This year's competition celebrated all things spooky, and most importantly, Colossal raised a staggering $2.4 million benefiting Starlight Children's Foundation. PHOENIX, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The 2024 Face of Horror competition has officially come to a close, and what a...
This year's competition celebrated all things spooky, and most importantly, Colossal raised a staggering $2.4 million benefiting Starlight Children's Foundation. PHOENIX, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The 2024 Face of Horror competition has officially come to a close, and what a...
Chase Plastics is proud to announce a record-breaking $15,000 in donations to six deserving charities this holiday season through its annual Chase Giving Card campaign. CLARKSTON, Mich., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Now in its ninth year, the campaign will donate $2,500 to each of...
Chase Plastics is proud to announce a record-breaking $15,000 in donations to six deserving charities this holiday season through its annual Chase Giving Card campaign. CLARKSTON, Mich., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Now in its ninth year, the campaign will donate $2,500 to each of...
The Award recognizes Astound's commitment to building equitable and inclusive communities through the Astound Community Connects Initiative. Astound Broadband joined forces with Habitat for Humanity in April 2024 through the Home is the Key campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on...
The Award recognizes Astound's commitment to building equitable and inclusive communities through the Astound Community Connects Initiative. Astound Broadband joined forces with Habitat for Humanity in April 2024 through the Home is the Key campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on...
The nonprofit made significant strides toward its vision of a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Illustrative Mathematics (IM) marks a strong year as more districts turn to the nonprofit to enable equitable access...
The nonprofit made significant strides toward its vision of a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Illustrative Mathematics (IM) marks a strong year as more districts turn to the nonprofit to enable equitable access...
Pacifica Graduate Institute is pleased to announce the launch of the Pacifica Promise Program, a pioneering initiative to address California's escalating mental health crisis. This innovative program offers a comprehensive approach to making mental health care more equitable, accessible,...
Pacifica Graduate Institute is pleased to announce the launch of the Pacifica Promise Program, a pioneering initiative to address California's escalating mental health crisis. This innovative program offers a comprehensive approach to making mental health care more equitable, accessible,...
12/19/2024 Washington State Governor's Information Feed
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) $49.7 million in Corridor Identification and Development Program grant funding to advance planning work on the Cascadia High-Speed Rail program. Future high-speed rail service would connect the Cascadia megaregion, including the metropolitan areas of Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C.
This marks the second federal grant award for Cascadia High-Speed Rail, now part of the federal funding pipeline for passenger rail development. The program will also receive $5.5 million in matching funds from the Washington State Legislature.
The funding award will support technical planning across the Cascadia region and robust engagement and collaboration with local and regional elected officials, Tribal governments and Canadian First Nations, and communities along the corridor to understand their priorities for the future transportation system.
The Cascadia region has experienced considerable growth in recent decades and expects to add 3-4 million people by 2050. Last year, WSDOT created the Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program to plan for future transportation needs.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to plan for future growth and transform how our region moves, and this funding keeps us on track to seize it,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “Such a project has enormous potential for reducing emissions and improving quality of life for people across the Cascadia region.”
"Our transportation system, and how we use it, must change as our technology and workforce needs evolve," Said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. "High speed rail should be part of our region's future. These federal dollars are a smart, proactive investment -- not only in a transportation option, but in new opportunities for building more housing and creating family-wage jobs across our two states."
“Our unique partnership to advance high-speed rail – representing two countries, two U.S. states and one Canadian province – enables us to make visionary investments in our region’s future through a sustained commitment to collaboration with our neighbors,” said British Columbia Premier David Eby.
Since 2017, leaders in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia have explored how high-speed rail could better connect the Cascadia region, boost economic competitiveness, and mitigate climate change. This is the first significant investment that will advance the technical and engagement work needed to explore potential route options.
The jurisdictional partners will continue to work with the Federal Railroad Administration through the Corridor Identification and Development Program to fund future phases of work, including further environmental review of potential route options.
CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ziegler, a national boutique investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of $22,340,000 in Series 2024A, 2024B, and 2024C Bonds and Notes for the Olympus Community Development District. The financing will accelerate the...
CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ziegler, a national boutique investment bank, is pleased to announce the successful closing of $22,340,000 in Series 2024A, 2024B, and 2024C Bonds and Notes for the Olympus Community Development District. The financing will accelerate the...
RoLin Advanced Services is revitalizing Detroit through sustainable landscaping, renovations, and community-focused projects. By combining professionalism and care, they're transforming neighborhoods, fostering trust, and building a brighter, greener future. DETROIT, Dec. 19, 2024...
RoLin Advanced Services is revitalizing Detroit through sustainable landscaping, renovations, and community-focused projects. By combining professionalism and care, they're transforming neighborhoods, fostering trust, and building a brighter, greener future. DETROIT, Dec. 19, 2024...
This year's event built upon the success of the inaugural ceremony, attracting over 130 attendees FREDERICK, Md., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- techfrederick, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the technology industry's growth in Frederick County, proudly hosted the...
This year's event built upon the success of the inaugural ceremony, attracting over 130 attendees FREDERICK, Md., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- techfrederick, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the technology industry's growth in Frederick County, proudly hosted the...
Nana Grants, a nonprofit organization that pays for child care for low-income single mothers in college, has relaunched its CAPS Bridge Funding Program after a four-year hiatus in response to growing need. The Liz Blake Giving Fund and Gas South have pledged $500,000 and $25,000...
Nana Grants, a nonprofit organization that pays for child care for low-income single mothers in college, has relaunched its CAPS Bridge Funding Program after a four-year hiatus in response to growing need. The Liz Blake Giving Fund and Gas South have pledged $500,000 and $25,000...
Ranch Hands Rescue, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing sanctuary and healing for trauma survivors and neglected animals, is proud to announce a bold expansion of its services at Bob's House of Hope. DENTON COUNTY, Texas, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Addressing a Hidden...
Ranch Hands Rescue, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing sanctuary and healing for trauma survivors and neglected animals, is proud to announce a bold expansion of its services at Bob's House of Hope. DENTON COUNTY, Texas, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Addressing a Hidden...
Firm will review approaches utilized by Columbus, Ohio, to provide 911 service and emergency response for incidents outside traditional law enforcement, fire/rescue, and emergency medical. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mission Critical Partners (MCP) has been...
Firm will review approaches utilized by Columbus, Ohio, to provide 911 service and emergency response for incidents outside traditional law enforcement, fire/rescue, and emergency medical. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mission Critical Partners (MCP) has been...
Recent changes in state and federal abortion legislation impact the practice of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) in the United States, introducing new professional liability challenges for OB/GYNs. CARBONDALE, Ill., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recent changes in state and federal...
Recent changes in state and federal abortion legislation impact the practice of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) in the United States, introducing new professional liability challenges for OB/GYNs. CARBONDALE, Ill., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recent changes in state and federal...
Apex Class Action LLC, the Settlement Administrator for the Hanesbrands Inc. Data Breach Class Action Settlement, announces that individuals affected by the 2022 data breach may now file claims to receive benefits under the settlement agreement. The data breach, which occurred in May...
Apex Class Action LLC, the Settlement Administrator for the Hanesbrands Inc. Data Breach Class Action Settlement, announces that individuals affected by the 2022 data breach may now file claims to receive benefits under the settlement agreement. The data breach, which occurred in May...
12/18/2024 Washington State Governor's Information Feed
In case you missed it: Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved California's request for a waiver of preemption for the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation. For more than 50 years, California has maintained nation-leading auto emissions standards in order to protect air quality. Today's decision by the EPA enables California to implement more protective efficiency standards. Washington is one of 17 states that follow California's efficiency standards on vehicle pollution.
"Efficiency standards make it possible to slash pollution from the vehicles we drive," said Gov. Jay Inslee. "In the fight against climate change, states have always had the ability to move farther and faster than the federal government. This decision is a big boost to our efforts to expand clean, affordable transportation options."
The state Department of Ecology's website includes more information regarding vehicle emissions standards in Washington.
Below is the full text of the release from the U.S. Climate Alliance which Inslee co-founded in 2017 and currently co-chairs.
