As federal funding for crime victims plummets, advocates ask WA lawmakers for help
The Victims of Crime Act State Plan is unique in how many different types of programs it supports. While much of the funds go to victims of sex abuses, the state plan serves a wide range of victims, including those of robbery, arson, identity theft and elder abuse, as well as loved ones of homicide victims. A few years ago, the state decided to kick in $40 million to keep funding for the state plan steady — but those supplemental funds are set to expire in June 2025. The Department of Commerce, which oversees the state Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, is requesting another $51 million for the 2025-2027 biennium. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Jamie Rose)
Plastic producers face fines for not using enough recycled material in their products
On Thursday, the Washington State Department of Ecology announced fines for 35 plastic producers for failing to use enough recycled plastics. The 35 companies identified were fined a combination of over $400,000 because the law required them to use between 10% and 15% recycled material. These are the first penalties levied since the law was signed in 2021. Ecology is responsible for making sure businesses comply with the law and registering them. The fines varied between $39 to $67,196. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (Washington State Department of Ecology)
What Washington’s EV rebates bought
Washington’s hot rebate summer saw thousands more electric rides hit the road thanks to a new subsidy for low-income drivers, now dwindling in supply. The Department of Commerce’s Electric Vehicle Instant Rebates program was conceived as a leg-up for low earners in the state who want to skip trips to the gas station, but can’t afford a new (or new-ish) EV. The program launched in August, and offered everything its name implies—$5,000 off the purchase of a qualifying new EV or $9K off a 36-month lease.1 That’s all on top of the slate of federal rebates for EVs. Continue reading at The WA Observer. (Denin Lawley)
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As federal funding for crime victims plummets, advocates ask WA lawmakers for help
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Washington Observer
What Washington’s EV rebates bought