WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Friday, September 15

A file photo shows the construction of Downtown Emergency Service Center's housing complex in Seattle's Rainier Valley, Aug. 12, 2019. The organization also received funding from the state's Office of Apple Health and Homes to build housing in Seattle's Interbay neighborhood.

Is housing a form of health care? A Washington program says it is
Apple Health and Homes is a multi-agency state program launched last year that focuses on providing housing to people with health and behavioral health challenges. The program helps people gain housing through application and home search assistance, and also offers tenant supports, such as rental aid and treatment programs. The Legislature set aside over $100 million from the state’s Housing Trust Fund for the program. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Matt M. McKnight)


Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) sits in the crowd listening to a person speak at her celebration event in Bremerton Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, after having her criminal record cleared by a judge earlier that afternoon.

Formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker has record cleared, celebrates freedom from ‘invisible prison’
With a stroke of a pen, Judge Kevin Hull cleared Rep. Tarra Simmons’ (D-Bremerton) criminal record – allowing her to finally move past what she calls an “invisible prison.” The court was able to vacate her convictions after the Legislature approved a bill in 2019 that revised the rules around clearing a person’s criminal history. Still, Simmons said there are more barriers to tackle for people affected by the legal system, and she said she plans to continue pursuing policies focused on legal justice in the Legislature. Continue reading at KUOW. (NW News Network)


The Lincoln Options Program at Lincoln Elementary School in Olympia provides summer care for students. The lack of care during summer was an issue for parents and businesses, advocates found on their bus tour around the state.

Opinion: We must meet the challenge of saving child care
It is clear from brain science that the first five years — when 90% of brain growth occurs — are the most important in a child’s development. The overwhelming message that we heard in all four corners of the state is that child care is in crisis. Providers cannot attract and retain teachers and parents cannot afford to pay more. Families, employers and elected officials all realize that we must solve the child care crisis in order to have a vibrant economy, economically stable families and children who are well-prepared for school. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ahnya Waldeck)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
One year on: looking at the Monte rehab center fire

Axios
More Seattle seniors are working past 65
Seattle officer’s remarks on dead pedestrian spark outrage

Capital Press
Farm groups need time to digest EPA’s ‘herbicide strategy’
Court approves EPA pilot pesticide program, part of ‘megasuit’

Everett Herald
Amazon cuts ribbon on colossal $355M fulfillment center in Arlington
Until further notice: 1-boat service on busy Edmonds-Kingston route

News Tribune
Did police kill Manuel Ellis? Or was it meth? Trial experts to offer divergent opinions

Olympian
WA state has set a record for returning unclaimed cash. Are you entitled to some?

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon opens giant high-tech warehouse in Arlington
No Fred Meyer stores to be sold in Kroger-Albertsons divestiture deal, report says

Seattle Times
No guarantee of ‘soft landing’ for cooling WA economy
Health insurance rates are about to jump for thousands of WA residents
To confront WA’s high rents, feds increase limits on housing vouchers
‘Justice for Jaahnavi’: Rally crowd expresses anger, disgust at Seattle police
Opinion: It’s time for WA to save child care

Spokesman Review
City Council ‘left in the dark’ about dozens of tenants moved to the streets
No plan B: VA remains committed to troubled computer system despite three years of problems in Spokane

Washington Post
Historic UAW strike underway
Federal watchdog warns about college tuition installment plans

WA State Standard
WA Supreme Court strikes down restrictions on sheriffs’ use of tear gas
WA lawmakers push for greater access to fertility services for service members and veterans
Workers sue WA Department of Corrections over Larch closure

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima River Canyon fires at 60% contained, crews expecting to stand down Friday
Fires in Yakima River Canyon have burned 900 acres, incident management team called in

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Homicides increasing in Seattle, half of 2023 cases still open
King County deputies refused to arrest man who later shot and killed mother, lawsuit says
‘It’s truly disturbing’: Community holds rally, demands justice for Jaahnavi Kandula amid Seattle police video controversy

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic to open new location focusing on mental, behavioral health

KUOW Public Radio
Only half of WA students are reading at grade level, new test scores show
Why trust between Seattle police and the LGBTQ+ Pride community has been crumbling
Formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker has record cleared, celebrates freedom from ‘invisible prison’ (Simmons)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Dozens call for consequences against Seattle Police officers after controversial body cam video
Olympia School District to discuss return of school resource officers after students brought guns to school

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Earthquake research center to prep PNW for impending disaster

Crosscut
Is housing a form of health care? A Washington program says it is