U.S. EPA Approval of California’s Clean Cars Waiver Empowers U.S. Climate Alliance States to Accelerate Climate Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Climate Alliance — a bipartisan coalition of governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population — issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of California’s request for a waiver of preemption for the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation:
“The Alliance welcomes today’s decision from EPA, which empowers America’s climate-leading states to go further, faster to stamp out climate pollution,” said U.S. Climate Alliance Executive Director Casey Katims. “This action means cleaner air in our communities, lower costs and expanded choice for consumers, and more good-paying jobs and investment in manufacturing across America.”
This waiver approval benefits not only California, but all states and territories that choose to adopt the ACC II rule to protect their communities, advance their emissions-reduction targets, save consumers money, and protect public health. To date, 11 other Alliance states have adopted the ACC II regulation. Additionally, 19 Alliance states have established lead-by-example state zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet requirements.
States and territories across the Alliance are also implementing the complementary policies needed to get more clean cars on our roadways. This includes offering state-level incentives for electric vehicles and at-home chargers, leveraging investments through the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to expand public charging availability, working with utilities to expand investments in ZEV infrastructure and otherwise prepare for vehicle electrification, and establishing electric vehicle-ready requirements to ensure new housing and parking facilities will accommodate electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
National Competition Will Benefit Nonprofit GENYOUth in Its Mission to Help America’s Schoolchildren Thrive PHOENIX, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Colossal Management announces the launch of ‘Entrepreneur of Impact,’ an exciting competition that is in partnership with Shark Tank...
National Competition Will Benefit Nonprofit GENYOUth in Its Mission to Help America’s Schoolchildren Thrive PHOENIX, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Colossal Management announces the launch of ‘Entrepreneur of Impact,’ an exciting competition that is in partnership with Shark Tank...
Local motorcycle injury law firm doubles down on supporting the biker community by donating to charities chosen by their Carolina biker clients and friends. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Bulldog Foundation, created and fully funded by Carolinas' Biker Lawyers,...
Local motorcycle injury law firm doubles down on supporting the biker community by donating to charities chosen by their Carolina biker clients and friends. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Bulldog Foundation, created and fully funded by Carolinas' Biker Lawyers,...
- Aim to innovate pet culture that prioritizes improving pet health, welfare, and wellbeing - As an official Corporate Program Member, AI For Pet will manage Fear Free education programs in South Korea SEOUL, South Korea and DENVER, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fear Free, a...
- Aim to innovate pet culture that prioritizes improving pet health, welfare, and wellbeing - As an official Corporate Program Member, AI For Pet will manage Fear Free education programs in South Korea SEOUL, South Korea and DENVER, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fear Free, a...
AG Ferguson files felony charges against Clark County defense attorney
Josephine Townsend faces up to 90 days in jail for allegedly forging court order
VANCOUVER — Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office has filed felony criminal charges against a Clark County defense attorney who is accused of forging a court order to deceive law enforcement and prevent her client’s arrest.
Windfall announces the launch of its new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application that empowers nonprofits to identify high-potential donors, understand and segment existing constituents, and determine engagement strategies for their fundraising efforts. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2024...
Windfall announces the launch of its new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application that empowers nonprofits to identify high-potential donors, understand and segment existing constituents, and determine engagement strategies for their fundraising efforts. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2024...
eMedEd, a women-owned nonprofit organization, has been awarded ACCME accreditation for two years, further solidifying its role as a trusted provider of continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. This achievement complements its existing CBRN accreditation for nursing education,...
The three new board members bring high-level expertise to strengthen future-ready initiatives NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Leading Educators CEO Chong-Hao Fu announced that Karolyn Belcher and Melanie Dukes will join the organization's board of directors at a...
eMedEd, a women-owned nonprofit organization, has been awarded ACCME accreditation for two years, further solidifying its role as a trusted provider of continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. This achievement complements its existing CBRN accreditation for nursing education,...
The three new board members bring high-level expertise to strengthen future-ready initiatives NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Leading Educators CEO Chong-Hao Fu announced that Karolyn Belcher and Melanie Dukes will join the organization's board of directors at a...
12/17/2024 Washington State Governor's Information Feed
Washingtonians drink from the Columbia River. Tribes sustain themselves by fishing from it. It waters our fields to grow our food. Communities are powered by it. Under its surface is an ecosystem just as reliant on the river’s health as humanity. But that world beneath is suffering because of the one above. The river and its salmon are in grave peril due to human activity and climate change.
