Nance bill to reduce healthcare workforce barriers passes House
OLYMPIA—Today the House unanimously passed House Bill 2355, sponsored by Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) to expand Washington’s healthcare workforce by reducing the barriers to certify new Radiologic Technologists and MRI providers.
“Washington faces a dire healthcare workforce shortage. We must reduce unnecessary barriers to train and certify our workforce,” said Nance. “This legislation will help us train more MRI technologists to detect breast cancer, diagnose heart disease, and discover strokes or aneurisms before they become deadly. Early detection saves lives.”
The Department of Health currently recognizes five different professional titles as certified radiologic technologists, but “magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist” isn’t on the list.
Nance’s bill would add MRI technologist to the list and include the supervision requirement that they work at the direction of a licensed practitioner, including direct supervision by a physician for parenteral procedures related to radiologic technology.
A training course for MRI technology takes about two years. The legislation will bring Washington training requirements back to national training standards.
“This is a small change that can make a big difference in bolstering our healthcare workforce. I’m proud to work across the aisle and deliver for our neighbors across the state.”
The legislation passed the House in a unanimous 97 to 0 vote. It is now onto the Senate for consideration.
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House passes Nance bill to fund opioid prevention at colleges
OLYMPIA—Across Washington fentanyl and opioid deaths are rising fastest among youth and young adults. Today the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2112, sponsored by Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) to fund prevention education and make fentanyl strips and the overdose reversal drug naloxone available on higher education campuses in Washington.
“We know that fentanyl and opioids are devastating our communities and hitting our teens and young adults hardest.” said Rep. Nance. “Too often, these deaths are entirely preventable. Tackling this issue from both sides – prevention education and overdose response – is how we turn the tide.”
The bill would fund education and training on administering naloxone to students and staff working in residence halls.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that can’t be smelled, tasted, or seen when mixed with another substance.
“One pill can kill. That’s what makes it so deadly,” Nance explained. “Fentanyl test strips can help folks avoid poisoning and naloxone helps reverse an overdose before it kills.”
Students or staff who administer needed emergency services to someone experiencing an overdose would be eligible for limited liability protections under Washington’s Good Samaritan Law.
“This is a common-sense measure that can save lives,” Nance said. “I’m grateful to impacted students, families, and educators for powerful committee testimony. These stories helped cement bipartisan support. My colleagues Rep. Leavitt (D-28) and Rep. Pollet (D-46) were key partners in shaping this policy and I’m grateful for their help.”
The bill passed the House with a vote of 94 to 3 and now moves to the Senate.
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House passes Nance bill clarifying high school graduation requirements
OLYMPIA— Decades of high school graduation code revisions have made it difficult for students and families to find the information they need to earn a diploma.
House Bill 2110, sponsored by freshman lawmaker Rep. Greg Nance (D – Kitsap) improves accessibility and clarifies language surrounding high school graduation requirements in Washington.
Nance, a proud graduate of Washington K-12 public schools, is passionate about supporting youth mental health and student achievement across the state.
“You shouldn’t have to graduate from law school to figure out how to graduate from high school,” said Rep. Nance. “The legislature has done terrific work expanding graduation pathways and unleashing local innovation spurred by our teachers and educators. Graduation requirements now span several statutes and have become unwieldy and confusing.”
This legislation is a statutory cleanup that makes organizational and technical changes to high school graduation requirement provisions and provides clearer guidance for graduation pathway options.
Most relevant information is consolidated into a single chapter and better aligns graduation requirements with their component parts.
Current state graduation requirements remain unchanged.
Today the House passed HB 2110 with a vote of 97-0. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Fix our Ferries town hall this weekend – join us!
Dear friends and neighbors,
We are on pace for over 3,000 cancelled ferry sailings this year. That’s why I introduced House Bill 2492 to start fixing our ferries and earn back public trust in Washington State Ferries (WSF).
The bill would establish the WSF 75 commission to:
- Evaluate dedicated funding sources for WSF’s sustained financial strength and reliable service;
- Evaluate scope of services including passenger-only ferries to meet present and future community needs;
- Complete the first statewide economic impact study of ferry disruptions so we can make a data-driven case to Congress for federal funding which we’ll need to rebuild the WSF fleet.
The WSF 75 commission would be composed of four legislators, four ferry riders, and representatives from labor, WSF, and the Governor’s office.
After trying to operate an underfunded system for decades, this is an important first step in rebuilding American’s largest ferry fleet and recruiting a new generation of WSF crew.
We need your help to make it happen… Please join us tomorrow for the Fix our Ferries townhall in Bremerton!
I’d love to see you tomorrow at the Fix our Ferries townhall I’m hosting in Bremerton. I’m looking forward to your tough questions and suggestions. I’ll share a Roadmap to Fix our Ferries that I’ve been working on with House Transportation Committee colleagues and you’ll have a chance to sign-on in support to show state leaders how ferry disruptions impact our community and why we must invest in transparent, accountable leadership.
