 Education, Governmental Operations & Elections and Judiciary committees. more>>>

Property tax lid, immediate relief for at-risk property owners cap special session

OLYMPIA – The state Senate passed two bills on property taxes in a special session called by Gov. Chris Gregoire. The first, House Bill 2416, will restore the 1 percent cap on property tax increases. Senate Democrats asserted that re-imposing the limit creates predictability and respects the will of the voters who passed Initiative 747 in 2001. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Chris Hurst, D-Enumclaw, passed 39-9. more>>>

Property tax ‘grace period’ bill passes Senate, goes to House

OLYMPIA – The state Senate passed legislation aimed at giving families and individuals who are in financial crisis and in danger of losing their homes, an option for relief. Senate Bill 6178 passed 27-21. more>>>

Senate Democrats announce new committee assignments

OLYMPIA – Senate Democrats today announced several changes to committee membership, necessitated by the departure of Sen. Erik Poulsen several months ago and the election of Sen. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, to fill his seat, and of Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, who had been appointed to fill a seat vacated by Sen. Mark Doumit. more>>>

Property tax ‘grace period’ would cut property tax payments

OLYMPIA – Restore, but do more. That’s how Senate Democrats will approach tomorrow’s 1 day special session. Lawmakers will look to restore the 1 percent property tax limit invalidated by the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this month to overturn Initiative 747, while also seeking to provide working Washington families a real remedy for their already-high property taxes. more>>>

Senate Democrats unveil plan to reinstate I-747

OLYMPIA – With the Legislature prepared to begin a special session tomorrow to allay concerns about property tax growth, Senate Democrats have released their legislation to restore the 1 percent property tax limit invalidated by the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this month to overturn Initiative 747. more>>>

Property taxes need greater reform

I'm strongly supporting Gov. Chris Gregoire's call for a special legislative session this week to take quick action to maintain the will of voters on Initiative 747. The steady rise of property taxes, mainly based on the rapid growth of the housing market, has become more and more difficult for working families to afford. more>>>

Eide says passage of simple majority ‘tremendous victory’ for education

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, the long-time sponsor of legislation that brought the issue of simple majority for school levies to voters this month, says voter approval of the measure was a watershed moment for Washington’s education system. more>>>

Senate education chair wants input from students

OLYMPIA – It’s important that students have a say in developing state education policy, so Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe invites middle and high school students to participate in the 2008 Youth Forum Wednesday, Dec. 12. The forum comes as McAuliffe and other lawmakers are preparing for the 2008 legislative session. more>>>

Whose money is it, anyway? State should give some back

Taxes. They've been called a necessary evil. Taxes are at the core of the love/hate relationship we have with government. We all depend on the services that government provides to us, even though we hate parting with our hard-earned dollars to pay for those services. more>>>

Veterans Day not the only day to honor and remember veterans

As we observe Veterans Day, I again reflect on the importance of honoring, not just today, but every day, those who have served our nation. During the 2007 legislative session, I and my Senate colleagues were proud to support Washington citizens who have served our country in the armed forces. We passed important legislation that honors and supports veterans. more>>>

UW North site announced, Shin reminds public to remember ‘it’s about the students’

OLYMPIA – The Legislature this year appropriated funds to identify where best to locate a University of Washington branch campus in the Snohomish-Island-Skagit County Region. The architectural firm of NBBJ was retained by the state Office of Financial Management to conduct the study. Its report, delivered today to members of the Legislature and Gov. Gregoire, announced Pacific Station in Everett as the preferred home to a new University of Washington campus — UW North. more>>>

Keiser: “We must ensure the health and safety of Lora Lake residents”

OLYMPIA – The desire for low-cost housing shouldn’t put residents in harm’s way, according to Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent. She has sent a letter to the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) asking for detailed mitigation measures to be taken for future residents of the Lora Lake Apartments. more>>>