On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order emphasizing the critical nature of salmon recovery through restoring the Columbia River Basin and riparian habitats.
“We need to think of our state and its waters as borrowed rather than inherited. We owe future generations a healthy state,” Inslee said. “These fish and these waters are our responsibility to defend. We’ve charted a course for salmon recovery, and this order holds us to it.”
Today, Gov. Jay Inslee released a balanced budget proposal that protects progress on the programs and services that working families and businesses depend on — public safety, education, early learning, housing and behavioral health.
Washington is among several states facing a budget shortfall. The costs to maintain current services and program levels for the next four years went up approximately $12.6 billion due to inflation, higher projected caseloads in several safety net programs, expansion of popular programs like early learning, and workforce costs. Revenues dipped lower than forecasted due to lagging home sales and collections for sales and capital gains taxes.
Inslee’s proposed 2025–2027 budgets hold steady or minimize reductions in priority areas including:
Housing: $905 million for 5,000 additional affordable housing units, homelessness services, and preventing evictions and foreclosures.
Behavioral health: $719 million to continue expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment and recovery services.
K-12: An additional $1.3 billion for K-12 schools to support increased costs for maintenance, supplies, technology and educator compensation.
Childcare and early learning: $510 million to improve provider subsidy rates for Working Connections Child Care. $48 million for increased ECEAP rates school and right-sizing of the program to reduce unused part day slots and create 750 school day slots. Expanded entitlement for ECEAP is delayed.
Public safety: $3.5 million to maintain the recent expansion of training for local corrections officers. $7 million for 60 additional state law enforcement officers, and $13 million for deployment of speed cameras to reduce work zone injuries and deaths. $33 million to open a new juvenile rehabilitation center.
College and career training: $6 million to continue full funding for Career Connect Washington and $182 million to maintain the nation’s most generous financial aid program, Washington College Grant.
Clean energy transition: $982 million of funding from the Climate Commitment Act continues popular and emission-reducing programs such as Washington’s EV rebate program, cost-saving weatherization improvements, electric school buses, hybrid-electric ferries, and free transit for youth.
Retention and recruitment: Most Washington state employees will receive small cost-of-living adjustments of 3% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. The consumer price index — a measure of inflation — increased 3.0% in the Seattle area over the past year.
Transportation: Sustained funding for new ferries and improved ferry service, and increased funding for fish barrier removal projects to meet the state’s legal responsibilities. Climate Commitment Act funding allows for additional bike and pedestrian projects and more transit services across the state. A funding gap for highway projects will require legislators to explore options to adjust delivery timelines or funding.
“Rolling back our work in areas like mental health, housing and education is not something we can afford, particularly at the moment we’re finally seeing the results of years of work and investments,” Inslee said. “This is a budget that keeps us moving forward, puts working families first, and continues creating a fairer tax system.”
OLYMPIA — Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), Senate Ways & Means chair, issued the statement below in response to the release of Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal Tuesday:
“I appreciate Gov. Inslee’s thoughtful and future-focused budget proposal, which highlights both the progress we’ve made as a state and the challenges that lie ahead. His plan recognizes the growing costs of inflation, increasing caseloads for safety net programs, and the need to maintain critical investments in areas like housing, education, behavioral health, and public safety.
“While budget writers will need to navigate a difficult fiscal environment this year, we have an opportunity to build a responsible, sustainable budget that reflects our shared values. It’s clear we must balance the need to protect essential services with smart, strategic choices that help working families, strengthen our economy, and address growing income inequality.
“The governor’s proposal serves as a strong starting point for our work in the Senate. We will carefully consider all options to close the shortfall, minimize disruptions to essential services, and ensure every Washingtonian — regardless of zip code or income — has access to opportunity, stability, and a better future. I’m confident that, through collaboration and focus, we will deliver a budget that puts people first and prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow.”
AG Ferguson awards funds to combat gun violence to law enforcement agencies across Washington
Nearly $2 million will help gun violence prevention efforts in communities across 9 counties
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office is awarding nearly $2 million to 12 local law enforcement agencies across Washington state for gun violence prevention efforts.
