WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, April 22

On a lawn next to a sidewalk, a row of signs display a pop-up art gallery featuring works in support of the capital gains excise tax.

Washington state House approves capital gains tax bill, sends it back to Senate
The Washington state House of Representatives approved a bill to impose a tax on capital gains from the sale and exchange of assets such as stocks and bonds with four days remaining in the 105-day legislative session. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Steve Bloom)


On a white surface, a small, patterned blue cardboard box stands up on its end, while four blue tampons are lined up in front of it.

Bill requiring schools to provide free menstrual products heads to Inslee’s desk
A bill that would require both public and private schools to provide free menstrual products to students could soon become law. House Bill 1273 has passed both the Washington House and Senate. The bill states that schools must provide menstrual hygiene products in all gender-neutral and female bathrooms by the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Continue reading at KXLY.


Legislature OK’s bill easing decertification of police
A measure described as the teeth of the Washington state Legislature’s ambitious police accountability agenda is headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. The state Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that makes it easier to decertify police for bad acts, a day after an ex-Minneapolis officer was convicted of murdering George Floyd. The Democrat-led Senate voted 27-22 to concur with changes made in the House, including some that increased transparency related to officer discipline. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.


Print

Associated Press
Legislature OK’s bill easing decertification of police
Justices stand by ruling striking down drug possession law
Vaccine demand down in parts of Washington state, cases rise
Nuclear waste structures in Washington state are stabilized
US jobless claims fall to 547,000, another pandemic low
Idaho Senate OKs bill to kill up to 90% of wolves in state
Washington state House approves new tax on capital gains (Frame, Billig)

Aberdeen Daily World
Two commissioners say ‘no’ to low barrier shelter
Op-ed: The Chauvin verdict alone isn’t enough for real progress

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Washington state House approves capital gains tax bill (Rule, Paul, Leavitt, Bronoske, Chapman, Frame, Thai, Hobbs, Jinkins)
College at no cost? Here’s who could get tuition-free education under proposed bill
While most of Whatcom sees decreased COVID infection rates, 2 regions show big growth
Here’s what wildfire smoke has done to Bellingham’s air quality
State sets new daily vaccine goal as COVID-19 cases surge across Washington
Whatcom sees 34 new COVID cases but expecting an increase of 1,740 vaccine doses this week
Whatcom vaccine clinics offer 1,680 first doses of Moderna, and this is how to get one
Studies: Renewable electricity can slash Cascadia pollution
Paid time off for COVID vaccinations encouraged under Biden tax credit. What to know

Capital Press
Washington farm groups gain concessions on housing rules
Judge’s grazing ruling favors Washington sheep ranch

Columbian
Longtime Clark County legislator Albert ‘Al’ Bauer dies at 92
Clark County reports 71 new confirmed, probable cases as case rate rises
In Our View: Care for planet on Earth Day and beyond

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Prepare for busy camping areas in Washington
Collection of more than 10,000 photographs shows the life of farmers in the Yakima Valley
Yakima County surpasses 30,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases

Everett Herald (subscription required)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Most Americans would be OK with packing the court
WaPo Comment: Dropping masks may be as hard as they were to accept
Comment: Clean fuel standard can aid climate, health and jobs
Comment: U.S. electric power halfway to zero carbon emissions

The Facts Newspaper
Disaster cash assistance available again for some Washingtonians beginning April 19
COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up in the Central District

High Country News
So you want to acknowledge the land?

The Inlander
Washington looks to complete the recycling loop – in the state and demand that companies do more
How experts say we can apply – lessons from the pandemic – to the climate crisis
When the pandemic’s past, will we mend our real-life communities or keep up the social media brawling?

