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Eide appointed to group reviewing funding options for array of King County projects

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, has been appointed to a task force studying the funding sources King County will use to finance programs ranging from affordable housing and the environment to arts and cultural programs, as taxes paying for Qwest and Safeco fields and the Kingdome begin to expire as the facilities are paid off.  more>>>

Hobbs named “Business Champion”

OLYMPIA —The Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Joint Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce has presented Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, with a 2008 Business Champion Award in recognition of his sponsorship and support of legislation to improve the business climate of Washington and Snohomish County. more>>>

Haugen named “Business Champion” by Chambers of Commerce

OLYMPIA —The Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Joint Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce has presented Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, with a 2008 Business Champion Award in recognition of her sponsorship and support of legislation to improve the business climate of Washington and Snohomish County. more>>>

Haugen announces grand opening of 10th District Office

OLYMPIA — With another successful legislative session behind her, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, announces the opening of her office in the 10th Legislative District to better serve constituents. more>>>

OLYMPIA — The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) presented their 2008 WEDA LEADER Award to Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, for his vision and passion for economic development and for embracing the need for legislative action on economic development infrastructure funding.  more>>>

May 2, 2008

OLYMPIA — The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) presented their 2008 WEDA LEADER Award to Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, for his commitment to economic development. The award is provided in recognition of Leadership in Economic Advancement, Development and Effective Revitalization of Washington. more>>>

April 24, 2008

Hargrove honored as “Champion for Children”

OLYMPIA — One of the state’s most respected child advocacy groups has recognized Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, for his commitment to improving the state’s foster care system and supporting children and families during the 2008 legislative session. more>>>

FAST FACTS: State Route 167 HOT lanes open May 3

The State Route 167 High Occupancy Tolls project is the first of its kind in Washington. Due to rain that made stripe painting impossible, the Department of Transportation will open HOT lanes on Saturday, May 3, a week later than planned To make your HOT lane commute easier, here are a few critical things that SR-167 drivers should know, including how not to pay the toll when you don’t need to — and avoiding a traffic ticket. more>>>

Supporting those who sacrifice for all of us

Last week, hundreds of people participated in community outreach events sponsored by the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs in Port Orchard. These events were held to honor our veterans for their service and focused on how we can support military families and veterans. more>>>

Haugen schedules post-session town hall meetings

OLYMPIA — Area residents are invited to hear updates from the conclusion of this year’s legislative session from Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, during a series of town hall meetings. more>>>

Weinstein confirms retirement

OLYMPIA – Senator Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, announced today that he will be sticking by his earlier decision to not seek reelection this November. Weinstein was elected in 2004 and serves as chair of the Senate Consumer Protection & Housing Committee. more>>>

Kilmer bill provides funds for public safety

OLYMPIA — Local communities will soon have help from the state in meeting the ever increasing cost of providing adequate public safety services, and in recruiting and retaining qualified fire fighters and law enforcement officers. more>>>

One giant LEAP for tracking government spending

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill aimed at increasing the transparency of our state finances yesterday. more>>>

Sen. Oemig on Northshore School District’s Decision

OLYMPIA – Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, made the following statement about Northshore School District’s decision to not close Woodin Elementary. more>>>

Manure — it’s a good thing!

OLYMPIA — Farming and ranching have reputations for being labor intensive enterprises. The visions of farmers awakening before dawn to milk the cows and of ranchers wrangling their cattle are iconic images of hard-working professions. But agriculture is also a capital intensive industry as well — the equipment necessary to run a farm is expensive, and the ongoing cost of day-to-day operations doesn’t leave behind have much money to spare for investing in innovative new technologies. more>>>

It’s official — Island County is rural

OLYMPIA — Island County doesn’t look any different today than it did yesterday, but a few strokes of the governor’s pen have transformed it from an urban county to a rural one. more>>>

Course correction for Washington State Ferries

OLYMPIA — During the 2008 session, the Washington State Senate confirmed a new Secretary of Transportation and a new Assistant Secretary for the Ferries Division. Yesterday, those new officials got a new set of sailing orders as Senate Bill 6932, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, was signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire. more>>>