KEY PENINSULA – Former Peninsula School Board president Deb Krishnadasan was appointed Wednesday to the Washington State Senate, replacing former Sen. Emily Randall, who was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Krishnadasan was sworn into office following a joint vote by the Kitsap Board of Commissioners and the Pierce County Council.
“I am honored to serve the 26th district,” Krishnadasan (D-Gig Harbor) said. “Having served on the Peninsula School Board for more than six years, I know policy must come from a place of listening to my neighbors — to teachers and nurses, parents and every person in our community. I look forward to working with my new Senate colleagues to improve education, advance public transportation and infrastructure, and expand economic opportunities for all Washingtonians.”
Krishnadasan grew up on a Puyallup farm in a union household. After graduating from Western Washington University, she worked in communications and human resources for nonprofit organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Washington-based corporations like Microsoft. In 2023, the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce recognized Krishnadasan as its Citizen of the Year.
Krishnadasan represents Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, South Kitsap, Port Orchard and part of Bremerton. She will serve as vice chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs, & Elections Committee and a member on the Early Learning & K-12 Education, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and Transportation committees.
The 105-day 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 13.
SEATTLE – Tina Orwall, who has served in the House of Representatives for the past 15 years, was selected by the King County Council Tuesday to replace retiring Sen. Karen Keiser. She was sworn into office shortly after.
“It’s an honor to continue serving my community in this new capacity,” Orwall (D-Des Moines) said. “I’m incredibly humbled to earn the trust of my community and will continue to do everything I can to improve the lives of all people living in our district and throughout our state.”
Orwall’s first year in the House was in 2009. Since then, she has become a leading voice on a variety of issues, including suicide prevention and her work to implement the national 988 system in Washington.
She has worked on and sponsored anti-trafficking laws, rape kit reform, consumer protections like the Foreclosure Fairness Act and language access. She has also secured funding and championed legislation to improve and address the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, such as air quality, help for nearby ports, noise mitigation and siting of a new airport.
She has taken on these and many other issues during her service to the 33rd Legislative District, which includes east Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Tukwila, and Renton.
Since 2021, Orwall has served as speaker pro tempore, an important administrative role that runs the House chamber during floor sessions.
She has over 20 years of experience in public mental health, a master’s in social work from the University of Washington, and a background spanning various levels of government.
The 105-day 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 13.
Claims forms on the way to Washington homeowners affected by mortgage servicer mismanagement
Eligible Washingtonians who receive letters in Nationstar multistate resolution must submit claims for share of $2M by March 3
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced today that more than 1,500 Washingtonians will receive letters in the mail to claim their share of more than $2 million as the result of a multistate resolution with Nationstar, one of the country’s largest mortgage servicers.
Judge blocks Kroger-Albertsons merger following AG Ferguson challenge
King County decision first in the nation on the merits, rules merger unlawful
SEATTLE — A King County judge ruled today that the proposed merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons is unlawful and cannot go forward. The decision came following a September trial in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s antitrust case challenging the merger. Today’s ruling is the first decision on the merits of the case amongst multiple state and federal challenges of the merger.
Organized Retail Crime unit files new criminal prosecution against three defendants
New case allegedly involves “double dipping” scheme — using previous receipts to steal duplicate items
EVERETT — Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Organized Retail Crime Unit has filed felony criminal charges against three people. This is the sixth prosecution since Ferguson established the unit last year.
OLYMPIA – Sen. Mike Chapman was sworn in Friday to serve in the Washington State Senate representing the 24th Legislative District, which includes Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties on the Olympic Peninsula.
Chapman replaces former Sen. Kevin Van De Wege who resigned from the Senate in October after serving in the Washington State Legislature since 2007.
“It’s a tremendous honor to take on this role and I am so grateful to the people in our community who trust me to do this work for them in Olympia,” Chapman said. “We have important work to do in 2025 and I am eager to get to work on issues that matter most to people on the Peninsula – quality schools, a strong economy, safe communities, and a healthy environment.
Chapman was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and assumed office in 2017. He will serve as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Deputy Chair of the Capital Budget. He will also serve on the Health & Long-Term Care and Transportation Committees. Chapman also serves on the joint legislative committee on Economic Development and Internal Relations.