If you’re planning on attending, let me know by clicking here to RSVP.
As a reminder, you can follow my Facebook page for up-to-date information about what I’m doing in Olympia this session and you can always reach me by email: Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov.
Together, we’ll fix our ferries.
New Nance bill would create Washington State Ferries Commission to study ferry delay impacts
OLYMPIA—Washington is home to the second largest ferry system in the world and the largest system in the United States, yet riders have been plagued by cancelled sailings due to an overworked and overwhelmed ferry system.
Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap), represents a district that relies heavily on ferry transportation for connection to the mainland with terminals in Kingston, Bainbridge, and Bremerton. Today the freshman legislator introduced House Bill 2492 to start fixing our ferry system.
The bill would establish the Washington State Ferries 75 commission to evaluate dedicated funding sources for sustained financial strength and reliable service. Preliminary findings would be due to the legislature by January 2025 with final recommendations submitted by June 1, 2026 (WSF’s 75th birthday). The WSF 75 commission would be composed of four legislators, four ferry riders, and representatives from labor, WSF, and the Governor’s office.
“We’ve chronically underfunded our system for decades,” said Rep. Nance. “An unreliable ferry service means folks miss work, miss school, miss medical appointments, miss rent. Neighbors are hurting so we need to work together to fix our ferries.”
The first statewide economic impact study of reduced ferry service is also mandated by the bill, with a report due to the governor’s office in September of this year.
“We’re missing out on federal funding because we don’t have the data and documentation to make our case to congress.” Rep. Nance said. “The statewide economic impact study is the first step to getting the federal funding we need to rebuild America’s largest ferry fleet and recruit a new generation of WSF crew.”
The bill has bipartisan support from members who represent districts with and without ferry service.
First bill from Rep. Greg Nance passes House floor
OLYMPIA—Working parents across Washington are facing a shortage of affordable, available childcare that is making it tough for moms and dads with babies and toddlers to stay in the workforce.
Today the Washington House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 2111 (Working Connections Child Care), introduced by Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) that clarifies provisions helping low- and moderate-income people access childcare.
“I hear from working families across Kitsap that the childcare they need just isn’t there, or it’s way too expensive,” said Rep. Nance. “Back home in Kitsap, and across the state, we see the same challenge: working moms and dads can’t work without affordable, accessible childcare.”
“Clarifying the requirements for eligible families to access Working Connections Childcare will allow parents to get back to work with peace of mind knowing that their kids are in safe hands,” Nance explained.
The bill also includes clarification around eligibility requirements for student parents at accredited education institutions or apprenticeship programs.
“We have parents who are paying more in childcare than they pay in tuition,” Rep. Nance said. “This support is crucial to parents who are pursuing an education, often holding down a job at the same time to provide for their family. Let’s help our working, learning moms and dads pursue their dreams and make childcare one less thing they have to worry about.”
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Join Rep. Nance at the Fix our Ferries town halls this weekend!
Dear friends and neighbors,
Fix our Ferries town halls begin this weekend!
Folks should be able to rely on our ferry system for regular, reliable sailings but right now they can’t. Things need to change. I hope you’ll join me at one of three upcoming town halls on Bainbridge, Kingston, or Bremerton to share your thoughts with me directly.
Bring your complaints, questions or suggestions. I’ll be there to listen. Together, we’ll fix our ferries.
On Saturday, January 27 you can find me at:
- Bainbridge City Hall from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
280 Madison Ave N., Bainbridge Island - Kingston Village Green from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
10878 NE West Kingston Road
And on Saturday, February 3 you can find me at:
- Bremerton Norm Dicks Center from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
345 6th St, Bremerton
Click here to let us know which town hall you’ll be attending, and to submit your questions ahead of time. Hope to see you there!
MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Greg Nance hosting Fix our Ferries Town Halls Saturday 1/27
OLYMPIA – Representative Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) will host two Fix our Ferries town halls this Saturday, January 27 at:
- Bainbridge City Hall from 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
280 Madison Ave N., Bainbridge Island - Kingston Village Green from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
10878 NE West Kingston Road
He will host an additional town hall on Saturday, February 3 at Bremerton Norm Dicks Center from 12 p.m. -2 p.m. (345 6th St., Bremerton).
Constituents are invited to share their frustrations around the state of the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system as it is currently running.
“Folks should be able to rely on our ferry system for regular, reliable sailings but right now they can’t,” said Rep. Nance. “Things need to change.”
Rep. Nance has been working with fellow lawmakers to develop legislation dealing with these issues. He will introduce a bill to address key issues plaguing WSF that is tentatively scheduled to drop on January 26.
Investing in our maritime workforce and a 21st century ferry fleet are two solutions Rep. Nance has outlined in his pathway to fixing our ferries.
“For too long, WSF was underfunded and now folks across Kitsap and the state are paying the price,” Nance said. “Our ferry system needs a solid financial foundation to deliver. Washington state has the second largest ferry system in the world. But we’re facing major headwinds. We’ve gotta work together to fix our ferries.”