Gov signs Haugen agricultural conservation market bill

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed into law a bill to give farmers some innovative ways to obtain multiple financial benefits from their land. more>>>

The gregarious marmot and its quest to be the state endemic mammal

OLYMPIA — Question: What’s the only mammal native to the state of Washington? Answer: The Olympic marmot. After making this observation in class, the fourth grade students of Wedgewood Elementary School in Seattle contacted Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, to propose a bill declaring the Olympic marmot as the state endemic mammal of Washington. more>>>

Senator Darlene Fairley recognized as a strong supporter of open government

OLYMPIA — Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, chair of the Government Operations & Elections Committee, has been recognized as being one of the top sponsors of bills in support of open government. more>>>

Sen. Eide statement on $500,000 state contribution for new Federal Way performing arts center

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, released the following statement on securing $500,000 in funding toward a new Federal Way performing arts center. The funding was included in the state’s 2008 Supplemental Capital Budget. more>>>

Initiative 601’s two-thirds rule violates state constitution

The News Tribune editorial on March 10 (“Senate lawsuit takes dead aim at voters’ will”) misses the point of my legal challenge of the initiative provision requiring a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes. more>>>

Budget maintains 10LD projects, adds health clinic funding

OLYMPIA — The 2008 budget approved by the Legislature maintains approximately $15 million in projects throughout the 10th Legislative District, and includes $2.25 million in funding for new projects requested by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. more>>>

Senate approves of good digestion

OLYMPIA — Washington farmers who use specialized equipment to create renewable energy from farm waste will get a tax break thanks to passage of a bill sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. more>>>

Washington at the forefront of solutions for the subprime mortgage crisis

OLYMPIA – U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Pauslon pledged today to toughen rules for mortgage brokers, but thanks to the Washington Legislature Gov. Gregoire already has several measures on her desk that will toughen the rules for mortgage brokers in Washington. more>>>

Home ownership options for low, middle income families continue as Kauffman bill heads to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA – At a time when financial institutions are leaving many would-be home owners out in the cold, the Legislature passed a bill that helps open the door to housing options and home ownership for more low and middle income families. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Weinstein on the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, made the following statement about the House’s failure to vote on the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights before the end of the 2008 Legislative Session. more>>>

Region benefits from budgets approved by Legislature

OLYMPIA – The state Legislature today approved the 2008 supplemental operating and capital budgets which include funding for many worthy projects throughout the region. more>>>

Remarks by Sen. Ed Murray at the signing of House Bill 3104, expanding the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners

Today we celebrate another step on the road to full equality for the LGBT community. more>>>

Kitsap Caucus secures funding for higher education on peninsula

OLYMPIA — The 2008 Conference Committee Operating Budget, expected to be passed by the Legislature on Thursday, includes $212,000 for the Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a program and operating plan for a university center in the Kitsap County area that will expand higher education opportunities for residents of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. more>>>

Post-Session Town Hall with Sen. Tom, Reps. Hunter and Eddy

BELLEVUE – The 48th District’s legislative delegation will host a post-session town hall Saturday, March 22 at Bellevue City Hall. Significant time will be held for questions, but members are expected to talk about transportation, housing, education and other issues addressed by the Legislature this session. more>>>

Legislature plans for high-speed internet deployment across state

OLYMPIA - A proposal to increase broadband internet access across the state passed the Legislature unanimously today. The successful measure was forged out of companion bills Engrossed Second Substitute Bill 6438, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D – Seattle, and Substitute House Bill 2559, sponsored by Rep. Zack Hudgins, D – Tukwila. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Weinstein on potential compromise

OLYMPIA – With just over 24 hours left until the end of the 2008 Legislative session, Senator Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, offered what he believes to be an extremely fair and very modest proposal to Speaker Chopp in response to the Speaker’s Three-Point Home Construction Plan. more>>>

Sen. Tom “moving it” all over the capitol campus

OLYMPIA — As the 2008 legislative session draws to a close in Olympia, so does the fourth annual Regence BlueShield "Move It" Legislative Walking Challenge, in which legislators wear a pedometer to record their back and forth journeys during session. more>>>