Chapman lives in Port Angeles with his wife, Bobbi. They have two grown sons.
Scam alert: Fraudulent Secretary of State notices targeting Washington small businesses
Scam letters demand payment for state business filings
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is warning of a scammer posing as the Secretary of State’s Office targeting Washington small businesses. The scam letters demand payment well beyond the cost of state business filings, and threaten business owners with fines or dissolution of their business for failing to comply. The Secretary of State has also received reports of similar telephone scams targeting Latino businesses, where they were also threatened with jail.
As recovery work continues following last week’s bomb cyclone, King County Emergency Management, in partnership with Washington’s Emergency Management Division, held an informational briefing with city leaders in King County. Washington officials will be working with local governments to assess damages and determine whether the damage to public or private property meets the thresholds for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“The complexity and scale of this storm is unlike anything we’ve experienced in recent times,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “It has left thousands of families and business owners in difficult, and sometimes life-threatening, situations. Trudi and I are absolutely grateful for the skilled crews who have been working day and night to restore power for everyone as quickly as possible. I also appreciate the work of WSDOT, State Patrol and other agencies who were part of the response. Our EMD remains in close contact with local governments to make sure they have the resources they need. We are now coordinating efforts to determine if we’ll qualify for federal disaster aid.”
King County homeowners or business owners are encouraged to report damages due to the storm. Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management says they’ll have guidance next week about how to report damages.
These reports will help local and state officials determine whether Washington will be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Assessments can take weeks to complete, so these reports can help officials move more quickly to apply for aid.
There are two types of FEMA aid the state can apply for:
Public Assistance Program – These grants are for state, Tribal, territorial and local governments and certain types of non-profits to repair damages to public infrastructure. In order for the state and counties to qualify for public assistance, multiple thresholds must be met. Washington state will need to assess at least $14.5 million total in damages to public infrastructure. Counties have individual thresholds to qualify. For instance, King County has to record at least $10.7 million in damages. Whatcom County will need to record at least $1 million in damages.
Individuals and Household Program – This is financial assistance to eligible individuals and households. The threshold for individual assistance is very high and based on several variables. The state has only been approved for individual assistance four times in the past 10 years.
Once damage assessments are complete, the state may also request to make business and homeowner loans available through the Small Business Administration.
Spoiled food replacement for SNAP recipients. Clients must file a claim within 10 days of loss. Clients can also request replacement benefits at a mobile office event. There will be events in Redmond on Friday, December 1 and in Federal Way on December 4.
Unemployment insurance on standby status. If your employer must temporarily reduce your hours or you are laid off due to damage to their business caused by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for unemployment and placed under standby until your full employment resumes.
Washington State Labor and Industries reminds people to make sure contractors to help repair storm damage be registered with the state. Customer can verify registration at ProtectMyHome.net or call L&I weekdays at 1-800-647-0982 and press 2. L&I confirms contractors have a bond, liability insurance, a business license, and meet other requirements to provide you some financial protection just in case something goes wrong. The agency also has a list of resources to help home and business owners, employers, and workers recover from natural disasters at Lni.wa.gov/DisasterResources.
11/26/2024 Washington State Governor's Information Feed
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 in Chehalis since 2023. The resulting overcrowding at certain facilities has created unsafe conditions and reduced the ability for young men to receive services.
Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families today previewed a proposal they’ll send to legislators in January to address the short- and long-term challenges facing JR, including urgently reducing overcrowding at Green Hill School.
Gov. Jay Inslee, lawmakers, agency leaders, and community stakeholders convened on Monday to announce a new DCYF-run juvenile rehabilitation facility adjacent to Stafford Creek Correctional Facility in Aberdeen intended to reduce overcrowding at the Green Hill School in Chehalis.
AG report: Data breaches reach new all-time high in Washington
Data breach notices sent to Washingtonians over past year exceed state’s population
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released his ninth annual data breach report today that shows data breaches reached an all-time high since his office started tracking them nearly a decade ago.
Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement in response to the impacts of the "bomb cyclone" event that caused widespread damage and power outages around the state this week.
