Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts

Gov. Inslee in Shoreline to meet with firefighters and civic leaders

Monday, January 29, 2024

Gov. Inslee talks to Shoreline Firefighters
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On Friday, January 26, 2024, Gov. Jay Inslee came to Shoreline to talk to our firefighters.

In a casual gathering in the headquarters building on N 175th and Aurora, Inslee, the firefighters, Fire Chief Matt Cowan, Mayor Chris Roberts, Police Chief Kelly Park, Fire administrators, Shoreline councilmembers, and City Manager, and talked about the opioid pandemic.

Inslee with Shoreline councilmembers, City Manager, Mayor, police chief, fire chief, fire commissioner, and other leaders in the fire department. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Inslee gave a short speech about plans to fight fentanyl and explained that he has put forth a supplemental budget proposal to help address the issue.

Fentanyl death has quintupled since 2019. One pill can kill. It's a menace like we've never seen. 
Yesterday, we convened experts and people with lived experience to report on our efforts to fight fentanyl. (see article)

 We're getting the word out about its deadly risks. We're expanding medication treatment to defeat addiction. We're making naloxone more available to save lives from overdose. 
There’s more to do, and I appreciate that legislators are prioritizing the fight against fentanyl this session. We can make progress, together.
Gov. Inslee talking to the new recruits about the training they will start on Monday.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The governor initially talked with the new firefighter recruits about the fire academy and their training. 

Dr. McCoy, 2nd from right, asks the Governor a question.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

He spoke with the entire group about their work as first responders. He talked about the special challenges for responders going to drug and mental health calls. 

Governor Inslee explained his proposed legislation to address mental health, and other challenges faced by emergency responders when they go out on calls.

(L-R) Mayor Chris Roberts, Police Chief Kelly Park, Inslee, Fire Chief Matt Cowan, Shoreline City Manager Bristol Ellington. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

He talked about the issue of funding to hire more first responders (fire and police) as well as supplying the training and equipment they need to do their jobs..

He also wants to provide for services for individuals in need in a timely manner. 

Inslee, Fire spokesperson Michelle Pidduck, Police Chief Kelly Park, and Fire Chief Matt Cowan
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

He also spoke about global warming and its effects on wildfires, even in suburban settings.

A set of initiatives to reduce taxes is being sent to the legislature. If the challenges are approved the funding for first responders and mental health and addiction recovery efforts will be adversely impacted.


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Gov. Inslee is updated on the opioid and overdose epidemic in Washington

Narcan can save someone who has overdosed
By Grace Deng

Gov. Jay Inslee, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 asked state health and social services officials to update him on the opioid and overdose epidemic in Washington.

Here are four takeaways from Inslee’s public performance review.

1. Overdose death rates have skyrocketed in recent years, driven primarily by the fentanyl wave.

There were 2,001 opioid overdose deaths in 2022 and 1,803 of those were fentanyl, according to Washington Department of Health data. 

Fentanyl deaths have surged since 2019 and far outpace other devastating chapters of the opioid epidemic, including waves of fatalities from prescription opioids in the early 2000s and from heroin around 2016.

Both prescription opioid and heroin overdose deaths are on the decline. (Washington State Department of Health)

2. Fentanyl is driving deaths and close calls of children involved in the state’s welfare system.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families has reported 49 “critical incidents” in 2023, 33 of which were driven by fentanyl. The agency defines a “critical incident” as a child fatality or near fatality that occurs within 12 months of involvement with the child welfare system. Among fentanyl-related critical incidents, 88% involved children under 2 years old.

DCYF also found the majority of critical incidents occurred in cases where there was no immediate safety threat at the time of a caseworker’s assessment, but the risk assessments identified the child’s home as having a moderate or high level of risk.

3. Indigenous people die at disproportionately high rates from fentanyl overdoses.

The overdose death rate for American Indian and Alaska Native people in Washington is 97 deaths per 100,000, more than twice the rate for the next most-impacted group, Black individuals, at 45.8 deaths per 100,000. The group least affected by deadly opioid overdoses is Asians, at 3.5 deaths per 100,000.

Tribal leaders are investing in efforts to combat the opioid epidemic but are also asking the state for help and calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to announce a state of emergency.

