Jobs & Labor

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, … Continue reading →

We know we live in an outstanding state. It seems that not a week goes by without a new study, survey, ranking or analysis that says Washington is number one for this, or in the top five for that. Despite … Continue reading →

Small businesses will get help equipping employees with the skills they need to do their jobs better under a bill by Rep. Drew Hansen that was signed into law by Gov. Inslee today. House Bill 1247 makes it easier for … Continue reading →

Education – Early Learning through Higher Education Integrating early learning (HB 1723) – Creates a framework for developing an integrated, high quality early learning continuum for low-income children ages birth to 5. Reforming Working Connections Child Care (SB 5595) – … Continue reading →

Top 10 Reasons the Senate Budget is bad for Kids, Middle Class Families and Our Future 15 NEW tax loopholes; zero eliminated – The Senate plans to add 15 new tax breaks while not eliminating even one existing corporate giveaway.

Veterans would get recognition from the state for the training they received in the military under a pair of bills passed by the House Wednesday that aim to boost later progress in education and professional life. “The training our veterans … Continue reading →

“Library Square” project in Vancouver can move forward with Wylie’s bill. The House of Representatives approved a measure (HB 1306) today to extend the expiration date of the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool Program (LIFT) from June 30, 2039 to June … Continue reading →

A half-dozen measures likely to brighten the state’s employment picture have cleared their first big hurdle to legislative approval with the active support of their sponsor, Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island. The bills all were approved without dissent by state … Continue reading →

It’s been a busy week in the Legislature.  Today is our first cut-off, which is the last day a policy bill can be considered in committee in its house of origin.  Fiscal bills get an extra week beyond that – … Continue reading →

Rep. Roger Freeman, D-Federal Way, is sponsoring legislation that would offer greater protection for port contractors who are being taken advantage of under the current system. “Right now there are two Washingtons: one where hard workers earn living wage that … Continue reading →

Friends and neighbors, I am excited to share with you my first e-newsletter. We are now starting the fourth week of the session, and I want to catch you up on how I’ve been working for you here in Olympia. … Continue reading →

The Ballard News Tribune recently spoke with the newest lawmaker from the 36th Legislative District – Rep. Gael Tarleton. In the interview, Rep. Tarleton discusses her goals of making college more affordable for students, the need for a new transportation … Continue reading →

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. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), vice chair of the House State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee during the 2011-12 legislative session, has been tapped to retain that position in its successor committee, Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs. Democrats, who hold … Continue reading →

State Representative Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) received his committee assignments for his sophomore term in the House of Representatives when the House Democratic Caucus released their committee structure this morning. Rep. Reykdal, a longtime proponent of tax fairness, will serve on … Continue reading →

Will chair committee that controls state construction budget After creating 20,000 jobs statewide – including 1,700 in Snohomish County – House Democrats elected Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish) once again to continue that effort as chair the Capital Budget Committee. “We’re … Continue reading →

by Zack Hudgins and Barbara Bailey Most cars sit idle 23 hours a day. But there’s a new business model that lets people rent cars and trucks from private citizens. Peer-to-peer car sharing is one of those solid policies that … Continue reading →

Jobs Now, Jobs Tomorrow OLYMPIA – The construction budget unveiled by the House of Representatives would use innovative methods to create an estimated 22,297 jobs. “This is about putting people back to work in a hurry,” said Rep. Hans Dunshee … Continue reading →

I appreciate how everyone is working together – business and labor, the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats – to create jobs. It’s an urgent need, with 30 percent of construction workers unemployed on the west side and 60 percent … Continue reading →

New law cuts red tape for qualified veterans entering a number of professions OLYMPIA – Another hurdle faced by military veterans returning to civilian life in Washington state fell Monday (May 16) afternoon. Surrounded by a group of both peacetime … Continue reading →

New law aimed at boosting high school graduation rates OLYMPIA — The Pay for Actual Student Success (PASS) Act passed the Senate in the last hours of the legislative session with a strong bipartisan vote of 40-6.  It is now … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA — Legislation to eliminate unnecessary training for military veterans who seek civilian employment is on its way to the governor to be signed into law. Senate Bill 5307, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, would evaluate the skills … Continue reading →

I found the attached graph revealing.  It is one more indicator of the clear connection between the economy and education.  I hope you find it interesting, as well. Our old economy relied too much on debt and consumption, and it … Continue reading →