Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature
A bill designed to free up state help for a growing number of asylum-seekers coming to Washington is headed to the governor’s desk to become law. Sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac, the bill passed the House with a vote of 61-35 on Feb. 13 and the Senate with a vote of 29-20 Wednesday. It now needs Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)
WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit
Workers may soon be able to bring their state long-term care benefit with them if they move out of Washington. A bill to allow eligible retirees to access the $36,500 lifetime benefit, even if they move away from Washington, passed the state Senate 27-21 on Wednesday. Under the bill, others who move out of state would also be able to participate in the program if they continue paying into it. The bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Getty Images)
Most WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness
A 2023 report from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services found that within 12 months after exiting inpatient behavioral health treatment, 78% of young adults aged 18-24 become homeless. House Bill 1929 would allocate tax dollars to the Health Care Authority (HCA) to support existing nonprofit or tribal community organizations in establishing at least two residential programs on both sides of the state, offering 90 days of housing for young people aged 18-24 who have recently completed an inpatient behavioral health program and do not have long-term housing. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Matt M. McKnight)
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Columbian
Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature (Gregerson)
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Everett Herald
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Olympian
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Seattle Times
Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature (Gregerson)
FAA raises new anti-ice system concerns on Boeing 737 MAX, 787 jets
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Skagit Valley Herald
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Spokesman Review
Washington universities extend decision deadlines due to problematic new FAFSA rollout
Bill to require Washington courts to try minors based on their age at the time of the crime awaits Inslee’s signature (Cortes)
Washington Post
U.S. prescription drug market in disarray as ransomware gang attacks
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WA State Standard
WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit (Macri, Conway, Keiser)
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Wenatchee World
Chelan County Commissioners and department heads to host community meetings next week
Broadcast
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KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
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KUOW Public Radio
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Bill to create independent prosecutor for police deadly force cases fails in Washington state (Stonier)
NW Public Radio
WA lawmakers prepare to act on voter initiatives targeting police pursuits, parental rights (Wellman)
Web
Cascadia Daily News
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Crosscut
Most WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness (Cortes)
The Stranger
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