Fighting against diabetes
May 23, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Last weekend, 11,000 people participated in a Seattle race to fight juvenile diabetes. Diabetes is a statewide health problem, for kids and adults alike, affecting more and more people. Some numbers and facts about the size of the problem: •An … Continue reading
Sweeping mental health care reforms approved by Governor Inslee
May 23, 2013 - WA House Dems
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. … Continue reading
Looking for a new health care provider? Check here first.
May 22, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Do you know if the pediatrician you just found for your child has been disciplined for medical or legal issues? How about the nursing facility your grandparent is in? Well, the Washington state Department of Health (DOH) makes it easy … Continue reading
How much do your local hospitals charge?
May 14, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
For years, there was no way for an average person to really shop around when it came to hospitals. The system truly was like this video: Now the actual prices for common procedures are seeing the light of day. As … Continue reading
How much will your insurance cost next year?
May 3, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
The Affordable Care Act turned three in March and last year we passed HB 2319 to fully implement health care reform in our state. To help you prepare for all the changes coming in 2014, the Insurance Commissioner’s website has … Continue reading
Youth-suicide prevention plan gets boost from Senate approval
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Bill by Rep. Orwall strengthens efforts to aid troubled teens A comprehensive plan to help troubled teens and reduce youth suicide won approval in the state Senate earlier this week as House Bill 1336 moved closer to final legislative passage. … Continue reading
House budget proposal best for schools
April 10, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
The state will step up to its responsibility to educate public-school students and will make sure college graduates are ready for high-demand jobs under the budget proposal released by the House Democratic majority on Wednesday. The budget proposal authored by … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – April 9, 2013
April 9, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
We passed the final policy cutoff last Wednesday – the last day thay bills not related to the budgets were considered in committee. Also, the Senate released a budget proposal, following Governor Inslee’s rollout of his plan last week. With … Continue reading
Town hall, veterans, and health insurance
April 8, 2013 - Rep. Jake Fey
Joint Town Hall: Filled to Capacity Over the weekend, Sen. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, and I hosted a joint town hall meeting at Jason Lee Middle School. The local turn out was absolutely amazing and extra seats had to … Continue reading
War on middle class families continues in Senate budget proposal
April 5, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Throughout the fall we heard about the Republican “War on Women” and the middle class. On Wednesday that battle continued with the roll out of the Republican Senate’s proposed $33.2 billion operating budget. Though there were some highlights, thanks to … Continue reading
Budget and Health Care: Legislative Update
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Jake Fey
Thursday, Governor Inslee released his proposal for the 2013-15 operating budget. We expect that the Senate will follow with their own plan early next week, and the House will roll out our plan soon after. Then, budget writers in both … Continue reading
Rep. Mike Sells – Legislative Update, March 29, 2013
March 29, 2013 - Rep. Mike Sells
Governor Inslee released his proposal for the 2013-15 operating budget yesterday. We expect that the Senate will follow with their own plan early next week, and the House will roll out our plan soon after. Then, budget writers in both … Continue reading
Seattle Times guest column by Rep. Roberts and Prof. Trupin on mental health care for kids
March 27, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Get kids mental health care instead of sending them to juvenile courts The state should allow law-enforcement officials to send nonviolent youth to mental-health-care facilities instead of the juvenile-justice system, according to guest columnists Mary Helen Roberts and Eric Trupin. … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
The 2013 Legislative Session is getting closer to the end. The last official day of the regular session is April 28, and in these final weeks you will be hearing a lot about the state budget. Legislators must pass a … Continue reading
Legislative Update from Rep. Dawn Morrell
March 21, 2013 - toyrabLast week was the House of Origin Cutoff week, and the cutoff deadline has officially passed. With some exceptions – namely, bills that are necessary to implement the budget – the House will now be turning its attention to legislation … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Update on my bills I am so pleased that all 9 of my remaining bills passed the House before cutoff! SHB 1341, regarding compensation for those wrongly convicted and imprisoned; SHB 1290, which requires county auditors to place postage-free ballot … Continue reading
What health care reform really means for your community
March 19, 2013 - Rep. Dawn Morrell
Working as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, I’ve seen firsthand the difficulties that individuals face as they navigate our health care system. I have spoken to folks who are worried about losing their health coverage – or … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 18, 2013
March 18, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
