Articles written by Sydney Brown
Sorted by date Results 1 - 11 of 11
Working families' tax credit heads for approval
OLYMPIA — A tax credit for working families in Washington passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote April 11. Lawmakers on both sides saying the exemption for low-income earners was a long time...
Senate passes carbon cap after debate on green energy
OLYMPIA — A controversial statewide cap on carbon emissions scraped through the Legislature in a 25-24 vote late April 8 after lawmakers passed a Climate Commitment Act. The majority Democrats say it will boost the state’s economy and address a...
Whitman County receives $33 million for projects
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers passed a $6.23 billion capital budget in a unanimous vote April 2, earmarking millions in funding for investments in community projects and public works. “We’ve put together a budget that not only provides for the...
House passes $11 billion transportation budget
OLYMPIA — The Washington House of Representatives passed a $10.94 billion transportation budget with some bipartisan support 87-11 on April 2. The budget pays for improved roadways and expanded “green” transportation. Construction of a...
Texas' 'Juneteenth' to become new Washington State holiday
OLYMPIA – State representatives approved a bill to make “Juneteenth” a state holiday to honor the day slaves in Texas learned of their freedom. On June 19, 1863 Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told the slaves...
House approves ban on certain police use-of-force tactics
OLYMPIA — A ban on the use of chokeholds, military equipment, and most types of car chases by law enforcement passed the House of Representatives after lawmakers voted along party lines in a 54-43 vote Feb. 27. HB 1054 was the subject of much...
Mandated homeless shelters draw criticism
OLYMPIA — Senate Bill 5107 would require counties with populations exceeding 50,000 to establish emergency housing and homeless shelters. The bill sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, would also require mental health, employment and police r...
Thousands sign up to testify
OLYMPIA - More than 1,500 people signed up to speak on behalf of reopening Washington businesses during a Jan. 20 public hearing on Senate Bill 5114. Sponsored by both Democrat and Republican senators...
Bill promotes automatic right to vote for convicts
OLYMPIA — Convicted felons would automatically regain a right to vote under the proposed House Bill 1078. Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, the convicted felon to serve in the Legislature, testified in favor of the measure Jan. 14. “This is...
Capitol campus remains under guard
OLYMPIA -Hundreds of Washington State Patrol troopers and National Guardsmen will continue to surround the Capitol Campus through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Patrol spokesman Chris...
Use of police force elicits emotional testimony
A proposed ban on the use of chokeholds, unleashed K-9 dogs and other use-of-force tactics by law enforcement is just the beginning of an effort by several state lawmakers to address police violence and its impact on marginalized communities. If...