Marr walks all over the competition

OLYMPIA — The end of a legislative session in Olympia is fraught with competition among legislators trying to ensure that they meet their goals as the clock ticks down to the final moments before Sine Die. more>>>

Governor signs domestic partnership expansion into law

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation to help domestic partners achieve financial security. Rep. Jamie Pedersen and Sen. Ed Murray, both D-Seattle, sponsored the House and Senate versions of the proposal. more>>>

Trio of Hatfield bills pass Legislature; headed to Governor

OLYMPIA – As the adjournment of the 2008 Legislative session draws near, the Legislature is sending three bills sponsored by Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, to Governor Gregoire for her signature. more>>>

Legislature approves bill to improve teaching methods for autistic kids

OLYMPIA – Recognizing that autistic children have unique needs that must be taken into consideration when teachers are developing individual education programs, the Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville. more>>>

Senate passes 2008 transportation budget

OLYMPIA — Today the Senate passed the 2008 Conference Transportation Budget on a vote of 45 to 4. “I think members of both parties and both chambers did a good job of balancing out the differences between the transportation budgets proposed by the House and Senate to come up with a budget that focuses our limited transportation investments on the right priorities,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. more>>>

Tidal energy bill surges through Legislature

OLYMPIA — Washington will soon be taking the first steps toward establishing a clean and renewable power source based on hydrokinetic energy thanks to the work of two state legislators. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Weinstein on Speaker Chopp’s forthcoming proposal

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, made the following statement about Speaker Frank Chopp’s forthcoming three-point plan to address negligent builders in Washington. more>>>

Location of wetland mitigation banks clarified by Haugen bill

OLYMPIA — Since it’s approval in 1998, the Wetlands Mitigation Bank statute has been the subject of substantial dispute whenever banks were sited on lands that are designated and protected by counties as agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance. more>>>

Transportation budget increases funding for US 2 safety projects

OLYMPIA — The Legislature has announced the 2008 Conference Transportation Budget agreed to by the House and Senate that includes $14 million for safety improvement projects to Highway 2, an increase of $5 million from the figure that was proposed in earlier supplemental budgets. more>>>

Kohl-Welles campus safety bill passes Legislature; sent to Governor

OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 6328, which provides state colleges and universities additional authority to develop campus safety plans, unanimously passed the House of Representatives on March 5, and was sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. more>>>

Kohl-Welles bill to highlight Washington beer and wine passes Legislature

OLYMPIA – A new proposal sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, passed the legislature today, and will create a pilot project allowing a small number of grocery stores in Washington to offer beer or wine samples. Senate Bill 5751 passed the Senate on a 32-15 vote on Feb. 12, and passed the House 51-41 March 7. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Brian Weinstein on the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights

Senate Bill 6385 was not brought to a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives before today’s deadline for all bills to be approved by the opposite chamber of origin. Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, the prime sponsor of the bill, has the following statement: more>>>

Disability History Month bill passes house, nears governor's signature

OLYMPIA – A bill that recognizes significant contributions to our society by people with disabilities took a significant step towards the governor’s desk after passage in the House of Representatives today. The legislation was passed out of the Senate last month. more>>>

Legislature says yes to levy increase disclosure

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Legislature overwhelmingly passed legislation Thursday making voter approved levy propositions temporary unless otherwise stated. more>>>

Human remains bill passes Senate recognizing all tribes

OLYMPIA — House Bill 2624 passed the Senate today, 41-5, defining procedures to be followed if human remains are found. When the House passed the bill by a vote of 63-31, the bill only addressed federally recognized tribes. The bill passed today out of the Senate recognizes all tribes. more>>>

State ferries headed in the right direction

Washington State Ferries has been in the news recently, and it hasn’t been pretty. Between the short-notice retirements of the antiquated Steel Electric boats that served the Keystone – Port Townsend run to the more recent shuffling of vessels to accommodate urgently needed inspections, Washington residents now understand that our iconic ferries are in serious trouble. more>>>

March 7, 2008

Group reducing juvenile crime, drop out rate taps McAuliffe for steering committee