International Examiner
Theatre Off Jackson in Chinatown-International District seeks community input to guide its future renovations

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
New South Kitsap COVID-19 vaccination site opening this week, OC offers weekend clinic
Opinion: Legislature needs to fund expanded and elevated highway in Gorst (Randall)

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma bans use of fossil fuels in new city buildings. Are commercial, residential next?
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Pierce County boosts vaccine rollout with six-week T-Dome event, new Lakewood clinic
Editorial: George Floyd verdict shows urgency as Manuel Ellis family, Tacoma wait … and wait 

New York Times
Live Updates: Biden, Kicking Off Summit, Says U.S. ‘Has Resolved to Take Action’ on Climate Change
Climate Change Could Cut World Economy by $23 Trillion in 2050, Insurance Giant Warns
Biden Set to Raise Taxes on Rich to Fund Child Care and Education
The Flu Vanished During Covid. What Will Its Return Look Like?
Chauvin Verdict Brings the Police Relief and Some Resentment
Senate Republicans Shun Earmarks, Embracing Spending Restraint Anew

Olympian (subscription required)
Washington state House approves capital gains tax bill (Rule, Paul, Leavitt, Bronoske, Chapman, Frame, Thai, Hobbs)
North Thurston ‘concerned educators’ upset that comments about race not read at meeting
Thurston County reports 31 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, increasing total to 8,420
Air Force training brings increase in air traffic to South Sound
State sets new daily vaccine goal as COVID-19 cases surge across Washington

Peninsula Daily News
Hazard pay voted down in split Port Angeles City Council vote
Sheriffs, chiefs side with Chauvin jury
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Port Townsend Leader
COVID-19 claims third life in JeffCo
COVID-19 vaccine clinic returns to Chimacum

Puget Sound Business Journal
Washington collected $469M from pot sales in 2020. Here’s how it ranks nationwide.
Washington state increases vaccination goal to 90,000 shots a day

Runta News
COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up in the Central District

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Space-junk sleuths track to Eastern Washington the rocket chunks that lit up the sky in March
Bye-bye Styrofoam coolers: New Washington state law to ban sales of some plastic, require more recycled content in others (Das)
Legislature OK’s bill easing decertification of police
‘Humongous stress’ paying for diapers: Washington lawmakers consider $80 monthly stipend (Senn, Nguyen)
Washington House approves new tax on capital gains as fight brews over a referendum (Frame, Billig)
Boeing, Microsoft and Amazon among big donors to Biden’s inauguration 
Opinion: To honor Chief Seattle, care for the Earth and all its creatures

Skagit Valley Herald
County partners with Children’s Museum to open play area at vaccine site
Skagit Transit board debates whether to accept COVID relief funding
Skagit County gains 1,000 jobs in March; unemployment rate falls

South Seattle Emerald
Opinion: Community members and advocates achieved a big victory for inclusive cash support
Auburn votes to criminalize camping on public property
As COVID-19 variants spread in state, Seattle adds walk-up vaccines for ages 60+
Washington Ethnic Studies Now’s third annual assembly to take place April 24
News Gleams: How to find a COVID-19 vaccine, Earth Week events, & more!
Opinion: Today’s ruling was a victory — tomorrow the fight continues
Local leaders and organizations respond to guilty ruling in murder of George Floyd
Judge dismisses all Seattle Public School Board recall charges

Spokesman Review
Spokane police union stymied review of 2020 protests spurred by death of George Floyd
Earth Day 2021: After COVID-19 derailed efforts to reduce plastic waste, will they move forward again?
Gonzaga University community reflects on Chauvin verdict: ‘We have work to do’
Washington Supreme Court won’t reconsider ruling decriminalizing simple drug possession
Washington House passes capital gains tax, the furthest such a proposal has ever gotten in the state (Frame, Billig)
Spokane School Board signals support for downtown stadium, but delays final vote

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities leader of notorious Sinaloa drug cartel cell heading to federal prison
Tri-Cities COVID cases climb in both counties. 65 new cases Wednesday
Tri-Cities and Seattle get F’s for air quality. They have the same problem
‘Feeding frenzy.’ Tri-Cities strained housing market nears crisis point

Vancouver Business Journal
Working together to replace the Interstate Bridge

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Valley Versus the Virus: Umatilla County officials frustrated with rising cases, vaccination hold-outs
Walla Walla man allegedly steals phone, credit cards; arrested en route to Tri-Cities
Man appears in Walla Walla court for allegedly carrying 78 fentanyl pills
Prescott woman pleads guilty to stealing whiskey, identity
COVID-19 the Numbers: Oregon reports 27% increase in daily cases

