KNKX reporter Scott Greenstone is following one new state lawmaker through her first session. Rep. Sharlett Mena, from Tacoma, is getting a crash course in what it takes to make…
Category: Sharlett in the News
Freshman lawmakers of color in WA have a tough road. One let us come along
Washington’s legislature has the largest freshman class since anyone can remember, and the most diverse ever recorded. But they’re working in an institution designed in the 1800s – by and…
Proposal aims at keeping people alive during extreme heat
Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility…
WA law would protect residents with unpaid utility bills during heat advisory. Here’s how
On Tuesday, the Washington state House passed a new bill aiming to protect vulnerable Washingtonians from dangerous heat waves. Now the legislation awaits Senate approval. If cemented into state law,…
Washington state looks to ban toxic chemicals in makeup, hair products
WASHINGTON — Beauty may be skin deep, but the products we use to enhance that beauty go beyond the surface of our skin and are absorbed into our bodies. So it…
Washington Legislature sees first Latino caucus
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The first ever Latino caucus has been created in the Washington State Legislature, consisting of eight House Democrats and three Senate Democrats, according to a press release from…
WA lawmakers could make Lunar New Year an official state holiday
Washington could become the first state in the U.S. to make Lunar New Year a paid legal holiday. Lunar New Year celebrations are cherished by many Washington residents with roots…
Don’t believe the smears. A fact-based police pursuit law makes Washington safer | Opinion
We have a duty to put people over politics and make fact-based decisions. In Federal Way in 2019, police chasing a “reckless driver” hit speeds over 70 miles per hour,…
Lawmakers seek to ban some utility shutoffs during extreme heat
OLYMPIA, Wash. — While the Northwest braces for more cold weather, lawmakers in Olympia are busy thinking about how hot it will get this summer. On Thursday, the House Committee on…
Democratic Latinos form a caucus, hospital staffing bill clears a hurdle
Democratic Latino lawmakers are coalescing to amplify concerns and priorities of Latino communities with their colleagues. Eleven legislators — 8 representatives and 3 senators — formed the Democratic Latino Caucus…