OLYMPIA – A King County program aimed at reducing juvenile crime and the resulting incarceration with targeted intervention programs has selected Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, to serve on the group’s steering committee. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Lisa Brown on today’s Supreme Court ruling

Today, the state Supreme Court ruled that it will not hear Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown’s constitutional challenge on an accelerated schedule. Her statement follows: more>>>

Haugen harvests Washington Farm Bureau award

OLYMPIA — The Washington Farm Bureau has recognized Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, for her sponsorship of legislation on key agricultural issues and her and advocacy of critical area ordinance protections and farmland preservation. more>>>

Law clarifying unlawful detainer procedure passes

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Legislature unanimously passed legislation today that clarifies the process for landlords and tenants to follow when there is a question of unpaid rent. more>>>

Protecting Washington’s children from toxins

OLYMPIA – Today, the Federal government conceded that a vaccine caused a 9-year-old girl’s autism symptoms. The ruling plus endless scientific studies lead Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, to sponsor an amendment that adds child vaccines to a bill that establishes toxic limits for children’s products. more>>>

Taxes stay local for florists

OLYMPIA — The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Wednesday that continues the long-standing policy of origin-based sales tax for florists. more>>>

Redistribution of certification fees bill heading to Governor

OLYMPIA — Washington’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation Wednesday permitting additional uses of educator certification fees. more>>>

Expanded whistleblower rights and definitions pass House

OLYMPIA — The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation Tuesday that strengthens the protections for whistleblowers and expands the definition of “improper governmental actions.” more>>>

New pollutants cleanup account passes House

OLYMPIA - Senate Bill 6722, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, creating a new account for cleaning up pollutants, was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The Senate unanimously passed the bill on Feb. 19. more>>>

Hargrove, Hatfield applaud the passage of bill to reduce green house gas emissions, create green jobs in state

OLYMPIA — The Senate gave a green light to a bill limiting green house gases in Washington while at the same time creating a comprehensive jobs growth initiative to increase the number of green jobs to 25,000 by 2020. more>>>

House concurs with Senate’s OPD bill

OLYMPIA - On Wednesday, March 5, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 6442, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, which repeals the sunset and termination clauses for the Office of Public Defense (OPD) and amends provisions relating to the OPD's administration, advisory committee, and other areas. The bill unanimously passed the Senate on Feb. 11. more>>>

Green jobs bill clears the Senate, heads for governor’s desk

OLYMPIA — The Green Jobs Act (House Bill 2815) passed the Senate today, 29-19. This was a requested bill from Gov. Christine Gregoire’s which sets a target of creating 25,000 green-collar jobs by 2020. more>>>

House passes bill expanding definition of civil disorder training

OLYMPIA – With a 93 to 2 vote yesterday, the House of Representatives passed legislation adding property damage to the 2002 Anti-Civil Disorder Training bill. more>>>

Condo reserve studies one step closer to law

OLYMPIA – With a 92 to 2 vote yesterday, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6215, sponsored by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, requiring residential condominium associations to conduct annual reserve studies to determine condo owners’ future maintenance and repair costs of common areas. more>>>

Statement from Sen. Paull Shin supporting Boeing

OLYMPIA -- Today, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, along with 38 other Washington state senators, submitted a letter to the President and Congress. The letter urges the President and Congress to examine a possible Boeing appeal of the February 29 decision to award the Air Force’s refueling-tanker contract to Airbus. more>>>

Domestic partnership bill passes legislature; heads to Gregoire for signature

OLYMPIA – The Senate passed legislation expanding rights and responsibilities to registered domestic partners — creating a new level of financial security and equity for Washington families. The measure passed the Senate Tuesday evening 29-20. more>>>

Hatfield advances crab buyback bill

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, revived his plan to expand the authority of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a crab fishery license buy-back program with the passage of Senate Bill 6821, which was amended to include Hatfield’s original proposal. more>>>

House passes Hatfield bill to help contractors

OLYMPIA – Today the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6504 on a unanimous vote, the first bill from Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, to pass the House this session. more>>>