Dear neighbors, The cutoff deadline has officially passed, so bills that didn’t make it out of its house of origin last week are likely dead, unless they are necessary to implement the budget. The House will now turn its attention … Continue reading
Legislative update from Rep. Eileen Cody
March 15, 2013 - Rep. Eileen Cody
It’s House of Origin Cutoff week, and the cutoff deadline has officially passed. With some exceptions – namely, bills that are necessary to implement the budget – the House will now be turning its attention to legislation our Senate colleagues … Continue reading
Bills to improve long-term care clear House of Representatives
March 12, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Currently there are 830,000 people over the age of 65 in Washington state. That evens out to about fourteen percent of the population. Over the last few days, the House of Representatives has taken necessary steps towards making sure that … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 11, 2013
March 11, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
Dear neighbors, These last few days have been long with late evenings and even Saturday working to pass bills on the Floor. But we have to do it this way. If we stuck to a 9-5 schedule, chances are we’d … Continue reading
House advances Tharinger’s ‘age wave’ measure
March 7, 2013 - Rep. Steve Tharinger
In less than a decade, over 30 percent of Washington state’s population will be over the age of 65. This rapid demographic shift is being called the “age wave,” and Rep. Steve Tharinger (D – Dungeness) thinks the state needs … Continue reading
House passes Orwall’s troubled youth legislation
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
This afternoon, on a 90-8 vote, the Washington State House of Representatives passed a measure that would increase the capacity for school districts to recognize and respond to troubled youth. “This bill will give our schools basic skills and tools … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for Feb. 28, 2013
February 28, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, We celebrated Children’s Day on February 18th, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join us as … Continue reading
Health Reform Hits Main Street
February 28, 2013 - Rep. Gael TarletonHealth Reform Explained Working Washingtonians deserve to be a part of the health care system- not a burden on it. We believe in One Washington, with opportunity for all, and that means making sure all of our citizens – young … Continue reading
Rep. Sam Hunt’s Electronic Newsletter – February 22, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. San HuntWe began this week at the Legislature by celebrating Children’s Day, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join … Continue reading
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts’ e-newsletter for Feb. 25, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Last week the Legislature celebrated Children’s Day, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join us as we recognize the special place … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – Feb. 25, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
What are you doing this Wednesday evening? If you’re home and have the time, I hope you will join our telephone town hall. Households across the 19th Legislative District will receive a phone call at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, … Continue reading
House approves Reproductive Parity Act
February 22, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
As state legislatures across the country are taking steps to limit reproductive freedoms, lawmakers in Olympia are fighting to protect the choices that already exist in Washington state. This morning, the House of Representatives approved the Reproductive Parity Act in … Continue reading
Legislation cracking down on “Gay Conversion Therapy” introduced in the House
February 14, 2013 - waldrefjA new bill authored by Rep. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) would convene a workgroup through the Department of Health to examine and potentially regulate the controversial practice of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE), alternatively known as “Gay Conversion Therapy “or “Reparative … Continue reading
Rep. Cody receives AMA’s highest honor
February 13, 2013 - toyrab
Representative Eileen Cody received the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Public Service by a State Legislator last night in Washington, D.C. The Davis Award is the AMA’s highest honor for government service in health care. It is … Continue reading
Legislative Update from Rep. Dawn Morrell
February 11, 2013 - toyrab
I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be back down in Olympia fighting for 25th district families on the issues important to us. Believe it or not, we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session and … Continue reading
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts’ e-Newsletter for Feb 8, 2013
February 8, 2013 - nietol
Dear neighbors, It’s hard to believe we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session. Only 11 more weeks to go! The session follows a cut-off calendar, which determines the deadlines for public hearings and executive action on bills, … Continue reading
Greetings From Olympia: A Message from Representative Marcus Riccelli
February 7, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
Greetings! The past few weeks have flown by. I’ve been moving a mile a minute to keep up with the rapid pace of the legislature–meeting with constituents, serving on budget and policy committees, and working with my colleagues to craft … Continue reading
Rep. Riccelli talks jobs on TVW’s “Inside Olympia”
February 1, 2013 - Rep. Marcus RiccelliRep. Marcus Riccelli, the freshman representative from the 3rd Legislative District, was featured this week on TVW’s show “Inside Olympia.” In the following two-minute clip, he talks about one of his top priorities for the 2013 session, which is job … Continue reading
