‘Don’t play petty games with $79 million,’ Moeller urges
May 20, 2013 - Rep. Jim MoellerOLYMPIA — 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 … Continue reading
Washington gold-medals in pedals
May 6, 2013 - Washington House Democratsa
Six years running, or better yet, six years biking, Washington has received tip-top marks in two key biking categories — “Legislation and Enforcement” and “Education and Encouragement.” These distinctions have paved the way for Washington’s seizing once more “Most Bicycle … Continue reading
2013 Regular Session Victories
April 29, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
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
3rd District Legislators praise transportation budget that will create jobs, improve transit
April 28, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli & Rep. Timm OrmsbyBoth chambers of the Washington state legislature passed a transportation budget for the 2013-15 biennium today. The $8.4 billion budget passed on bipartisan votes of 46-1 in the Senate and 72-25 in the House. “I am pleased with the bipartisan … Continue reading
The Transportation Budget
April 28, 2013 - Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
In a previous legislative update, I talked about many of the challenges that the Legislature faces when it comes to having and maintaining a robust transportation system that meets the needs of our state. From on-time ferries to road repairs, … Continue reading
STATEMENT from Rep. Jim Moeller on the transportation budget
April 28, 2013 - Rep. Jim Moeller“The transportation-budget compromise targets both a renewed emphasis on reforming the system and a renewed push for the most-needed projects that will immediately benefit Washington businesses. Yes, it’s a barebones transportation budget. But it keeps us moving forward with the … Continue reading
Fairness for 520 bridge drivers gets green light from Legislature
April 23, 2013 - Rep. Cyrus HabibDrivers on the SR 520 bridge will get a chance to plead their cases before a judge if they feel they got unfairly penalized for not paying a toll on time – and they can have the penalty thrown out … Continue reading
Revised Transportation Package Released
April 16, 2013 - Rep. Judy Clibborn
After substantive discussions with members of both parties, a revised transportation investment package incorporating input from legislative leaders and the Governor’s office was unveiled Tuesday. The proposal has an increased emphasis on reform and targets the most immediate project needs … Continue reading
Snohomish County delegation highlights North Sound transportation needs
April 5, 2013 - Rep. Luis MoscosoBipartisan coalition of ten Snohomish Legislators says they will vote for revenue if Snohomish projects are prioritized With difficult discussions forthcoming on what, if any, new transportation revenue may be passed by the legislature, ten members of the Snohomish County … Continue reading
House unveils no new taxes transportation budget
April 4, 2013 - Rep. Judy ClibbornThe House Transportation Committee released its proposed transportation budget for the 2013-2015 biennium on Thursday morning. The budget, introduced by Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island), allocates about $8.4 billion in state, federal and miscellaneous dollars to capital … Continue reading
Moeller, Cleveland explain merits of CRC
March 26, 2013 - Rep. Jim Moeller
Rep. Jim Moeller was joined by 49th District seatmate Sen. Annette Cleveland for a debate on the Columbia River Crossing last week with Sen. Don Benton and Rep. Paul Harris of the 17th District on KATU-TV in Portland:
Rep. Luis Moscoso on Comcast Newsmakers
March 21, 2013 - Rep. Luis Moscoso
Rep. Luis Moscoso talks about Transportation in Snohomish County and the Washington Voting Rights Act, HB 1413, in this Comcast Newsmakers interview:
What’s needed to fully support public transportation
March 19, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
This is a sobering reminder that it takes more than money to expand transit service. We need people who make sure the whole system works: buses, bus drivers, bus routes, and bus stops. Check out this article in today’s Seattle … Continue reading
ICYMI: Representative Farrell’s Op-Ed in The Stranger
March 14, 2013 - Rep. Jessyn FarrellIn case you missed it, this op-ed by Rep. Farrell on local transportation funding options ran in The Stranger on March 7, 2013. There’s nothing worse than waiting at the bus stop and having the bus pass you by because … Continue reading
House approves latest Kagi road safety bill
March 13, 2013 - Rep. Ruth Kagi
A measure to help improve safety on roads and highways by requiring vehicles hauling sand, rock, gravel or dirt to cover those loads passed the state House over the weekend. Sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi (D – Shoreline), the bill … Continue reading
Reykdal measures heading to the Senate
March 11, 2013 - Rep. Chris Reykdal
The House of Representatives has approved a batch of bills introduced by Rep. Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) ahead of Wednesday’s critical House of Origin cut-off. Covering a range of issues with statewide significance, the measures will now head to the Senate. … Continue reading
