Dear Friends and Neighbors, “Cutoffs” are internal deadlines that the Legislature sets for itself to focus our work and keep the legislative process moving forward. Last week was policy cutoff…
Category: News
LEGISLATIVE NEWS: Washington Legislators form First Latino Democratic Caucus / Legisladores de Washington forman el Primer Caucus Demócrata Latino
Vea más abajo para la versión en español OLYMPIA—Eight House and three Senate Democrats in the Washington State Legislature announced the creation of the first ever Latino caucus. “I am…
Bill to pay incarcerated workers minimum wage passes House Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee
Olympia- The Real Labor, Real Wages Act, which would mandate that incarcerated workers are paid state minimum wage, cleared its first legislative hurdle today when it was voted out of…
Simmons introduces bill to improve voting in jails
OLYMPIA – Innocent until proven guilty. That is the basis of the American criminal legal system. The majority of people incarcerated in county jails have not yet been convicted of…
Simmons introduces the Real Labor, Real Wages Act to end ‘slavery loophole’ in Washington State
OLYMPIA – Today, Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) introduced the Real Labor, Real Wages Act to require that incarcerated workers in Washington prisons be paid minimum wage. Currently, people incarcerated in…
23rd District Legislative News: Bills Alive, Prescription Language Drug Access, and Building Behavioral Health Capacity
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The end of the legislative session is fast approaching. The Legislature adjourns Sine Die on Thursday, March 10th. This week we are working hard to get…
23rd District Legislative News: Move Ahead WA, Doulas, and Virtual Town Hall this Weekend
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week, Democrats introduced the Move Ahead WA transportation package. This 16 year, almost $17 billion dollar package creates a sustainable, achievable future for our transportation…
House Passes Simmons Bill to Provide Relief from Legal Financial Obligations for Low-Income People
OLYMPIA – Legislation to allow judges to waive legal financial obligations for those unable to pay them passed the Washington House of Representatives today with a vote of 70-24. Legal…
House gives bipartisan OK to legislation standardizing charity hospital billing practices throughout the state
Lawmakers in Olympia are considering legislation to level the playing field for hospital patients throughout the state. SIMMONS: “Two point two million Washingtonians, the constituents, the people that we are…
23rd District Legislative News: Virtual Session, Expanding Access to Healthcare, WA Cares, and Tax Structure Survey
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week the 2022 legislative session started! In this 60-day short session we will pass supplemental operating, capital, and transportation budgets and continue to work on…