“Age Wave” Bills Call the Alarm on the Need to Plan Now for Future Needs
February 1, 2013 - Rep. Steve Tharinger
A bi-partisan group of Senators and Representatives introduced a pair of bills to address the needs of Washington’s aging population. The so-called “Age Wave” bills, SB 5519 and HB 1631, would create a joint select committee on aging and disability … Continue reading
Strong support for Reproductive Parity Act in public hearing
January 31, 2013 - toyrabOn Thursday morning members of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee heard testimony from medical professionals, clergy and citizen-activists alike in favor of the Reproductive Parity Act. The Reproductive Parity Act would protect a woman’s right to make her … Continue reading
Rep. Morrell talks ACA, bipartisanship with Puyallup Herald
January 14, 2013 - mcvicara
Last week the Puyallup Herald interviewed Representative Dawn Morrell, along with her seatmates, on the upcoming legislative session. Rep. Morrell, who works as a registered nurse at Multicare Hospital in Puyallup, outlined her goals for implementing the federal Affordable Care … Continue reading
“Our caucus is organized and energized”
January 12, 2013 - Speaker Frank Chopp
Legislative leaders from each caucus spoke with reporters earlier this week during the annual Associated Press Legislative Preview. The leadership panel answered questions from reporters on several issues that will face the Legislature over the next 105 days. After opening … Continue reading
Rep. Cody: Moving forward on health care
June 28, 2012 - bergstromgStatement by Rep. Eileen Cody, D-West Seattle, Chair of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee “This is a good decision that means Washington state – and America – can keep moving forward on health reform. “The best part about … Continue reading
Hasegawa introduces “Health Care for All” measure
April 10, 2012 - nietolOLYMPIA— State Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle) introduced a measure (HB 2832) to extend access to quality health care services for all Washingtonians. He said the idea for this legislation came out of a small business roundtable he held before session … Continue reading
Health reform bill goes to the governor
March 5, 2012 - bergstromgMarch 5, 2012 OLYMPIA – A landmark piece of health care reform passed the House and Senate – and is now heading for the governor’s desk to be signed into law. “Passage of this legislation puts Washington in the forefront … Continue reading
Op-ed: Washington must confront public-health challenge of childhood trauma
July 24, 2011 - waldrefj
Washington must confront public-health challenge of childhood trauma By Rep. Ruth Kagi A NEW study by the Trust for America’s Health reveals Washington is one of 10 states in which the obesity rate has increased 90 percent within the past … Continue reading
Health insurance rate secrecy to end, Legislature decides
April 7, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – The Senate this afternoon overwhelmingly passed a bill that increases the transparency of health insurance rate hikes. It now goes to the House of Representatives, which originally approved it on March 4, for concurrence and then to the … Continue reading
Video: Jinkins on clean water, public health
April 7, 2011 - waldrefjOn April 7, 2011, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, spoke on the House floor in support of Senate Bill 5364, dealing with public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Jinkins sponsored the House companion bill, HB 1468.
Several Jinkins bills survive latest legislative deadline
April 6, 2011 - waldrefjHealth care the focus of her legislative efforts OLYMPIA – As an incoming freshman legislator, Rep. Laurie Jinkins figured her first legislative session would be filled mostly with issue briefings and learning experiences. But now with less than three weeks … Continue reading
Reps. Hudgins and Van De Wege fight for a prescription drug takeback program
March 14, 2011 - mcvicaraHouse approves bill to end health insurance rate secrecy
March 4, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – For consumers scratching their heads as to why their health insurance premiums skyrocket every year—in some cases by double digits—the House of Representatives approved a bill today to increase transparency. “Our health insurance choices affect our physical and … Continue reading
House approves two Jinkins health care bills
February 14, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – The House of Representatives today voted strongly in favor of two health care bills sponsored by Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, sending them to the Senate for further consideration. Approved with votes of 93-0 and 93-1, House Bill 1488 … Continue reading
Health concerns prompt bill to establish safeguards for tanning
February 10, 2011 - waldrefjDarneille introduces legislation to license tanning facilities, an industry currently unregulated despite tanning’s categorization as carcinogenic to humans OLYMPIA — This morning a committee in the state House of Representatives will hear a bill that would for the first time … Continue reading
New law by Rep. Eileen Cody would ban flavored tobacco aimed at kids
February 1, 2011 - bergstromgOLYMIA — Most people who start smoking do it when they’re underage, and flavored tobacco is aimed directly at kids. That’s why Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) wrote legislation to stop the sale of such products and reform how tobacco … Continue reading
Rep. Jinkins starts legislative session in key health care, transportation roles
January 14, 2011 - waldrefjAfter being sworn-in on Monday, the 27th District’s newest legislator wraps up session’s busy first week OLYMPIA – As the 2011 Legislative Session opened this week, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, continued her long career as a health care leader, earning … Continue reading
