John Braun commentary: Democrats are in no rush to settle concerns about potential fraud
A recent state audit questioned whether Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families had properly spent federal funds to subsidize childcare. Between compliance and documentation concerns, the money involved could exceed $37 million. Just as troubling, if not more so, is an admission DCYF made through the audit: Two-thirds of the payments it made to […]
Jared Mead: Can you afford to raise kids in Snohomish County?
My wife Krystal is a teacher in the Everett Public Schools. Every day she helps shape the lives of other people’s children. She loves her job and she’s good at it. But we’ve had real conversations about whether it makes financial sense for her to keep working. Krystal and I have four kids, and this […]
Gov Ferguson commentary on 2026 legislative session
When I delivered my State of the State address at the start of this session, I talked about history — particularly the history that we create ourselves. I want to thank legislators, legislative staff and my team for a historic legislative session. I was very specific in articulating key priorities in my State of the […]
Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins touches on Democratic priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
OLYMPIA—With lawmakers returning to Olympia on January 12, 2026, the Lynnwood Times met with Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) to discuss the Washington State House Democrat Caucus’ priorities going into the 2026 legislative session. At the highest level, Jinkins said, the party will be seeking to “protect Washingtonians from federal overreach” – a […]
Report: Washington state has 3rd-highest childcare costs in the US
(The Center Square) – Childcare is a significant expense for families nationwide, but a new report from personal finance website and app WalletHub finds it especially challenging in Washington state. “For married couples in Washington, they’re spending between 10% and almost 13% of the median income, depending on whether it’s center-based care or like a home daycare,” […]
Everett Community College unanimously votes to close Early Learning Center
EVERETT—After over an hour of public comment backlash, the Everett Community College Board of Trustees unanimously decided to close its Early Learning Center during a court-ordered special session Thursday, June 26. To a packed room, the crowd chanted, “shame,” immediately following the Board’s vote. “This is not a cavalier decision, this is well thought out […]
After years of deficits, Everett Community College is closing its Early Learning Center
EVERETT—The Early Learning Center at Everett Community College will be closing its doors June 30, 2025. For almost 33 years the on-campus facility has provided licensed childcare services for infants to children aged 5, and to many low-income families. Approximately 20 staff members were presented with the hard news during a May 7 meeting where […]
County Council hears from childcare experts a day before considering new ordinance
EVERETT—The Snohomish County Council heard from leading childcare experts during Administrative Session Tuesday, March 18, a day before considering an ordinance that aims to reduce local regulatory barriers for childcare providers while allowing more childcare facilities to operate throughout Snohomish County. The ordinance being considered for tomorrow, 25-015, was introduced by County Council members Nate […]
Survey: Is lack of childcare affecting your bottom line?
To understand the impact of childcare on hiring and retention for Snohomish County business, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, along with Snohomish STEM and other organizations are collecting data from businesses which they hope to develop family-friendly workplace policies. Deadline to take survey is July 31, 2024. Who should complete the survey? Business leaders, HR professionals, […]
Commerce awards over $2 million to address highest priority child care shortages
OLYMPIA—The Clearwater School Well Being Center located in Bothell, was one of 18 recipients of the Child Care Partnership Grants by the Washington State Department of Commerce. In April of 2023, The Clearwater School was awarded $250,000 by the Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers to operate Youth and Family Resource Centers in South County. The Commerce […]
