State Government

Department of Health unveils free, dual-language ‘Walk With Ease’ program

The Washington State Department of Health has released a free, new walking program designed to help people manage and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease  and arthritis. The program, called Walk With Ease, is a self-directed walking program available in English and Spanish that aims to improve people’s health. After enrollment, participants register,…

Inslee appoints Will Steffener to Snohomish County Superior Court

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Will Steffener to the Snohomish County Superior Court.  He will replace Judge Janice Ellis, who is retiring June 30. According to an announcement from the governor’s office, Steffener has broad legal experience. Since 2021, he has maintained a private practice at Deno Millikan Law Firm, PLLC in Everett, handling…

Workers eligible for WA Cares Fund exemptions must apply by June 1

Starting July 1, employers will begin deducting premiums from Washington workers’ paychecks for the WA Cares Fund, the state’s new long-term care insurance program. While almost all working Washingtonians will contribute to WA Cares, exemptions are available for certain categories of workers who are unlikely to be able to use the benefits — but eligible…

Why it’s important to keep plastic out of your compost container

Composting is a great way to turn yard debris and food scraps into a valuable soil amendment that enriches soil. The Washington State Department of Ecology reminds consumers to keep the compost “clean” by not including contaminants like plastic packaging and wrappers. Recycle your plastics or place them in a garbage container. Just like other recycling systems,…

State lawmakers strike deal Monday to ensure drug possession remains a crime

State lawmakers announced an agreement Monday to toughen the penalty for drug possession and expand pathways into treatment and away from jail for those arrested. The deal comes hours before legislators convene a special session and, barring another setback, will erase the threat that possession of illicit drugs becomes legal in July. Late Monday, legislative…

As overtime looms in Olympia, deal on drug possession law proves elusive

Publisher’s note: The Washington State Standard  — an independent, nonprofit news organization that produces original reporting on policy and politics — was launched earlier this month. It offers its content to media outlets free of charge to republish.  State lawmakers are gearing up for a special session with one purpose: setting a new course for how…

Public Disclosure Commission votes to issue formal guidance regarding candidate contributions for a different office

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) voted Thursday to issue formal guidance regarding candidates’ use of contributions received for a previous campaign for a different office. Under state law (RCW 42.17A.490), a candidate who solicits contributions for a state, local or judicial office may not use any unspent contributions to seek a different office without first obtaining written approval…

State Transportation Commission to discuss commute changes, ferry fare changes May 16-17

The Washington State Transportation Commission will meet in Olympia May 16-17 to learn about changes to commuting patterns post-pandemic, get an update on transportation funding for the 2023-2025 biennium and discuss ferry fare changes to come following legislative direction. The commission will also hear a presentation on the Hood River Bridge Traffic and Revenue Study,…

Inslee sets special session May 16 to address drug possession law

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has called the Legislature back to Olympia to settle the matter of drug possession once and for all. A special session will begin May 16, focusing on a so-called “Blake fix.” The Blake fix was the only remaining must-do item legislators didn’t finish during the regular legislative session that ended April 23. In…

State Legislature allocates $6.5 million for research and development center for sustainable aviation fuels at Paine Field

As part of its 2023-2025 transportation budget, the Washington State Legislature allocated $6.5 million for a research and development ccnter for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at Snohomish County’s Paine Field Airport. Executive Dave Somers recently announced the plan for the center, which is a partnership with Washington State University (WSU) and combined with other WSU…

State fruit, vegetable incentives program receives temporary funding to increase benefits

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants will receive additional support towards fruit and vegetable purchases, thanks to the passage of SHB 1784. The bill provides an additional $2 million for the Washington State Department of Health Fruit and Vegetable Incentives Program. Funding will increase the SNAP Produce Match benefit from $5 for every $10 spent…

‘Simple As That’ campaign aims to help create a litter-free Washington

April is Earth Month, and the Washington Department of Ecology is marking the occasion with an emphasis on keeping Washington litter free. Roadside litter affects road safety, the environment and the wellbeing of local communities. More than 75% of Washington residents do not litter, but despite this, an estimated 26 million pounds of material still…

In the Legislature: House passes bill to address addiction crisis , update possession statute

The Washington State House of Representatives on Tuesday night passed an amended version of Senate Bill 5536, updating Washington’s statute for possession of controlled substances and creating a comprehensive system of outreach, treatmentand recovery services. The bill is the Legislature’s proposal to address the 2021 Washington Supreme Court Blake decision, which found Washington’s strict liability…

New state campaign urges residents not to bag their recyclables

Plastic bags are one of the largest sources of contamination in Washington’s residential recycling stream. These bags can clog recycling machinery, contaminate other recyclable materials, and lead to more potentially recyclable material ending up in the landfill. How big a problem is it? According to a Washington Department of Ecology survey, 20% of residents put…

Weekend-long northbound I-5 lane reductions in Lynnwood April 7-10

Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties will kick off in Lynnwood this weekend, April 7-10. Two lanes of northbound Interstate 5 at 44th Avenue West and both directions of Alderwood Mall Boulevard will close for concrete bridge deck work. The two bridges are the first of 17 included in a project to fix damaged pavement to…

Help inform highway maintenance work through WSDOT online open house

Patching potholes, replacing damaged guardrails and clearing snow and ice are just some of the dozens of tasks performed by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance teams. The agency is inviting the public to comment, beginning Thursday, March 30, on highway maintenance activities through an online open house. People who use the state highway…

Deadline April 1 to remove studded tires in Washington state

Studded tires will become illegal in Washington on April 1. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) encourages drivers to plan ahead to avoid a fine of $137. There are no exceptions to this law; no waivers are available and the law pertains to all drivers, including those from out of state. “Studded tires cause…

Liias bill to increase access to HIV medication heads to governor’s desk 

A bill sponsored by 21st District State Sen. Marko Liias to increase access to HIV medication unanimously passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday.   The Washington Department of Health receives grant funding from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grant Program to operate the Early Intervention Program (EIP).   EIP provides crucial support to Washingtonians living with HIV,…

Reminder: 32nd District legislators to host telephone town hall March 21

The delegation from Washington State’s Legislature’s 32nd District will be holding a telephone town hall Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. The 32nd District includes portions of Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Those attending via telephone include State Sen. Jesse Salomon and Reps. Lauren Davis and Cindy Ryu. Sign up at vekeo.com/whdc32.