House passes Riccelli’s taxpayer transparency bill
March 5, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
A measure to increase transparency for taxpayers and ensure government accountability in how state dollars are spent cleared the state House today on a 96-0 unanimous vote. It was a top priority for state Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane), … 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
Legislative Update from Olympia
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
Dear Friends and Neighbors, We appreciate all of you who have come down to Olympia. It helps me keep in touch with how things look to all of you at home as we grapple with hard choices: fully funding K-12 … Continue reading
Local Transportation Funding Legislation Introduced by Rep. Farrell
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Jessyn FarrellIn the wake substantial budget cuts and news that transit agencies will soon be forced to slash critical transportation services, Representative Jessyn Farrell (D-Seattle) has introduced legislation that would give local governments a way to avoid the harsh rollbacks. “With … 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. Wylie’s e-newsletter for February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Sharon Wylie
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. Luis Moscoso’s Legislative Update – Feb 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Luis Moscoso
Dear Neighbors, The last two weeks have been busy here in the legislature, but these weeks were not without moments of reflection and remembrance. On February 13, members of the House and Senate held a Joint Session to honor former … Continue reading
Speaker Chopp on workers’ comp, education reform, and transportation
February 22, 2013 - Speaker Frank Chopp
In this week’s report, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp discusses House Democratic priorities, workers’ comp, education reform, and “Connecting Washington,” the ambitious 10-year plan to improve transportation safety, freight mobility, and Washington’s quality of life. Click here to listen … Continue reading
Neighborhood Safe Streets passes House
February 20, 2013 - bergstromg
The Seattle Bike Blog does a great job explaining the Neighborhood Safe Streets bill (House Bill 1045), which passed the House on a vote of 86-10. Right now, cities and counties must pay for an engineering report to raise – … Continue reading
Rep. Clibborn, Supporters Unveil Transportation Package
February 20, 2013 - Rep. Judy ClibbornTransportation Committee Chair Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) and members of the committee rolled out the details of the Connecting Washington transportation package, which would fund nearly $10 billion in transportation projects across the state. “The Connecting Washington package will link … Continue reading
Big variety of stakeholders supports transportation-funding package
February 14, 2013 - Rep. Jim MoellerSigned by more than 70 stakeholders (representing a broad coalition of leaders from business, labor, environmental groups, and local governments who support moving forward with a statewide transportation-funding package in 2013), a letter was recently sent to transportation leaders in the Legislature. Here is … Continue reading
Letter from 49th LD legislators to Gov. Jay Inslee on the Columbia River Crossing issue
February 8, 2013 - nietol
Olympia, WA., Friday, February 8, 2013 Governor Jay Inslee, Thank you for meeting with us to discuss the next steps for the state on the Columbia River Crossing. The purpose of this letter is to lay out some ideas and … Continue reading
Cracking down on fraud
February 8, 2013 - Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is responsible for administering a federal program designed to level the playing field for disadvantaged businesses. Unfortunately, some companies are abusing the program. Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos is looking to end … Continue reading
Riccelli wants taxpayers to know where their money goes
February 7, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
Each year, millions of dollars flow from state coffers to fund capital and transportation projects in every single county. These projects create jobs while improving the infrastructure of Washington’s communities. But these public investments aren’t always easily visible to the … Continue reading
Let’s get to work
February 4, 2013 - mcvicara
Friends and neighbors, Today begins the fourth week in Olympia as your legislator from the 36th District! First there was the swearing-in ceremony on January 14th. Then we went right to work in our committees. I’m serving on Higher Education, … Continue reading
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon’s Legislative Update: Week Three
February 4, 2013 - mcvicara
Visiting Olympia During the legislative session, many advocacy groups and individuals travel down to Olympia to briefly meet with legislators and express their opinions on bills and other issues before the legislature. Last week I had the privilege of meeting … 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
ICYMI: Rep. Tarleton featured in the Ballard News Tribune