Yakima Herald Republic
In the Yakima Valley, hope that Chauvin verdict “will help us turn a corner”
Some farmworker housing rules lifted, as debate continues over coronavirus restrictions
Wildfire season could get ugly again in Yakima and statewide
Former Washington GOP gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp files to challenge Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse
Washington COVID relief fund for immigrants opens new round of help
Washington House approves new tax on capital gains (Frame, Billig)

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
After Chauvin verdict, Washington cousin of George Floyd calls for more police accountability
Capital gains tax proposal passes Washington House, heads back to Senate (Harris-Talley, Frame, Billig)
South Seattle pharmacy tackles cultural barriers to get communities of color vaccinated
Seattle City Council aims to use new vehicle license fee to help pay for bridge maintenance
More supply of COVID-19 vaccines needed to increase weekly vaccination rate in Washington state
Washington lawmakers OK proposal easing decertification of law enforcement officers

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Walk-in vaccines available to anyone 60 and over who lives or works in King County
Mass vaccination site opening at Tacoma Dome for six weeks
COVID-19 cases climb as people gather without masks
Amazon begins rollout of pay-by-palm at Whole Foods in Seattle
King County could be first in nation to ban government use of facial recognition technology
Washington House approves new tax on capital gains (Frame, Billig)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Police reform measures mount in Washington state after deaths of those in police custody (Goodman, Entenman)
Anyone 60 or over to get vaccine without appointment at two King County sites
City leaders all-in for police body cameras in Bremerton
State health experts: Washington seeing beginning of 4th wave of COVID-19 cases
Lewis & Clark College to require COVID student vaccinations
Studies: Renewable electricity can slash Cascadia pollution
Vaccine demand dropping: Some feel ‘there’s no rush,’ says doctor

KNKX FM
After lengthy debate, Washington House passes capital gains tax (Frame, Billig)
Tacoma Dome will be mass vaccination site for six weeks

KUOW FM
Washington families of people killed by police react to Chauvin verdict
Here comes wildfire season in the Northwest. What to know looking ahead
Blog: Pandemic news for the NW
At Climate Summit, Biden Stresses U.S. Commitment And Economic Opportunity
What Does Vaccine Inequality Look Like? See Chart
State Foster Care Agencies Take Millions Of Dollars Owed To Children In Their Care
WA police accountability measures and the Chauvin trial decision
After lengthy debate, Washington House passes capital gains tax (Frame, Billig)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington pushes for 90,000 daily vaccinations as younger people drive up COVID-19 infections
Bill requiring schools to provide free menstrual products heads to Inslee’s desk

Q13 TV (Fox)
Reflections from the frontlines: A look inside the local ICU that treated the nation’s first COVID-19 outbreak
Snohomish County health officials warn kids sports are spreading COVID-19

Web

Crosscut
5 times WA lawmakers failed at working remotely in 2021 (Sells, Hackney, Hansen, Shewmake, Frame, Saldaña)
WA still holds teens in solitary confinement — and worse, suit says
Black families at Seattle Children’s face security at double the rate of white families

MyNorthwest
Dogs in Washington show evidence of exposure to COVID-19
Sen. Murray reintroduces child care act to help providers, families
DOH says no early Phase 2 rollbacks planned for counties with high numbers
Capital gains tax inches closer to passage in Washington, but still faces final hurdle
Seattle leaders propose millions in spending for COVID recovery, aging bridges
North Seattle building on ‘fire watch’ after Wednesday blaze
Tacoma bar fined again for COVID-19 violations
Canceled and alternate local events in spring, summer 2021
Seafair to go virtual again in 2021 over ‘challenges with social distancing requirements’

Slog
Washington Is Coming Very Close to Taxing the Rich Eventually, Probably, Depending on a Few Things (Bronoske, Chapman, Leavitt, Paul, Rule, Hobbs, Senn, Billig, Van de Wege)

West Seattle Blog
VACCINATIONS: City confirms West Seattle hub welcomes 60+ without appointments – and ‘Good Neighbors’ too