Property tax relief bill drafted by Sen. Hobbs for 2008 Legislature

OLYMPIA – Property tax relief may have suffered a slight setback following yesterday’s Supreme Court rejection of Initiative 747, but Washington residents can expect to see legislative solutions to the problem. Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, has been working to draft legislation after hearing from his neighbors about recent spikes in property taxes. more>>>

Jacobsen selected as ‘Outstanding Legislator of the Year’ by veterans

OLYMPIA – Affirming the spirit of service embodied by our armed forces, Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, has been selected as “Legislator of the Year” by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the governor’s Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee. Each year these organizations recognize one state senator and one state representative for outstanding contributions to Washington’s veterans and their families. more>>>

Sen. Keiser: ‘Plan B’ will be before 2008 Legislature

OLYMPIA – Following today’s announcement that a federal judge has suspended Washington’s requirement that pharmacists sell "morning-after" birth control pills, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, guaranteed that legislation to codify the requirement will be heard during the 2008 legislative session. more>>>

Haugen discusses transportation needs at White House conference

OLYMPIA — As transportation leaders from around the nation met in Washington, D.C. to discuss transportation funding and congestion relief, one idea was most prominent — states need more predictability in funding and greater flexibility in how they spend those funds in order to achieve the best results. more>>>

Haugen provides leadership to National Conference of State Legislatures

OLYMPIA — The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the 50 states, has once again turned to a Washington legislator for national leadership. more>>>

Sen. Keiser honored for progressive leadership by national organization

OLYMPIA – Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, has been honored with the prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Leadership Award sponsored by the Center for Policy Alternatives, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to help state legislators achieve progressive change. She will receive the award December 8 at the organization’s 2007 Summit on the States in Washington, DC. more>>>

Free trip to Mars

OLYMPIA – Want to sample an exciting career? Looking to learn more about science or engineering? Interested in meeting new people? Or just want to beef up a college application? more>>>

Hargrove awarded for work on behalf of state’s vulnerable

OLYMPIA – Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, recently received two awards that are a testament to his decades of work on behalf of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. more>>>

Aberdeen to host state Senate work session on ocean policy

OLYMPIA – When it comes to good stewardship of the ocean, most of us are all wet. Although the ocean covers 70 percent of the earth’s surface, Washingtonians tend to focus more on Puget Sound, due to its proximity to population centers. That focus may be shifting, thanks to the work of the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation Committee, which has scheduled a work session in Aberdeen to examine a macro to micro view of ocean policy. more>>>

State Senate education leader honored as Legislator of the Year for career, technical education work

OLYMPIA – The Washington Association for Career and Technical Education selected Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, as a 2007 Legislator of the Year at a ceremony in SeaTac this month. more>>>

Oct. 19, 2007

Marr, Barlow to discuss health care at town hall meeting

OLYMPIA — Two local legislators will host a town hall meeting with a focus on health care issues. more>>>

Prentice honored by Mount St. Vincent

OLYMPIA – On Oct. 2, Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton and Rep. Eileen Cody, D-West Seattle, were surprised with a special recognition from Mount St. Vincent Long Term Care Hospital — or “the Mount.” A $5,000 scholarship has been named for each of them for their work in long-term care both as nurses and legislators. The scholarships will go to nursing students or nurses who wish to specialize in geriatrics and long-term care. more>>>

Haugen named as vice chair of national transportation panel

OLYMPIA — One of Washington state’s most influential authorities on transportation will be the vice chair of a new working group of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). more>>>

On health care, states must lead

Like politics, it seems all health-care reform these days is local. While Congress and President Bush have failed to address our failing, costly and disjointed health-care system, states have stepped up to the need by enacting reforms to achieve quality and affordable health care for all. States are providing the leadership that is moving health-care reform across state lines and building momentum for national reform. more>>>

Youth advocacy group honors Eide for after-school program support

OLYMPIA– A youth advocacy group has highlighted Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, as an Afterschool Hall of Fame Champion for her efforts as a state leader in helping kids learn and stay safe — even after the school day is over. more>>>