January 29, 2013 - mcvicara
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
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. Moscoso to vice-chair Transportation Committee
December 18, 2012 - nietol
From the look of his committee assignments, Rep. Luis Moscoso’s second term in the House of Representatives will be very busy, but he’s no longer the new kid on the block. The Mountlake Terrace Democrat is no stranger to transportation … Continue reading
Ryu elected vice chair of Business and Financial Services
December 14, 2012 - nietol
Rep. Cindy Ryu returns to the House of Representative to serve her second term, but this time with more responsibilities on her plate. Earlier this week, Ryu’s peers elected her as vice chair of the Business and Financial Services Committee, … Continue reading
Fitzgibbon reappointed to vice-chair role, elected to caucus leadership post
December 12, 2012 - mcvicara
Earlier this week, the House Democratic Caucus announced its committee structure for the upcoming session. State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) will continue to serve as vice-chair of the House Local Government Committee. The Local Government Committee considers issues relating to … Continue reading
Car sharing saves money and time — while creating jobs
June 25, 2012 - bergstromgby 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
Liias cheers community leaders’ push for local transit funding bill
March 20, 2012 - Rep. Marko LiiasLegislation to provide tools for cities and counties to invest in transit needs received a boost today from a coalition of community leaders. The group’s letter, organized by Transportation for Washington, explains why passing the local transportation revenue options legislation, … Continue reading
Judy talks transportation on the Tina and Drew Show
July 28, 2011 - boyesrOLYMPIA—State Rep. Judy Clibborn fielded questions on the future of transportation in Washington during a lively recent discussion on the Tina and Drew Show. What is in store for the SR-520 bridge? What does the future hold for tolling and … Continue reading
Hood Canal Bridge pilot project could ease traffic congestion on SR 3 and SR 104
May 9, 2011 - waldrefjState Rep. Christine Rolfes, Sen. Phil Rockefeller say pilot should improve traffic predictability OLYMPIA — Following nearly a year’s worth of discussions, the U.S. Coast Guard has announced a summer pilot project restricting the Hood Canal Bridge from opening from … Continue reading
Transportation funding bill targets basic but urgent needs
April 7, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – House transportation leaders this week rolled out a plan to fund basic but overdue improvements for road maintenance and preservation, the State Patrol, ferries and transit. The plan is paid for by updating several transportation fees, many of … Continue reading
Transportation budget clears House
March 25, 2011 - waldrefjCommitment kept to key projects, thousands of jobs OLYMPIA – House lawmakers today approved an $8.9 billion transportation budget that would keep projects moving forward and generate more than 43,000 jobs. The bill moved forward on a strong, bipartisan vote … Continue reading
Takko, Blake note $53.2 million in SW Washington transportation projects
March 22, 2011 - nietolHighway maintenance, efficiency emphasized in 2011-2013 budget plan OLYMPIA – Two Southwest Washington lawmakers today called the House Democratic transportation budget proposal a dramatic and important leap forward in: Keeping Washington’s communities connected. Strengthening Washington’s infrastructure. And creating family-wage jobs … Continue reading
Improved accountability, management slated for ferry system
March 21, 2011 - paribellojOLYMPIA – The key House negotiators on the state’s Transportation budget unveiled their proposal today, a budget that outlines higher accountability and streamlined management in the Washington state ferry system (WSF). The House proposal adamantly supports the need for the … Continue reading
House transportation plan connects state, generates jobs
March 21, 2011 - waldrefjClibborn, Armstrong unveil $8.9 billion two-year budget; 43,000 jobs expected OLYMPIA – Transportation leaders in the House of Representatives today unveiled a two-year plan to better connect Washington, generate jobs and promote commerce. The $8.9 billion transportation budget proposal … Continue reading
House votes to proceed on 520 bridge, 405 HOT lanes
March 5, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Two bills aimed at improving mobility in east King County were approved by the House of Representatives this afternoon. Lawmakers cleared a measure that establishes tolls on the SR 520 bridge across Lake Washington and another measure that … Continue reading
Ferry reforms would cut waste, bring parity and efficiencies
January 24, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – The state ferry system would eliminate wasteful practices, adopt operating efficiencies and bring ferry employees’ compensation in line with other state employees under a package of reforms introduced today by key Democrats and Republicans in the House and … 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