Protecting homebuyers, one step at a time

OLYMPIA – The Legislature continues to work hard to prevent Washingtonians’ dreams of homeownership from becoming nightmares. Today, the House passed Senate Bill 6381, sponsored by Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, to regulate the mortgage broker industry — which supplies about 70 percent of today’s home loans. more>>>

Rebecca Griego bill passes House, one step closer to Gregoire’s signature

OLYMPIA – On a unanimous vote today, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6357, now known as the Rebecca Jane Griego Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. more>>>

Bill restoring regulation of individual health care premiums clears the House; Keiser declares victory for consumers

OLYMPIA — By a vote of 68-26, the state House today passed a key consumer protection bill restoring oversight of health insurance premiums to the Washington State Insurance Commissioner. more>>>

Kitsap senators secure funding for higher education, mental health and newborn babies

OLYMPIA — The proposed 2008 Operating and Capital Budgets passed this week by the Senate include funding for expanding higher education and mental health services in Kitsap county. more>>>

Senate vote exposes I-960 flaw

OLYMPIA – Senate Democrats say a failed measure to provide more resources for DUI enforcement and treatment illustrates the flaw in Initiative 960’s requirement of a two-thirds vote to raise new revenues. more>>>

Senate approves property tax relief for 25,700 more seniors

OLYMPIA – The Senate passed a measure today to provide property tax relief for as many as 25,700 additional seniors and disabled individuals per year. more>>>

Bill for tidal energy ebbs and flows in Senate

OLYMPIA — The Senate moved one step closer to establishing a clean and renewable source of energy to power Snohomish County today, passing Senate Bill 6111 sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens. more>>>

40th District Legislators congratulate Washington Aerospace Scholars

OLYMPIA – The state legislators from the 40th district wish to extend their congratulations to the outstanding students, who are among 225 talented juniors from across the state, who have been accepted into the first phase of Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS). more>>>

Retired Northshore teacher honored by McAuliffe, other lawmakers

OLYMPIA – After 37 years of teaching in the Northshore school district, Ken Mortland was honored at a Civic Education Day ceremony at the state capitol rotunda. more>>>

Senate transportation budget funds Mountain Highway intersection improvement, maintains Yelm bypass construction schedule

OLYMPIA – The state Senate today approved their version of the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget by a 39-10 vote. The budget includes funding for two projects of special interest to residents in east Thurston and south Pierce counties. more>>>

Sheldon supports local projects in Transportation Budget

OLYMPIA – In the new budget released by the Senate Transportation Committee Monday, local 35th district projects will continue to be funded, said Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch. Under the nearly $7.5 billion proposal, large projects like the Belfair bypass would remain funded, as well as the US 101 and Highway 3 interchange south of Shelton. more>>>

Responsive and responsible budgeting

OLYMPIA – Senate Democrats today unveiled their 2008 supplemental budget to the 2007-09 budget passed last year, and proposed mid-course corrections to address urgent needs and unexpected emergencies. more>>>

Yellowstone to Yukon initiative works cooperatively with all

OLYMPIA – The Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Y2Y, is a nonprofit organization formed by scientists and conservationists who saw the need for an organized forum with the purpose of connecting all different groups such as government, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, Native Americans, researchers and non-government organizations to ensure the outdoor values and wildlife can be enjoyed by all for now and future generations. more>>>

Senate transportation budget reflects enhanced accountability

OLYMPIA — The 2003 Nickel plan and 2005 Transportation Partnership Act (TPA) brought more than new revenue into transportation planning in Washington — they also brought new accountability and efficiency processes that have yielded a long list of projects that are on time and on budget. more>>>

Haugen announces Senate Transportation Budget

OLYMPIA — This morning, the Senate released its proposed supplemental transportation budget for 2008. “This budget preserves the priorities established in earlier transportation packages, and extends the accountability mechanisms established in those packages to the Washington State Ferry system,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. more>>>

Deadest of the dead bills – engine displacement fees

OLYMPIA — “I’ve never had so many people asking me to kill a bill that’s already dead,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, in response to the flood of e-mails and phone calls from people opposed to legislation that would require vehicle owners to pay a fee base on the size of their cars’ engine. more>>>