4. Most state prisoners have a substance use disorder, but few receive medication that can help.

The Department of Corrections estimates that 63% of their prison population has a substance use disorder. That’s 7,984 prisoners of the state’s 12,760 as of 2023. The state also acknowledges that its reported percentages are probably underestimations.

However, only 32% of eligible prisoners are getting medication for opioid use disorder — and very few prisoners with substance use disorders are even eligible. Medication-assisted treatment is considered the “gold standard” for opioid use disorder treatment.

Naloxone was used 103 times in Department of Corrections facilities from January to November 2023 and drug overdoses are a driving factor of unexpected prisoner deaths.

5. In other news: The state has now won opioid settlements totaling more than $1.2 billion.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that Johnson & Johnson will pay the state $149.5 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the healthcare industry giant of deceptive marketing practices that helped fuel the opioid epidemic in Washington.

The funds will be evenly split between the state and 125 cities and counties. Those dollars must be spent on treatment and recovery services, and halting the spread of opioids and fentanyl. The remainder will cover the state’s legal costs.

Ferguson said he thinks the Legislature can appropriate the state’s share of the Johnson & Johnson settlement, roughly $61.6 million, during the 2024 legislative session. With the latest settlement, Ferguson’s office said the state has now secured upwards of $1.2 billion from opioid-related litigation.

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Inslee inks Memo Of Understanding with United Kingdom to advance aerospace

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Gov. Inslee shakes hands with U.K. Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani after signing a MOU between the State of Washington and the United Kingdom.

Washington state has been in the lead on aerospace since Bill Boeing first started building wooden biplanes more than a century ago. And since the 1950s, Washington state has also helped equip the Space Race and adventure beyond our atmosphere. 

Now in 2023, Washington supports more than 1,400 aerospace companies, and hundreds more in the business of rocketry and advanced materials for satellites and spacecraft.

On Monday, Nusrat Ghani, the United Kingdom’s minister for industry and economic security, visited Washington state to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to boost trade between her nation and Washington state.

“Our pact with the state of Washington is a win for the U.K., opening a door for our businesses to trade more openly and unlock new opportunities in key sectors,” said Ghani. 
“This particular deal will be fantastic for our aerospace industry through investor intros, trade missions, and increasing access to procurement markets. I’m delighted to join Boeing and our handpicked group of innovative U.K. companies to discuss how Government and industry can work together to create jobs and grow the economy.”

“We're pioneering the next generation of technology in everything from rocketry and commercial space travel to electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft,” said Inslee. “We look forward to strengthening our ties with U.K. to push the envelope even further."


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Inslee highlights Washington’s advances in the climate fight at United Nations General Assembly

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee had a busy week in New York City telling the Washington story of climate action to world leaders, business leaders, and environmental advocates during Climate Week NYC.

At the same time as Climate Week NYC brought environmental advocates and public officials to New York City, world leaders were also gathering there this week for the United Nations General Assembly with a focus on climate change. Washington state was one of only 10 subnational entities invited.

That privilege was earned by the state's demonstrated leadership in climate action. Gov. Jay Inslee represented Washington state at the summit, and he was afforded the rare honor of addressing the assembly as a governor.

"The road to destruction is paved with long-term aspirations," said Inslee. "Today is one hundred times more important than tomorrow on what we actually need to do to solve this problem."

The governor highlighted Washington’s advances in the climate fight. This includes the state’s Clean Energy Transformation Act to transition to 100% clean electricity by 2045, and the Climate Commitment Act’s cap and invest program for slashing pollution and reinvesting in cleaner options for transportation, energy, buildings and more.

Inslee also joined fellow governors from the U.S. Climate Alliance and the Biden administration Thursday to announce ambitious plans to quadruple heat pump installations nationwide by 2030. 

Collectively the Biden administration and the 25 states in the Alliance will install 20 million heat pumps in the next seven years. Heat pumps can heat and cool homes without releasing carbon emissions and with more efficiency than most heating and cooling systems, reducing energy use and saving consumers money.

Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium


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Inslee signs budget into law

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

 
Gov. Inslee with legislators on May 16, signing the 2023–25
operating, capital and transportation budgets into law

Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed the new 2023–25 operating, capital and transportation budgets.

The final 2023–25 operating and capital budgets followed many of the priorities Inslee put forward last December, including more than $1 billion for housing and homelessness and urgently-needed funding for behavioral health services.