Marr: state Department of Health can temporarily cover loss of federal funds

OLYMPIA – Cleft lip and cleft palate patients have won a short reprieve as the Washington State Department of Health pledged to temporarily continue a program threatened by cuts in the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. The program teaches parents feeding techniques for infants born with cleft lips and cleft palates, and helps families find specialized maxillofacial care. more>>>

Franklin honored as mentor

OLYMPIA – Over the years, she’s been a role model for those aspiring to careers in nursing and in public service. For that record, Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, was honored by the group Women of Color Empowered at a recent luncheon. more>>>

Franklin earns perfect score for votes on children’s and families legislation

OLYMPIA – For her steadfast support of legislation to help Washington’s children and families, Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, was recently awarded five stars, or a “perfect” ranking, from the Children’s Alliance. more>>>

Prentice earns perfect score for votes on legislation for children, families

OLYMPIA – For being a champion of legislation to help Washington’s children and families, Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, was awarded five stars, or a “perfect” ranking from the Children’s Alliance. more>>>

Shin earns perfect score for votes on children’s and families legislation

OLYMPIA – For his unwavering support of legislation to help Washington’s children and families, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, was awarded five stars, or a “perfect” ranking, from the Children’s Alliance. more>>>

It’s time for government to act on costs of long-term care

When Spokane resident Wanda Flood purchased long term care insurance in 1996, she thought she was doing the right thing to guarantee that she and her husband would get the care they needed as they got older. Instead, she finds herself stuck with increasingly higher annual premiums, a policy that drops in value with each passing year, and some serious questions about whether her husband will be granted his benefits. more>>>

Haugen receives award for work on transit issues

OLYMPIA — Recognizing her dedication to improving transit access for people with disabilities across Washington, the Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) organization presented Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, with a plaque during the recent People First of Skagit County event. more>>>

Franklin joined others to “energize the West”

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, joined state legislators from the 13 Western states at the annual meeting for the Council of State Governments-WEST (CSG-WEST) on Sept. 16–19 in Jackson, Wyoming. The meeting, whose theme was “Energizing the West,” was hosted by the Wyoming Legislature. more>>>

Kilmer receives award for work on veterans issues

OLYMPIA — The Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) has chosen Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, as the recipient of its Glenn Galbreath Award for his work on veterans issues. more>>>

Take another look at education funding

In 1977, Washingtonians were watching "Laverne & Shirley" and paying thousands of dollars for computers that today's $100 cell phone can outperform. Also in 1977 -- 30 years ago -- the state took a comprehensive look at the way we finance our K-12 education system. It hasn't been done since. more>>>

Legislators scrutinize long term care insurance

OLYMPIA — State legislators held a meeting in Spokane with Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, long term care insurance professionals, and a representative of Washington nursing homes to discuss the issue of long-term care insurance and the unprecedented rate hikes that are being granted to some insurance carriers by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. more>>>

Franklin will join others to “energize the West”

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, will join state legislators from the 13 Western states at the annual meeting for the Council of State Governments-WEST (CSG-WEST) set for Sept. 16–19 in Jackson, Wyoming. The meeting, whose theme is “Energizing the West,” is hosted by the Wyoming Legislature. more>>>

Sen. Erik Poulsen stepping down to pursue PUD Association opportunity

OLYMPIA – State Sen. Erik Poulsen, D-West Seattle, announced today he is leaving the Legislature to serve as government relations director for the Washington Public Utilities Districts (PUD) Association, a nonprofit agency that represents 28 public electric and water utilities throughout the state. more>>>

Lawmaker moves to halt sales, lease of recalled toys

OLYMPIA – Already this year, 44 recalls of more than 20 million toys — all made in China — have frustrated conscientious parents and driven untold numbers of toddlers to tears and tantrums. While information about recalled products is widely available, nothing in state law prevents retailers from continuing to sell defective or dangerous items. more>>>

