Washington State Legislature

460 Stories

WA Dept. of Health asking lawmakers for $100M for coronavirus response

As the death toll rises, Washington’s Secretary of Health is asking state lawmakers for $100 million in emergency funds to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. That’s a 10-fold increase over what the Washington Senate approved just last week.
- Austin Jenkins
'It’s a full time job being homeless:' Lawmakers consider child care subsidy for homeless families

Kara Tolentino’s family has been homeless for nearly a year. She, her husband, and their two young sons live in a camper. There’s little room for the kids to play, and no bathroom, which makes potty training almost impossible. One thing that’s made a difference as the family has worked to stabilize is access to child care.
- Kate Walters
In middle of debate, felon voting rights bill dies on floor of Washington Senate

Legislation to automatically restore the voting rights of convicted felons when they are released from prison has died unexpectedly in the Washington Senate.
- Austin Jenkins
Health insurance industry lobbying pays off with key change to consumer-minded bill

Strong opposition and intense lobbying by Washington’s health insurance industry has resulted in a key change to a consumer-oriented measure designed to address rising premium costs.
- Austin Jenkins
Odds improving that Washington may legalize sports betting, but not like Oregon

A couple of years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states beyond Nevada to have sports betting. Oregon dove in last year. Idaho, Washington and California have held back. Now, Washington state lawmakers are taking a hard look at legalizing sports betting. But they do not seem inclined to copy much from Oregon's playbook.
- Tom Banse
Big insurers rack up billions in surpluses, now lawmakers may take a bite of the pie

In recent years, people who buy health insurance on the individual market have experienced steep premium hikes, higher deductibles and increases in other out-of-pocket expenses. At the same time, Washington’s three biggest nonprofit insurers have amassed nearly $4.5 billion dollars in surpluses.
- Austin Jenkins
Grief and furor as gun violence victims and gun rights advocates descend on Olympia

A gun rally in Virginia on Monday drew thousands of people and national attention. But guns were also on the agenda at the Washington state Capitol...
- Austin Jenkins
'They're trying to label us all domestic terrorists.' Rep. Matt Shea addresses gun rights rally

Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, a Spokane Valley Republican, has been accused of participating in an act of domestic terrorism prompting top elected officials to call on him to resign. But Friday, Shea found strong support at a gun rights rally at the state Capitol.
- Austin Jenkins
What Washington lawmakers were up to during their first week in session

Washington state lawmakers have been on the job for one week now. The start of 2020 was filled with historical moments and and hearings on a range of issues.
- Austin Jenkins
State lawmakers aim to make WA schools safer for undocumented students

A proposed measure would make sure schools across Washington state do not collect the immigration status of students or their families.
- Esmy Jimenez

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Washington State Legislature

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