Inslee also signed the new 2023–25 transportation budget on Tuesday. While Inslee acknowledged important investments for projects such as the I-5 bridge over the Columbia, new climate-related investments to electrify the transportation sector, and full funding for legally-required removal of fish passage barriers, he was unequivocal about his frustration with the final budget.



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Inslee signs Trueblood fix to improve competency services

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5440 on May 15, 2023 to improve the state’s competency system

Criminal defendants have the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and the right to a trial by jury. They also have the right to understand their charges and assist in their own defense. Some defendants with behavioral health issues or disabilities do not understand their charges. In those cases, defendants have the right to expedient competency evaluation and restoration before they face prosecution.

Since a 2015 decision in Trueblood v. DSHS, the state has invested significant effort to serve a rapidly-growing number of patients awaiting competency services. In his State of the State address this past January, Inslee called on legislators to help with further reforms to the broken system. On May 15, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5440 to overhaul the competency system and reduce an impossible volume of referrals.

New Trueblood-related investments and policies will help more defendants break their cycle of involvement in the criminal justice system and begin a path to durable recovery.

The governor also signed HB 1134 to take the next step towards using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to establish a statewide crisis response system. The bill will increase the number of mobile crisis response teams statewide and create new behavioral health crisis centers to decisively respond to 988 callers needing immediate intervention.

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Governor signs housing bills

Monday, May 15, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation to remove obstacles to housing construction and another bill to help overcome the historic inequities caused by racist real estate covenants.

On Monday, May 8, 2023 Gov. Jay Inslee signed a slate of housing-related bills clearing obstacles to housing construction and righting a historic wrong related to housing discrimination.

As the state’s population has swelled, its housing stock has not, and prices have soared. To keep pace with expected growth, the state needs to build another million housing units by 2040. Inslee began the 2023 session with a call to “go big” on housing, and lawmakers responded by delivering smart policy and historic investments.

One new law, frequently referred to as the “middle housing bill,” essentially up-zones single-family lots in some cities to accommodate up to four units

Another law allows for more accessory dwelling units. New laws also consolidate permitting and streamline the design review process. Together, they will accelerate housing construction and improve inventory over time.

Inslee also signed a bill to establish a covenant homeownership account to assist homebuyers still harmed by the lingering legacy of racist real estate covenants

More than 40,000 covenants in effect as recently as 1960 excluded generations of people of color from owning property in communities across the state. An effect is a stark deficit in homeownership by people of color compared to their white neighbors with similar incomes.

The governor also signed bills to prevent landlords from raiding damage deposits over routine maintenance, and to afford tenants more say in eviction proceedings. Next week, the governor will sign a final budget including more than $1 billion over the next biennium to address homelessness and affordable housing.


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Legislature passes new suite of climate laws continuing the path to 100% clean energy future

Friday, May 5, 2023

Bill signing ceremony at Horn Rapids Solar Farm in Richland,
a solar energy production and storage facility 

Building on landmark climate laws like the emissions-slashing Climate Commitment Act and the requirements of the Clean Energy Transformation Act to get to 100% clean energy by 2045, Washington state legislators passed more than half a dozen bills this session that put the state closer to achieving its energy needs and create more jobs while ebbing the tide of climate change.

With laws on the books requiring the state drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, policymakers are now implementing the strategies to get there. 

During the next two years they will be aided by more than $2 billion for state investments in clean energy, transportation, and natural habitat management and restoration, thanks to revenue generated by the state’s new cap-and-invest program.

“This funding will be used to make homes more energy efficient, electrify transportation, invest in renewable energy, aid farmers in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality in communities overburdened by pollution, and more,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.

The governor signed seven climate-related bills passed this session at an event Wednesday at Horn Rapids Solar Farm in Richland, a solar energy production and storage facility established in 2020 with financial help from the state’s Clean Energy Fund. 

The facility provides energy to the city of Richland and offers workforce training for solar and battery storage technicians.

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Inslee signs laws to protect reproductive health and gender-affirming care

Friday, April 28, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signs abortion and gender affirming care policies at a bill signing ceremony on the University of Washington campus in Seattle on April 27. Photo courtesy Governor's Office.

Washington’s nation-leading efforts to stem the attack on choice now include enhanced data privacy, shield laws for providers and patients, and reduced costs

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a multi-pronged attack on reproductive freedom nationwide. But states like Washington are fighting back to protect the right to abortion, gender-affirming care and other health freedoms.