August 14, 2007

Urban partnership grant provides funds for SR-520

OLYMPIA — Recognizing that the state and region are using the most advanced tools to make traffic better on the state Route 520 corridor, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced it will provide $138.7 million in funding through it’s Urban Partnership Agreement program to facilitate the 520 bridge replacement project. more>>>

Tom honored for his efforts to make school lunches affordable for all

OLYMPIA – Millions of American children depend on reduced price school meals, but some families struggle to cover the co-pay. To help ensure more children have access to nutritious, affordable meals while at school, Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, worked this session to eliminate the burdensome co-pay for some Washington families. more>>>

New formulas coming for school funding

No task is more thankless than trying to cut the fat from an already lean budget. But that's just what Spokane Public Schools and other districts around the state are doing yet again this year.  more>>>

Upon release, felons deserve to cast ballots

Kudos to the P-I ("Voter rights: Still citizens," Friday editorial) and to Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander for recognizing the kernel of truth at the issue of restoring voting rights to felons: The right to vote should not be predicated upon one's financial status. more>>>

Senate Democrats committed to keeping the public safe

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, today issued the following statement regarding House Republicans’ call for a special legislative session to address public safety laws: more>>>

Kohl-Welles to press forward with legislation to restore felon voting rights

OLYMPIA – Notwithstanding opinions handed down today by the Washington State Supreme Court on the issue, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, said voting rights should not be denied to those who have served their time but have been unable to pay their fines. more>>>

Seattle Storm hail Franklin as ‘woman of inspiration’

OLYMPIA – It’s been years since she made a layup and her hook shot was never that menacing. Yet the Seattle Storm named Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, as one of six “Women of Inspiration” in its second annual listing of the distinction. more>>>

McAuliffe welcomes Korean delegation to Washington

OLYMPIA – A group of Korean dignitaries and educators will visit Washington this week as part of ongoing efforts between leaders in Washington and the Republic of Korea to enhance work force training partnerships. more>>>

Kohl-Welles lauded for accomplishments

OLYMPIA – For championing public safety, advocating for the arts, supporting school nutrition programs and leading Washington’s movement against expansion of the Iraq War, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D- Seattle, has been recognized recently by several organizations. more>>>

All Washington’s children should have coverage

Your June 26 editorial stated there are good fiscal arguments for providing health coverage for all children in Washington. And it correctly states that low-income adults also need help securing health care. more>>>

Nursing home tax finally put to bed

OLYMPIA – It’s taken years of work, but residents of Washington nursing homes can finally say goodbye to a tax that was costing them as much as $1,800 a year. more>>>

Kastama heads to Taiwan on trade mission

OLYMPIA — What do members of the Legislature do when they are not in session? For those who are responsible for keeping our economy humming along, they’ll spend part of their summer trying to improve economic relations with one of our state’s top10 trading partners. more>>>

Kauffman works to improve lives of working families

OLYMPIA – One-third of American families have no net worth or are in debt. A quarter of families are asset poor, meaning they lack the resources to live at the federal poverty level for more than three months if they lost their incomes. more>>>

Tom set to tour China to observe language instruction

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, will be part of a delegation traveling to China later this month to learn more about the country’s booming economy and how teaching Chinese in more Washington public schools could benefit the state. more>>>

Keiser honored for leadership in funding children’s health insurance

OLYMPIA – It was one of the capstone accomplishments of the Legislature in the session that adjourned in April. Thanks to the tenacity and leadership of Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, 39,000 more children in Washington will have health insurance. For this success, she was awarded the “Public Policy Maker” award by the South King Council of Human Services. more>>>

Washington Delegation to Attend the Paris Air Show

OLYMPIA. – With Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner scheduled for lift off soon, all eyes will be on Washington’s soaring aerospace industry at the 47th Paris Air Show, June 18 – 24, 2007. more>>>

