News

 Urban legends abound about any number of things, like the idea there is more nutritional value in the wrapper then there actually is in the Twinkie it wrapped.  While that myth is an amusing relic of our folklore, myths about … Continue reading →

Legislation sponsored by Representative Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) that would ease restrictions on local government purchasing practices passed out of the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon. “This legislation helps cities and counties better serve their citizens while promoting local and … Continue reading →

With local governments across the state struggling with budget woes, Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland, is pushing a new set of bipartisan bills designed to streamline local government operations. “These efficiencies will not solve every local budget concern, but we owe … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—State Rep. Larry Springer hailed today’s Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act as a giant step forward toward more affordable health care. “The Supreme Court has ruled,” said Springer (D-Kirkland). “Hopefully, this decision means we can now … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—A package of efficiency reforms that will enable colleges and universities to cut administrative costs and redirect savings to serving students was signed into law today by Gov. Chris Gregoire. “This is regulatory relief for college students that will cut … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Washington industries located along the Puget Sound and other important waters dodged an expensive regulatory bullet today when Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a new approach to protecting sensitive waters against bacteria in industrial storm water runoff. The law, … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Fire chiefs, fire commissioners and front-line firefighters don’t always speak with one voice. But they were united in calling for swift passage of a bill by state Rep. Larry Springer to streamline the levy system for reauthorizing emergency medical services. … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—It seemed to make sense in 2009:  protect sensitive waters by mandating rigid numerical limits on how much bacteria can be discharged under the rules governing industrial storm-water permits. The problem is that the Department of Ecology failed to factor in … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA— State Rep. Larry Springer’s leadership for new laws that help local communities save tax dollars and plan for better futures was celebrated last night by the Washington chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), which honored Springer as their … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – No one knows airplanes better, and no region of the world builds them better, than Washington State. That’s the message House Democrats in Olympia conveyed as news broke of a tentative deal between Boeing and its machinists’ union, … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Help is on the way to Washington cities and counties, which are struggling to maintain services during the economic downturn without piling on additional taxes. Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed a pair of bills proposed by Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—A new law signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire will streamline and strengthen state privacy rules in order to speed housing and other assistance to the homeless. “The faster we can connect people who are homeless with the services they … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—Washington’s lawmakers agree with Rep. Larry Springer that cash-strapped local governments need an alternative to raising taxes or seeing parks and facilities fall into disrepair. The Senate today passed a Springer proposal dubbed the REET Flexibility Bill, which allows cities … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—A former mayor of Kirkland is leading the charge to replace state mandates on local governments with taxpayer-friendly choices that can help communities grow and weather the remainder of the economic downturn. On Friday, the House passed a trio of … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – In a sweeping reform package for the state Department of Labor &  Industries (L&I), the House passed new efficiency and oversight measures adding flexibility for employers and injured workers, and stricter accident prevention enforcement.  In total, the package … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—With an unprecedented unanimous vote, the House of Representatives approved legislation today to provide timely tax relief for businesses and much needed help for jobless workers. “With an Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund of $2.5 billion, it became very clear that … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—The House voted unanimously today to pass a law proposed by state Rep. Larry Springer that would give public hospitals clear legal authority to accept gifts and engage in fundraising. “You can imagine the shock at Evergreen Hospital and other … Continue reading →

 OLYMPIA—Counting the people who will be added to the City of Kirkland by the June 1 annexation of the Juanita, Finn Hill and Kingsgate areas will cost Kirkland taxpayers an estimated $225,000. But much of that money could be saved … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA—State lawmakers should prohibit government from seizing private property and transferring it to developers in order to boost economic development and tax receipts, witnesses told the House Judiciary Committee today. They were testifying for a bill proposed by state Rep. … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – On the first day of what most observers believe will be a very challenging Legislative session, House Democrats elected two Deputy Majority Leaders to coordinate and focus caucus action in two areas key to Washington’s future: education and … Continue reading →