Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Sorted by date Results 1 - 11 of 11
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 coming. "Expanding and fully funding the Working Families Tax Credit will make a difference for hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians who may face an unexpected cost – an auto repair, a sick child, a loss of hours at a job – that can lead to a downward economic spiral," stated Sen. David Frockt, D-Sea...
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 looming climate problem. “It’s good for our grandchildren’s children,” Sen. Reuven Carlyle, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate during a six-hour debate on the bill. The program is estimated to cost $27.3 million and will likely bring in $228.5 million for the state to partly fund the Working Famil...
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 infrastructure needs of big urban centers, but prioritizes rural communities struggling to survive in the pandemic’s aftermath,” stated Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan. For education, the proposal plans $781.7 million for the K-12 School Construction Assistance Program and $679 million for state four-year instituti...
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 hybrid-electric ferry will get $152.5 million from the budget, along with $12 million toward electric vehicle grants and $15 million for reducing carbon emissions. The proposal also spends $726 million on fish passage barrier removals to comply with federal Department of Transportation standards. More than $1 bi...
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 they were freed. But, it was Jan. 1, 1865 when the 13th Amendment to the Constitution ended slavery in the United States. It was nearly three years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was delivered on Sept. 22, 1862. In Olympia, June 19th took a step closer to being recogni...
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 debate. Some Republican leaders said the bill went too far to strip police of self-defense options, and Democrats said the bill addressed a growing problem with violence and racism in law enforcement. “While Washington State still has work to do to demand equity in our law enforcement, today’s vote is a...
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 resources. The law would force shelters to ban possession or use of alcohol and unprescribed drugs on the premises and to have a police presence during operating hours. At a Feb. 3 hearing, more than 400 people signed in as opposed to the bill, telling the Senate Housing and Local Government Committee...
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, Senate Bill 5114 and its companion House Bill 1321 would skip over Phase 1 of Gov. Jay Inslee's newest phased-in reopening plan, "Healthy Washington-Roadmap to Recovery" plan, allowing for 25% indoor capacity at restaurants and gyms, and indoor entertainment like theaters and bowling alleys....
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 really about reentry; it’s not about the punishment,” she said. “The punishment has been taken into consideration during the prosecution.” Simmons was sentenced to 20 months in prison for possessing and selling drugs and unlawful possession of a firearm. A former nurse, she said she stole drugs and sold th...
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 Loftis said the National Guard will provide up to 750 troops, and some will be armed. All patrol troopers are armed. "Significant," but temporary, fencing surrounds the legislative buildings and offices. It was erected more than a week ago, and prevents public access to proceedings, galleries and...
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 passed, House Bill 1054 would ban several tactics, including the use of tear gas on civilians, shooting at or pursuing a vehicle, and the use of military-grade equipment by officers. Several community activists testified in a public hearing this morning saying these changes would address racism in...