19th district Legislators stand firmly against outrageous new license fees

OLYMPIA – “There has been a lot of coverage in the news this week about Senate Bill 6900, which your 19th district representatives STRONGLY OPPOSED. more>>>

Hatfield helps pass tax break for working families

OLYMPIA – In the last vote before the cut-off deadline, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6809, by a vote of 32 to 16, which will provide working families with a tax break based on the Earned Income Tax Credit. Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, co-sponsored the measure. more>>>

Real estate licensing gets 30 year update

OLYMPIA — The world has changed, the economy has changed, home buying has changed, yet the licensing process for realtors has stayed the same. “During the past 30 years we have not updated our real estate statutes,” said Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, prime sponsor of legislation that updates the licensing process and overwhelming passed the Senate Monday. more>>>

Senate approves more judicial discretion in sentencing

OLYMPIA – Getting tough on crime makes a nice bumper sticker, but the real challenge is applying the slogan to real life. Arguing that judges need more flexibility in sentencing criminals based upon aggravating or mitigating factors, Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, sponsored legislation to allow more judicial discretion. more>>>

Simple majority amendment gives way to approval for more than fifty school districts

OLYMPIA – More than 55 school levies across Washington that would have failed last year are currently passing after yesterday’s election, thanks to a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2007. more>>>

Nine Lady Braves meet two lady senators

OLYMPIA — The La Conner High School Girls' Volleyball Team has gotten a lot of attention since winning the State 2B Championship and today was no exception during their trip to Olympia to receive recognition from the Legislature. more>>>

Skilled workers, more family wage jobs a key to local business

When I go to the Capitol each morning, my top priority is to work for more good jobs in our community. But economic development isn’t just something I focus on during the legislative session – it’s my profession. As the Business Retention Manager for the Economic Development Board, I meet yearly with about 200 businesses to support their efforts to grow and succeed in our region. more>>>

Statement on school bus accident in Cottonwood, Minn. from Senate education chair

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee issued the following statement regarding the tragic school bus collision yesterday in Cottonwood, Minn. that claimed the lives of four students. more>>>

Washington schools to recognize disability history month with McAuliffe legislation

OLYMPIA – The significant contribution to our society by those with disabilities will be recognized each October in state colleges, universities and public schools under a plan by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, that passed the Senate Tuesday, 49-0. more>>>

Identifying real property bill passes Senate

OLYMPIA — In order for a real estate purchase-and-sale agreement to be binding, a legal description is one of the required elements. For years, agents have used the county’s tax parcel identification number as the legal description, especially sense it’s easier to understand than the traditional metes and bounds description. more>>>

Senate approves military bills

OLYMPIA — Among the long list of legislation approved by the Senate on its last day to consider bills in their house of origin were a wide range of proposals expanding benefits to members of the armed forces. more>>>

Kohl-Welles bill offers clarity for Department of Health

OLYMPIA – The Department of Health currently is caught in a statutory Catch-22, in which the department is forced by state law to apply for federal grants that it is ineligible to receive under federal law. Senate Bill 6305, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, and passed by the Senate on Feb. 18 with a 37-11 vote, would fix the current dilemma. more>>>

Senate passes Hobbs bill for military kids

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed landmark legislation to promote an interstate compact on educational opportunities for military children. Senate Bill 6426, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, enters Washington into a multi-state agreement that seeks to create uniform standards on issues surrounding the areas of student enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation. more>>>

Senate approves Family Military Leave Act

OLYMPIA — Life for members of the armed forces and their families is tough enough without having to worry about whether or not a civilian employer will give a military spouse time off when their partner is on leave. But today, the Senate took a vote to help ensure that military families can to spend more time together. more>>>

Kilmer fights for POW status for family of local vet

OLYMPIA — Dean Gehring was serving in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War when he was taken prisoner during a reconnaissance patrol in enemy territory. He was held in a shack for two days before escaping, and spent over a week travelling through the snow with no food or shelter. By the time he reached allied forces, he was on the verge of starvation, and had to spend 30 days in a Tokyo hospital to recover. more>>>

