Sweeping mental health care reforms approved by Governor Inslee

Posted on May 23, 2013

We’ve seen the tragedy that can occur when the mentally ill don’t get the care they need. Tuesday afternoon, Governor Inslee approved several measures to improve mental health care and make Washington a safer place.

Among the reforms is Rep. Tami Green’s bill to speed-up the implementation of changes to the involuntary treatment law – funding the updates two years ahead of schedule.

“It’s a myth that all mentally ill people are dangerous – but as a nurse who deals with the mentally ill, I know we must treat severe mental illness quickly and correctly,” said Rep. Green. “You can’t ignore the problem and hope nothing bad happens to that patient, their family or their neighborhood. This is a smart reform that will protect patients and communities.”

mental health bill signingGovernor Inslee signs SB 5480 into law earlier this week.

Continue reading →

Posted in Dawn Morrell, Eileen Cody, Jamie Pedersen, News, Tami Green | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Governor approves tighter control over derelict ships, boats

Posted on May 20, 2013

The widespread problem of derelict and abandoned boats and ships would be tackled with strengthened controls and more money, under a bill by Rep. Drew Hansen signed into law today by Gov. Inslee.

The measure is designed to address the kind of incidents that have generated headlines around Puget Sound lately: A 167-foot ship sinking in Tacoma’s Hylebos Waterway, dragging another ship off even keel; the state seizing a 180-foot hulk off Port Ludlow when its owner misfired on plans to tow it to Mexico; a 140-foot former fishing boat catching fire in Penn Cove, disgorging fuel into the water as it sank. Continue reading →

Posted in Drew Hansen, News | Tagged , , | Comments Off

‘Don’t play petty games with $79 million,’ Moeller urges

Posted on May 20, 2013

The federal government isn’t kidding around at all about the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project. In view of that very clear and present fact, Washington state Rep. Jim Moeller is calling on his fellow lawmakers to wake up and smell the huge cup of financial coffee at stake.

“We need to take very seriously the April 19th letter from federal highway officials regarding a potential demand for repayment of financial help in building a new bridge,” Moeller said. “Don’t play petty games with $79 million in federal funding already advanced to our state for this extremely important project.

Continue reading →

Posted in Jim Moeller | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Unemployment now below Dec 2008 rate

Posted on May 17, 2013

Earlier this week, the Employment Security Department (ESD) reported that Washington’s unemployment rate has dropped half a percentage point since January. The 3,800 jobs added last month brings April’s rate down to 7 percent, the lowest point since December 2008, when it was 7.1 percent.

Scott Baily, an ESD economist said the state’s labor market is improving faster than the nation’s.

The sectors with the most job gains were:unemployment

  • Retail trade, up 3,800
  • Leisure and hospitality, up 1,600
  • Professional and business services, up 1,500
  • Other services, up 600
  • Manufacturing, up 400
  • Financial activities, up 300

So far, Washington has regained about 78 percent of the 205,000 jobs lost during the recession. For more information, get April’s employment report here.

Posted in The Advance | Tagged , | Comments Off

Governor signs Neighborhood Safe Streets Act by Rep. Ryu

Posted on May 17, 2013
Gov. Jay Inslee signs the Neighborhood Safe Streets Act (House Bill 1045) by Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline).

Gov. Jay Inslee signs the Neighborhood Safe Streets Act (House Bill 1045) by Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline).

Click here for a previous story explaining how the Neighborhood Safe Streets Act will save money and lives.

Posted in Cindy Ryu, News | Comments Off