With final speech, Inslee bids adieu as Washington governor
OLYMPIA—Washington Governor Jay Inslee used his final State of the State speech to a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday to frame a 12-year legacy that spanned a pandemic, historic natural disasters, unmatched expansion of government and a quixotic bid for president. The three-term Democrat told members of the House and Senate that serving in the […]
Washington to send 150 fire personnel to assist LA fires
OLYMPIA—In response to the deadly Los Angeles (LA) fires, Washington State’s Emergency Management Division is coordinating nine task forces made up of 45 engines, 11 trucks and 146 personnel with fire departments across the state. The state’s Department of Natural Resources will also be sending additional fire equipment and personnel. “I have been in touch […]
SBA approves disaster assistance for Washingtonians impacted by bomb-cyclone
OLYMPIA—The Small Business Administration (SBA) late Monday, December 23, approved Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a disaster declaration following the Bomb Cyclone that occurred November 17-25. The SBA declaration makes low-interest federal loans available to Washington businesses and residents affected by the storm in Chelan, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish and Yakima counties. “I appreciate […]
Making sense of Washington state’s multi-billion-dollar budget hole
OLYMPIA (The Washington Standard)—Washington state’s budget is, to put it nicely, in a world of hurt. There’s a big gap between what the state is collecting in taxes and what it needs to pay for its commitments in education, human services, health care, corrections and other day-to-day government operations. On paper, the chasm is billions […]
Somers appoints Mike Fong as new Executive Director for Economic Development
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—County Executive Dave Somers has selected a new Executive Director for Economic Development. Mike Fong will take over the role starting January 6, 2025. Fong has worked at the local, state, and national level on initiatives to support businesses and invigorate the workforce. He most recently served as Director for the Washington State Department […]
Snohomish County state lawmakers talk 2025 legislative priorities
EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. With Washington state facing a projected […]
New State Office of Independent Investigations to investigate first use-of-deadly-force incident
OLYMPIA—The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) will soon begin its first investigation since the agency was created by the state legislature in 2021 in the wake of national calls for accountable use of force following the death of George Floyd and national riots that followed in the summer of 2020. OII is to […]
Washington state wants to increase bureaucrats’ salaries by $1.3 billion despite claims the state is facing a budget shortfall
When Jay Inslee took the job as Governor in 2013, the state’s annual operating budget was approximately $38.4 billion. After 12 years of the Inslee administration, the state is now spending almost twice as much per year, $75.5 billion. Yet, despite this massive increase in state spending, legislators are claiming that they will need another $10-12 billion over the […]
Inslee announces plan for new juvenile rehabilitation facility
OLYMPIA—Washington state’s juvenile rehabilitation (JR) system has been noted in recent years for its innovative, trauma-informed education and therapeutic programming. But 2024 has brought significant challenges. The state’s JR population is increasing, including a 60% increase in young people at Green Hill School since 2023. The resulting overcrowding at certain facilities has created unsafe conditions […]
Easy, low-cost, on-demand travel option from Community Transit to begin in North County
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Residents in Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens will soon get to try out Zip Shuttle, Community Transit’s latest pilot project. Zip-branded vehicles will start road-testing early in December with a target launch date set for later in the month. The flexible, on-demand rideshare service allows anyone to book a ride within a specified zone […]