Franklin to hold town hall meeting

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, will host a town hall meeting to discuss health care, education and other critical issues considered during the recently concluded 2007 legislative session. more>>>

Keiser’s accomplishments lauded at Washington, D.C. event

OLYMPIA – Washington will be prominently represented at a national forum for state policy successes. The Progressive States Network, in partnership with the Center for American Progress Action Fund, is hosting the June 14 event in Washington, D.C., where legislators from several states are discussing landmark gains made by their legislatures. Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, was invited to talk about advances made in health care and family leave legislation in the session which adjourned in April. more>>>

Let’s fix the problem of reoffending, not just build more prisons

Last summer, we co-chaired a legislative task force on prison and re-entry reform. Our goal: to reduce recidivism by changing how our state deals with felons both inside our prisons and upon re-entry into our communities. more>>>

McAuliffe honored for support of outdoor education programs

OLYMPIA – During a walk in her community, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, saw a young girl picking up paper in her yard. McAuliffe asked what she was doing, and the girl replied, “I’m picking up my world.” more>>>

Washington scores high in fight against human trafficking

OLYMPIA – In a first-ever report card issued on human trafficking, Washington rates highly among the 50 states for efforts to confront human trafficking of women and girls into the country. more>>>

Eide receives school administrator group’s highest award for education leadership

OLYMPIA – She hails it as an unprecedented victory for the education community — and the education community seems to agree with her. After working on the issue since 1993, a measure by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, to allow the passage of school levies by a simple majority cleared the Legislature this year. more>>>

Keiser lauded nationally for leadership on affordable health care and family leave issues

OLYMPIA – She championed affordable health care and family leave insurance for Washington’s working families. Both measures were signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire this legislative session. For her groundbreaking efforts, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, was named May Legislator of the Month by the Center for Policy Alternatives. more>>>

Haugen hails session a success

OLYMPIA – It truly is the little things that count, according to Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. “We do a lot of big things in Olympia,” she said, “but it’s the projects for the people back home that really matter the most to me.” more>>>

Governor gives farmers the option to use biodiesel

OLYMPIA – This week, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law legislation that offers farmers an incentive to begin using biodiesel fuel to power their equipment. more>>>

Governor takes action on transportation bills

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire this week signed into law a transportation budget for 2007-09 that lawmakers hailed as putting public safety first and keeping on schedule major projects promised in the 2003 Nickel Package and the 2005 Transportation Partnership Package. more>>>

Berkey: Stronger defense for consumers in battle against identity theft

OLYMPIA – In a victory for better consumer protections against identity theft, Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed a bill to strengthen Washington’s two-year-old credit freeze law. more>>>

Taking care of business

OLYMPIA – He’s been a soldier and a senator. Now he can add one more title to his résumé. The Everett and the South Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce announced last week that Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, is a recipient of their annual “Business Champion” award. more>>>

Causing ferry frustration could cost you

OLYMPIA – It’s rude to cut in line. We’ve all known this since the earliest of ages, yet it’s a rule that some still ignore. Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill to establish a fine for those who decide to cut in line while waiting to board a ferry. more>>>

Haugen honored with local “Business Champion” award

OLYMPIA – The Everett and the South Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce have honored Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, with their annual “Business Champion” award, the Joint Government Affairs Committee from the two chambers announced this week. more>>>

Measuring performance in our public schools

OLYMPIA – “We have to learn what our education dollars are buying,” said Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland. Today at the Seattle Science Center, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law Senate Bill 5843, which directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to pilot a statewide student-teacher performance data system. more>>>

Rockefeller: Safer schools mean safer kids

OLYMPIA – Acknowledging the harsh reality of violence in schools, Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed legislation to improve school safety procedures and better protect Washington’s children. more>>>

Senate Democrats’ Washington Learns bills signed into law

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed five Senate bills to implement the recommendations of Washington Learns, an 18-month study aimed at revolutionizing public education in Washington. On hand were some of the senators who sponsored the legislation. more>>>