Senate approves admissibility of prior bad acts in sex offense cases

OLYMPIA — This morning the Senate unanimously approved a bill that would allow evidence of a prior bad act by a defendant on trial for a sex offense to be admissible. more>>>

Senate approves climate change mitigation through growth management

OLYMPIA — Legislation aimed at reducing the carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions of growing communities in Washington passed the Senate today on a vote of 31-18, and now moves to the House for consideration. more>>>

Haugen bill combines agricultural and environmental benefits

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed a proposal to give farmers some innovative ways to obtain multiple financial benefits from their land. Senate Bill 6805 directs the State Conservation Commission to establish an agricultural conservation market in Washington through which market forces could provide incentives for farmers to use their land for environmental benefits. more>>>

Senate work session on global oil and alternative energy strategies for the transportation sector

OLYMPIA — The Senate Water Energy & Telecommunications Committee (WET Committee) announces a work session on global oil and alternative energy strategies for the transportation sector. more>>>

Relief package for 350,000 working Washingtonians passes Senate

OLYMPIA – As the final bill sent to the House of Representatives before today’s deadline for all bills to clear their chamber of origin, Senate Democrats approved Senate Bill 6809 to provide eligible families a state percentage payment of their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). more>>>

Senate agrees, physician data-mining should not be allowed

OLYMPIA – Last night the Senate passed Senate Bill 6241, which prohibits the sale or use of prescriber-identifiable prescription data for commercial or marketing purposes, otherwise known as ‘data-mining’. more>>>

Senate bill raises property damage costs in relation to sentencing

OLYMPIA — In 1975, the Washington Criminal Code was adopted to establish the degree of sentencing for property crimes based on the value of the items stolen. Those numbers have never been adjusted. A crime based on $1500 in property damage in 1975 would be equal to a property crime based on over $5600 property damage today. more>>>

Legislation gives renters and landlords legal guidance

OLYMPIA — Knowing what to do when a tenant fails to pay rent can be a real dilemma for the property owner. This is because understanding the complex process and their legal rights under the Landlord-Tenant Laws, can be confusing for both the owner and the renter. more>>>

National popular vote approved by Senate

OLYMPIA – Few have forgotten the 2000 presidential election when Al Gore won the national popular vote but not the presidency. Today, the Washington Senate took a step closer to ensuring this never happens again. more>>>

Senate passes multiple environmental bills

OLYMPIA — The Senate passed multiple pieces of legislation to promote planning and coordination among different organizations to address environmental issues. “We are already seeing significant changes from climate change and the projections are that the changes will intensify,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, prime sponsor of the bills. more>>>

Privacy protections for car owners passes senate

OLYMPIA – A bill by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, passed the senate today with the goal of making it clear to consumers what’s under the hood of their car, and creating privacy protections for the information that newer vehicle ‘black boxes’ hold. more>>>

Whistleblower rights and definitions expanded

OLYMPIA — The state Whistleblower Protection Program was created to give state employees a safe, confidential place to report violations within the work place. An employee can “blow the whistle” on a co-worker who violates policies or laws, wastes public funds, and/or acts in a way that could be a danger to public health or safety. more>>>

Ownership of Maury Island sand and gravel at issue

OLYMPIA — Today the Senate passed a measure that addresses the issue of who owns the sand and gravel on a section of Maury Island. The mining company, Glacier Northwest, proposes to increase a modest island-based gravel mining operation some 300-fold in a designated aquatic reserve. more>>>

Hobbs, Somers working on the railroad

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed legislation aimed at maintaining the viability of publically owned railway assets, which could be a vital element in returning rail service between Snohomish and Renton. more>>>

McAuliffe, other district legislators set town hall meetings this weekend

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, the senior member of the 1st District delegation, will join other 1st district legislators Rep. Al O’Brien and Rep. Mark Ericks for joint town hall meetings Saturday, Feb. 23 in Brier and Bothell. more>>>

Second District Town Hall meetings scheduled

OLYMPIA – Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, will hold town meetings to discuss important issues before the 2008 Legislature. more>>>

Legislators Committed to Fixing Ferries Mess

There are very serious problems at Washington State Ferries and, as your legislators, it is our job to do everything we can to fix them. more>>>