“Trudi and I are thinking about the Washingtonians impacted by this week’s cyclone storm, especially the families of the two people who have been killed. We’re grateful for the utility workers doing everything to address damage and restore peoples’ power.
“State agencies are closely monitoring the storm’s impacts. It may be weeks before we can determine the full impact in terms of dollars. Once local governments are able to assess damages, we’ll know whether we will be able to seek federal assistance. In the meantime, our emergency management teams are always on standby to assist local governments who request help.”
Attorney General’s sex predator unit seeks to prevent release of Yakima County sex offender
YAKIMA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a petition today urging a Yakima County Superior Court judge to civilly commit a sex offender to McNeil Island, preventing his release into the community.
OLYMPIA – The Senate Democratic Caucus voted Thursday to confirm committee leadership and membership positions for the 2025 legislative session.
The 2025 session will bring eight new members to the Senate Democratic Caucus. Seven senators decided to retire or run for another office following the 2024 legislative session, and Democrats added a 30th member — Sen.-elect Adrian Cortes from the 18th Legislative District — in the 2024 general election.
“Washington voters sent a clear message this year — they want quality public schools, affordable housing and health care, a clean environment, and safe communities,” Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) said. “With an expanded majority, we’re ready to tackle these priorities in the 2025 legislative session. Our talented team will deliver results for the people of Washington.”
Below in alphabetical order are the members the SDC approved as new chairs and in new committee positions on Thursday:
• Sen.-elect Jessica Bateman: Chair of the Housing Committee (Bateman replaces as chair Sen. Patty Kuderer, who was elected Insurance Commissioner.)
• Sen. Noel Frame: Ways & Means, Vice Chair of Finance (Frame joins Ways & Means in the newly created position of vice chair of Finance.)
• Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Chair of the Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee (Kauffman replaces as chair Sen. Derek Stanford, who becomes vice chair of Ways & Means.)
• Sen. Rebecca Saldaña: Chair of the Labor & Commerce Committee (Saldaña replaces as chair retiring Sen. Karen Keiser.)
• Sen. Jesse Salomon: Chair of the Local Government Committee (Salomon replaces as chair Sen. Liz Lovelett, who joins leadership as deputy majority leader along with Sen. Manka Dhingra.)
• Sen. Sharon Shewmake: Chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee (Shewmake replaces as chair retiring Sen. Kevin Van De Wege.)
• Sen. Derek Stanford: Ways & Means, Vice Chair of Operating Budget (Stanford replaces Sen. Joe Nguyen, who returns as Chair of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.)
• Sen. Yasmin Trudeau: Ways & Means, Vice Chair of Capital Budget (Trudeau replaces retiring Sen. Mark Mullet as the Senate’s capital budget writer.)
• Sen. Javier Valdez: Chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee (Valdez replaces as chair retiring Sen. Sam Hunt.)
Below are the members the SDC approved in new leadership positions on Thursday:
• Sen. Liz Lovelett: Deputy Majority Leader (Lovelett joins Sen. Manka Dhingra as deputy majority leader, replacing Sen. Emily Randall who was elected to Congress.)
• Sen.-elect Marcus Riccelli: Majority Floor Leader (Riccelli replaces Sen. Jamie Pedersen who was elected Senate Majority Leader.)
• Sen. Shewmake: Assistant Floor Leader (Shewmake replaces Sen. Frame)
• Sen. Annette Cleveland: Deputy Caucus Chair (Cleveland replaces Sen. Saldaña)
• Sen. Kauffman: Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations (Kauffman served as co-liaison previously, but becomes the sole liaison as Sen. Stanford moves to vice chair of Ways & Means)
Finally, Senate Democrats agreed on their nominees for two leadership positions for the full Senate, to be elected on the first day of session:
• Sen. Steve Conway: President Pro Tempore (Replaces Sen. Keiser)
• Sen. John Lovick: Vice President Pro Tempore
Senate Democrats await three additional appointments to fill Senate seats left by Sens. Keiser, Kuderer, and Randall in the 33rd, 48th, and 26th legislative districts, respectively.
Committee assignments will become official following a full vote of the Senate on the first day of the 2025 legislative session. The 105-day session begins Jan. 13.