Rockefeller’s college bound scholarship signed into law

OLYMPIA – With the stroke of a pen, Washington is on its way to improving college participation rates for low-income students. Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5098, prime sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, to create the college bound scholarship for qualified applicants. more>>>

Governor signs Haugen’s local water-sewer district fix

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed into law a bill to help a local San Juan Island water-sewer district ensure that its commissioner seat does not go vacant. more>>>

Landmark family leave bill signed in time for Mother’s Day

OLYMPIA – After several months of intense negotiations, compromise and some nail biting, a bill setting up a family leave program was signed into law today. Washington will be the second state to offer this benefit. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe on WASL bill signing

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, today released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 6023¸which she sponsored to revamp WASL graduation requirements and help more students meet standard through alternative assessments: more>>>

Tom’s anti-crime bills signed into law

OLYMPIA – The governor today signed two bills sponsored by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, to cut down on drug-related theft by regulating scrap metal sales, and toughen the penalty for intentional animal abandonment. more>>>

Farmland preservation bill signed into law

OLYMPIA – As more and more housing developers set their sights on acquiring scenic and relatively inexpensive agricultural lands, farming communities across our state face the prospect of irreversible changes to their essential character. more>>>

Governor signs Rockefeller’s Sound-saving ‘Partnership’ bill

OLYMPIA – The prognosis for the long-term health of the Puget Sound took a turn for the better with the signing of Senate Bill 5372 by Gov. Chris Gregoire today. more>>>

Clear sailing for Rockefeller’s derelict vessels bill

OLYMPIA – Potential oil spills caused by abandoned vessels may be less of a threat to our waterways now that Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed legislation to beef up the removal of several hundred derelict or abandoned vessels. more>>>

Governor signs bill to correct judicial activism and restore rights to disabled

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gregoire today signed Senate Bill 5340 to restore the rights of the disabled after they were taken away last year in a ruling by the Washington Supreme Court. more>>>

Whidbey artist’s work graces Olympia office of Sen. Haugen

OLYMPIA — The watercolors of Anne M. Waterman are now on display in the Olympia office of Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. Haugen, an avid collector of art wherever she travels, prefers to use her office to showcase artists from her 10th Legislative District. more>>>

It’s the law: Wildlife volunteers will be compensated, thanks to Haugen

OLYMPIA — Volunteers who handle injured or frightened wildlife will receive long-needed compensation under a bill signed in law Monday by Gov. Chris Gregoire. more>>>

Balancing the scales of justice

OLYMPIA – In a society that values government transparency, the concept of confidentiality may seem out of place. Yet often it is the confidential source of information who reveals the truth others try to hide. That’s the impetus for the state Legislature’s approval of a “reporter’s shield” that affirms the unique relationship between a newspaper or broadcast reporter and a source of information. Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed this measure into law. more>>>

Legislature passes budget

OLYMPIA – Calling it a blueprint to make Washington an even stronger, smarter, healthier and more prosperous state, lawmakers today approved a $33.4 billion state operating budget for the 2007-09 biennium, which includes significant savings on the bottom line. more>>>

Oemig knocks another block out of the impeachment dam

OLYMPIA – Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, brought the reality of the Iraq war to the floor of the state Senate in an emotional speech on Thursday, and reminded his colleagues that the commander in chief can be relieved of duty. more>>>

Legislators reach compromise on WASL changes

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, today announced a consensus among legislative leaders to create new pathways for students to demonstrate their knowledge in math and science, and expand existing alternative assessments for all portions of the WASL. more>>>

Jacobsen’s message heard: Legislature provides $4.2 million for Seattle schools

OLYMPIA – The Senate today passed a budget providing $4.2 million dollars to the Seattle Public School system over the course of two years, a major victory for children in Sen. Ken Jacobsen’s district. more>>>