For more information, please contact Rep. Nance at Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov.
Fix our Ferries Townhall this weekend
Dear friends and neighbors,
We are more than a quarter of the way through the 2024 legislative session. The last few weeks have flown by with each day bringing new surprises and learning opportunities. Last week ended on a high note when I was elected as the House Democratic Caucus Assistant Whip. The best surprise joining the caucus is seeing the strong teamwork and how we work together to deliver for our neighbors.
We need your help at a Fix Our Ferries Town Hall this weekend!
Click here to let us know which town hall you’ll be attending!
It’s no secret that our ferry system is broken. I’ve been listening to your stories and talking to ferry riders, WSF workers, and elected officials since I was sworn into office to identify root causes and explore potential solutions. I’d love to see you at one of the Fix Our Ferries town halls I’m hosting this weekend (Kingston and Bainbridge) to understand how ferry delays impact you. I’ll also share a Roadmap to Fix our Ferries that I’ve been working on with House Transportation Committee colleagues. You’ll also have a chance to sign-on in support to show state leaders how ferry disruptions impact our community and why we must invest in transparent, accountable leadership.
Together, we can fix our ferries. Hope to see you there!
You can stay up-to-date with the latest news by following my Facebook page.
Rep. Greg Nance elected WA House Democratic Caucus Assistant Whip
OLYMPIA—The House Democratic Caucus elected freshman lawmaker Rep. Greg Nance (D-23rd District) as Assistant Whip by a majority vote on Thursday, January 18. He was nominated by his seatmate, Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Kitsap).
“I’m honored to serve as Assistant Whip for the House Democrats,” said Rep. Nance. “The best surprise joining the caucus is seeing the strong teamwork and how we work together to deliver for our neighbors. I look forward to building strong relationships and working with my colleagues to uphold Democratic values and priorities.”
As an assistant whip, he will work with members of his caucus to understand their positions on major issues and keep leadership aware of those positions.
The newest member of the caucus, Nance has introduced several bills this session, with a focus on supporting Washington’s working families and young people across the state. He is the sponsor of HB 2111 Working Connections Child Care that clarifies provisions helping low- and moderate-income people access childcare that was unanimously passed out of the House Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee on January 12.
Another bill, HB 2112, is scheduled for executive session in the House Postsecondary Education Committee on January 23. The bill provides for fentanyl and opiate prevention education for college students and requires schools to make fentanyl strips and Naloxone readily accessible by students and staff to prevent overdoses.
“One pill can kill,” Rep. Nance said. “Fentanyl is so potent and often people don’t even realize they’re taking it. Raising awareness on the dangers of fentanyl poisoning is the first step but we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to turn the tide and protect Washington’s youth.”
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House passes Nance bill to fund opioid prevention at colleges
OLYMPIA—Across Washington fentanyl and opioid deaths are rising fastest among youth and young adults. Today the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2112, sponsored by Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) to...
House passes Nance bill clarifying high school graduation requirements
OLYMPIA— Decades of high school graduation code revisions have made it difficult for students and families to find the information they need to earn a diploma. House Bill 2110, sponsored...
Fix our Ferries town hall this weekend – join us!
Dear friends and neighbors, We are on pace for over 3,000 cancelled ferry sailings this year. That’s why I introduced House Bill 2492 to start fixing our ferries and earn...
First bill from Rep. Greg Nance passes House floor
OLYMPIA—Working parents across Washington are facing a shortage of affordable, available childcare that is making it tough for moms and dads with babies and toddlers to stay in the workforce. ...
Join Rep. Nance at the Fix our Ferries town halls this weekend!
Dear friends and neighbors, Fix our Ferries town halls begin this weekend! Folks should be able to rely on our ferry system for regular, reliable sailings but right now they...
MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Greg Nance hosting Fix our Ferries Town Halls Saturday 1/27
OLYMPIA – Representative Greg Nance (D-Kitsap) will host two Fix our Ferries town halls this Saturday, January 27 at: Bainbridge City Hall from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. 280...
Fix our Ferries Townhall this weekend
Dear friends and neighbors, We are more than a quarter of the way through the 2024 legislative session. The last few weeks have flown by with each day bringing...
Rep. Greg Nance elected WA House Democratic Caucus Assistant Whip
OLYMPIA—The House Democratic Caucus elected freshman lawmaker Rep. Greg Nance (D-23rd District) as Assistant Whip by a majority vote on Thursday, January 18. He was nominated by his seatmate, Rep....
What a Week! Your 2024 Legislative Session Update with Rep. Greg Nance
Dear neighbors, This week Governor Inslee delivered his State of the State address. Washington is strong and resilient, but we face big challenges, including rising cost of living that especially...
Roadmap to Fix our Ferries
Hello friends and neighbors, I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are ready for the new year. I’m writing to share an update ahead of the 2024 legislative session in...