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
GIVE JUVENILE OFFENDERS A CHANCE AT REDEMPTION – special to the Everett Herald
February 23, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
By Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, Rev. Paul Benz and Sr. Sharon Park The United States is the only country on earth that sentences children to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Washington is one of 29 states in … Continue reading
Rep. Orwall’s E-Newsletter for February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, It has been another busy week in the legislature, but also a week with moments of reflection and remembrance. On February 13, members of the House and Senate joined together for a Joint Legislative Session in the Senate … Continue reading
Bill would improve adoption process to protect children from abuse
February 21, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Do you remember the horrific story of Hana Williams, an adopted Ethiopian girl living in Sedro-Woolley? A couple of years ago her adoptive parents starved her, abused her, beat her repeatedly and left her outside on a cold night, which … Continue reading
‘A solution looking for a problem’
February 14, 2013 - Rep. Ruth KagiLast week, House Early Learning & Human Services Committee chair Rep. Ruth Kagi went on TVW’s The Impact to discuss the issue of drug testing TANF recipients. You can view the entire segment here, but she makes her main points … 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
Rep. Roger Freeman sworn into office
January 15, 2013 - mcvicara
On January 14th, Representative Roger Freeman took the oath of office and was officially sworn in to serve the citizens of the 30th legislative district in the Washington State Legislature. “I am excited to represent the people of the 30th … Continue reading
Rep. Roberts talks working families
January 15, 2013 - toyrabOver the summer, State Representative Mary Helen Roberts traveled to Denver to attend the National Conference of State Legislature’s Opportunities for Working Families Leadership Forum. During the forum, four legislators from three states were interviewed on the challenges facing working … 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
Kagi retains leadership of House Early Learning and Human Services committee
December 18, 2012 - Rep. Ruth Kagi
Rep. Ruth Kagi (D – Shoreline) has been reappointed to chair the House Early Learning and Human Services committee for the 2013 session. Since first coming to the state legislature in 1999, Kagi’s focus has been on improving early learning … Continue reading
Historic child welfare reforms signed into law
March 30, 2012 - Rep. Ruth KagiOLYMPIA – Three separate measures that give child welfare caseworkers new and better tools to help the state’s most troubled families were signed into law today. Together, these reforms allow caseworkers to focus on the core mission of protecting children, … Continue reading
An important message for Washington’s child welfare caseworkers and other child welfare advocates
January 13, 2012 - mcvicaraVideo: 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.