Revamped offender re-entry bill passes Legislature

OLYMPIA – Earlier this year, a comprehensive offender re-entry bill that provided a dramatic expansion of research-based offender programming to curb recidivism and increase public safety stalled in the state House of Representatives, much to the dismay of Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, and Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, co-sponsors of Senate Bill 5070. more>>>

Family leave compromise reached

OLYMPIA – Agreement on a landmark bill on family leave insurance was reached today as the state Senate voted 26-21 on a compromise the House approved by a 57-41 vote on April 20. more>>>

Governor signs bill outlawing discrimination against veterans

OLYMPIA – They don’t expect parades. But they don’t expect discrimination either. Veterans returning from war want nothing more than a smooth re-entry into society. For many, however, their return from the Middle East is marred by a new and unsuspected enemy: discrimination based on ignorance about post-traumatic stress disorder and displaced anger about Iraq. more>>>

How sweet it is! Local students look on as Walla Walla sweet onion becomes official state veggie

OLYMPIA – Supervised by teacher Alex Hansen, students from Eatonville Middle School journeyed to Olympia as part of a real-world civics lesson in how a bill becomes a law. more>>>

Legislature agrees on health care reform bill

OLYMPIA – Of all the bills considered this legislative session, it ranks among the most far-reaching. But then again, overhauling the state’s health care delivery system is heavy lifting. more>>>

Medical marijuana bill on way to governor

OLYMPIA – After intense negotiations, the Legislature reached an agreement on a medical marijuana bill supporters say will bring clarity to a murky area. Senate Bill 6032, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, passed the Legislature and now moves to the governor for her signature. more>>>

Sound wall and other improvements in store for I-5, State Route 20

OLYMPIA — A sound wall along Interstate 5 in Burlington and safety improvements along State Route 20 are key items in the 2007–09 transportation budget agreed on today by transportation committee chairs in the state Senate and House of Representatives. more>>>

Governor gives green light to Rockefeller’s student transportation bill

OLYMPIA – School districts all over Washington rely upon state funding to underwrite the transportation students depend on to get to and from school each day. Unfortunately, those funds are allocated using a mileage formula based on “how the crow flies” instead of “how the bus drives,” leaving many school districts short-changed. more>>>

Kohl-Welles receives legislator of the year honor

OLYMPIA – For her state-level work against the Iraq War and her introduction of Senate Joint Memorial 8003, requesting the U.S. Congress to refrain from funding an escalation of the American presence in Iraq and to require the president to seek congressional approval prior to any escalation, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, was one of three state legislators in the country to receive the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Progressive States Network at its April 19 gala in Washington, D.C. more>>>

Sen. Hobbs: Invest in opportunity for our children

OLYMPIA – Smart investing means directing your limited resources where they pay the greatest dividends. And there is simply no investment smarter than education. more>>>

Kline: Who should define a “disability”?

OLYMPIA – The Legislature has approved a measure to restore the rights of the disabled after they were taken away last year in a ruling by the Washington Supreme Court. Senate Bill 5340, sponsored by Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, would restore the broader, pre-ruling definition and codify it in law. more>>>

Tom crosses the finish line in legislators’ pedometer challenge

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, helped win $1,000 for the Bellevue School District in the third annual “Legislators on the Move” competition sponsored by Regence BlueShield. The grant will help fund health and fitness programs at a Bellevue school. move>>>

Skill centers provide a piece of the education puzzle

OLYMPIA – It’s a simple truth: Not every student can or wants to go to college. But while we’ve focused on improving Washington’s higher education system, we’ve neglected the critical contribution of skill centers. To address that problem, the Legislature has approved a measure that will result in more satellite and branch campus skill centers. more>>>

Shifty Sailors bring blend of song and joy to Senate at Haugen’s invitation

OLYMPIA — The tensions of budget negotiations, bill amendments and other final matters of the 2007 legislative session were broken today when the voices of Whidbey Island’s Shifty Sailors resonated throughout the Senate chamber. more>>>