Caucus numbers not so great

Democracy is simple in theory. It has three basic rules: One person, one vote; count every vote; and whoever gets the most votes wins. Unfortunately, it’s been a little more complicated than that in Washington ever since the Republican and Democratic parties sued to eliminate our blanket primary system. more>>>

Senate approves truckload of transportation measures

OLYMPIA — The Senate spent Saturday morning passing a long list of transportation-related bills including more vigorous oversight of Washington State Ferries, maintaining publically-owned railroads, and providing special license plates for parents of service members killed in combat. Also passed were several technical fixes to existing laws on issues as diverse as aerial search-and-rescue liability, waterway pilotage, environmental mitigation in highway construction and allowing rural transit stops. more>>>

Government monitoring government on the move

OLYMPIA — State agencies maintain internal databases which may contain personal or confidential information on employees, clients, constituents, maybe even you. more>>>

Senate give unanimous approval of Haugen WSF accountability plan

OLYMPIA — A bill establishing greater accountability at Washington State Ferries passed the Senate today on a rare 49-0 vote. Senate Bill 6932, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, requires Washington State Ferries (WSF) to adopt the recommendations of the 2007 Joint Transportation Committee ferry study. more>>>

21st District legislators holding town hall Feb. 23

OLYMPIA – The legislative delegation from the 21st District will hold a town hall Saturday, Feb. 23. more>>>

Oak Harbor marina bill sails through Senate

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, to allow the Whidbey Island town of Oak Harbor to move forward with plans to improve its public marina. more>>>

Haugen bill for ag drainage flows out of Senate

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, that will help ensure that agricultural drainage plans meet the needs of both farmers and fish. more>>>

Senate passes jobs and economic development bills

OLYMPIA — Last night the Senate continuing their focus on making jobs and economic development a high priority by passing several bills aimed at growing the job market and providing workers with the skills and training they need to be competitive. more>>>

Sen. Brown’s water bills clear the Senate

OLYMPIA – The state Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 6874 on Thursday to implement agreements the state has entered with the Spokane Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation to manage water behind the Grand Coulee dam. more>>>

Senators praise Weyerhaeuser Cosmopolis mill decision

OLYMPIA — In a huge victory for the citizens of Grays Harbor County and the entire Washington coastal region, Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, and Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, expressed their unanimous support for the purchase of the Cosmopolis Pulp Mill by Evergreen Pulp of California and the Grays Harbor PUD. The announcement by Weyerhaeuser comes after more than a year of meetings and negotiations involving state lawmakers, community leaders and other potential buyers. more>>>

45th District legislators holding town halls Feb. 23

OLYMPIA – The legislative delegation from the 45th District will hold a pair of town halls Saturday, Feb. 23. The district includes Carnation, Duvall, Woodinville, and parts of Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish and the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. more>>>

In wake of tragedies, campus safety bill unanimously passes Senate

OLYMPIA – After the murder of Rebecca Griego at the University of Washington in April 2007, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history at Virginia Tech leaving 33 dead just two weeks later, the deaths of three in a murder-suicide tragedy at a technical college in Louisiana last week, and now the tragic shooting deaths of five students and the gunman, and wounding of 16 others at Northern Illinois University this afternoon, the Washington State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 6328, at the request of Governor Chris Gregoire and sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Wells, D-Seattle. more>>>

Keystone ferry bill signed into law

OLYMPIA — A bill sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, directing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to construct new vessels for the Keystone – Port Townsend route was signed into law today by Governor Chris Gregoire. more>>>

Senate education plans maintain key standards, extend help to students

OLYMPIA – The Senate today passed a package of bills supporting a range of students, their success, and high academic standards for meaningful Washington diplomas. more>>>

Feb. 13, 2008

Yellowstone to Yukon bill makes the first move

OLYMPIA – A bill designed to promote the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative was successfully passed today from the Senate to the House. The purpose of Y2Y is to define and designate a life-sustaining network of wildlife cores, movement corridors and transition areas throughout the Y2Y ecoregion which stretches from the Mackenzie Mountains in the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the southern end of the Wind River range on the border of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. more>>>