Public servants serving as volunteer firefighters receive governor’s support

OLYMPIA – A bill allowing state employees serving as firefighters and emergency responders to get to a medical emergency or fire without employer impediment was signed into law yesterday. The bill passed unanimously out of both legislative bodies. more>>>

Kilmer presses WSDOT to cut costs, find other money for bridge ceremony

OLYMPIA — If the state can’t build a new Narrows Bridge without charging tolls, then it can’t afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in tolls on an opening ceremony, Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, said today. more>>>

Governor signs Spanel’s bill to create a new judge position for Island and San Juan counties

OLYMPIA — Citizens in the counties of Island and San Juan will have more access to the courts now that Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-40th District, to create an additional superior court judge position, pending approval by the counties. Rep. Dave Quall, D-40th District, was the lead in the House of Representatives to move the bill through the House process. more>>>

Bill on commercial sex abuse of a child on way to governor

OLYMPIA – It was such a good idea that it passed both houses of the Legislature without a single dissenting vote.

And according to sponsor Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, it was a no-brainer. more>>>

State lawmakers make final push for stronger school safety legislation

OLYMPIA – State lawmakers are pointing to the recent murder-suicide at the University of Washington and yesterday’s tragedy at Virginia Tech University as evidence of the necessity for school safety legislation that is suffering an uncertain fate during the final week of the legislative session. more>>>

Bill treats licensed chiropractors fairly

A patient walks into a clinic with a broken arm. The patient’s primary care doctor is booked solid. Although the clinic has two other medical doctors, the patient is told the insurance provider won’t allow him to see the other available physicians. That’s because his health insurance — the coverage the patient pays monthly premiums for — only extends coverage if a patient is seen by the assigned primary care doctor. more>>>

Kilmer bills on permitting, construction and infrastructure await signature

OLYMPIA — Permitting processes would be more open under a bill passed today by the state Senate and sent to the governor for her signature. Senate Bill 5508, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, would improve government services while furthering local economic growth. more>>>

Legislature passes Haugen bill to maintain highways in small cities and towns

OLYMPIA — Smaller cities and towns typically lack the means to maintain portions of state highways that run through them, so the responsibility falls to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). As populations grow, cities such as Oak Harbor exceed the threshold for WSDOT assistance. more>>>

Eide’s persistence pays off with simple majority

OLYMPIA – After 14 years, the Legislature passed a companion to the resolution by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, to place a measure on the ballot to amend the state constitution allowing school levies to be approved by a simple majority, or 50 percent plus one vote, instead of the current 60 percent supermajority. more>>>

Getting the WASL right: It's all about the standards

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning is not just about passing a test – it’s about helping Washington students demonstrate their ability to meet academic standards, and earn a meaningful diploma. more>>>

Tipping the balance in favor of fairness

OLYMPIA – Stripping an 80 year-old provision in the constitution has long been a top priority for the state’s education community. Educators believe the local school levy rules are unfair to students. more>>>

Current laws must address strangulation

The statistics are chilling: Washington law enforcement agencies responded to 53,770 domestic violence-related calls in 2005. Put another way, six individuals each hour reported an assault by a domestic partner in our state. What an appalling picture, especially with the knowledge that so many cases are never reported. more>>>

Berkey’s credit freeze legislation on way to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA – Legislation to improve the state’s two-year-old credit freeze law is only a signature away from becoming enacted after the Senate today unanimously concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 5826. more>>>

Hatfield moves bill to protect farmlands

OLYMPIA – A bill supported by Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, to help maintain the commercial viability of Washington’s farmlands was amended and passed by the House April 13. Once the Senate has concurred with the amendments the bill will move to the governor for her signature. more>>>

Aerospace businesses would get excise tax relief

OLYMPIA – The state Senate today approved legislation to provide excise tax relief for aerospace product development businesses. In 2003, the Legislature passed a major tax incentive for aerospace businesses, and 25 companies, including 13 in Snohomish County, were inadvertently left out. more>>>