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed five bills that will protect access to a common abortion medication; enhance data privacy for people who share their health information with third party apps; protect Washington patients and providers who may face legal threats from other states; protect providers’ licenses; and eliminate out-of-pocket costs to make abortion access more equitable.

“The right of choice is an issue of freedom,” Inslee said. “Health care must remain the providence of individual Washingtonians. These laws will keep the tentacles of oppressive and overreaching states out of Washington.”



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Senate approves AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee legislation banning sale of assault weapons

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Ban on sale of assault weapons
OLYMPIA — Both chambers of the Washington State Legislature have now approved a historic ban on the sale of assault weapons in Washington state.

House Bill 1240, requested by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee and sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, passed the House of Representatives on March 8, 2023 and the Senate on April 8, 2023 in historic votes. 

Amendments in the Senate make a concurrence vote necessary in the House. The bill will head to Gov. Inslee for his signature after concurrence.

Ferguson first proposed a ban on the sale of assault weapons in 2017 in the wake of the 2016 mass shooting at a Mukilteo house party. The shooter used a military-style assault rifle and a high-capacity magazine. (See previous article) (See follow up article)

Peterson has sponsored the House version of the proposal every year Ferguson requested it. Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, also a longtime champion, sponsored the companion bill in the Senate.

“Stop and think for a moment that firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the U.S.,” Kuderer said. 

“Not traffic accidents. Not cancer or other illnesses. Not poisoning. Firearms. To ignore the seemingly endless instances of gun violence in our country would put us on the wrong side of history. 

"These weapons of war have no place in our schools, places of worship, our streets or in our communities. Banning assault weapons marks a victory for common sense and will help us move toward a safer future for Washingtonians.”

“The Senate today put public safety above the interest of the gun lobby,” Ferguson said. “The devastation of mass shootings extends far beyond the casualties and injuries. Mass shootings traumatize entire communities. We must stop selling these weapons of war in Washington.”

“Time and again we’ve seen the carnage these weapons allow people to unleash on communities," said Inslee. 'Time and again we’ve watched the NRA and politicians defend, normalize and even celebrate these weapons. But now the time is here when the majority’s will prevails and we put the lives of our children first.”

Our nation is averaging well over one mass shooting every single day and have been for years,” Peterson said. 
“Gun violence cuts short too many lives, leaves survivors with a lifetime of trauma and forces our kids to live every day with the fear of an active shooter. We need to do more to slow gun violence and with today’s vote, we are taking that next important step to protect the people we love.”

This legislation prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons in Washington state while allowing reasonable exemptions for manufacture and sale to law enforcement and the military. The legislation does not prohibit the possession of assault weapons.

Washington becomes the tenth state to adopt similar legislation banning these weapons. Multiple federal courts upheld these public safety laws as constitutional.



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British Columbia’s new premier visits Olympia

Sunday, March 19, 2023

British Columbia Premier David Eby and Gov. Jay Inslee met Monday in Olympia to discuss shared priorities. The visit was the first of Eby’s term as B.C.’s new premier.

British Columbia Premier David Eby visited Olympia on Monday, his first visit since becoming premier in November. Washington state and British Columbia have a fruitful history of cooperation, one that Eby and Gov. Jay Inslee are eager to continue.

"There are so many common priorities, common issues and challenges that our two jurisdictions face,” said Eby.

British Columbia is in the middle of a ten-year affordable housing plan, and recently doubled down with a proposal to invest further billions to expand housing supply. Likewise, Inslee has proposed a $4 billion bond to accelerate housing construction in Washington state.

A bilateral meeting between delegations from British Columbia and Washington state encompassed clean energy, economic connections, salmon, high-speed rail, housing, mental health, and drug addiction.

According to reporting on CBC, Eby says "U.S. legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden last year, which offers about $375 billion in new and extended tax credits to help the American clean energy industry, brings a "challenge'' to B.C. and requires the province to be better. 
"Eby says he'll be keeping an eye on the approaching federal budget. He says Canada needs to be aware of American actions and consider how to remain competitive in the clean energy field."


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Finnish President Sauli Niinistö pays historic visit to Washington state

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Gov. Jay Inslee shake hands to conclude a joint media availability on March 6. The president encouraged Washingtonians and Americans to sustain their support for Ukraine, and to guard for threats to democracy at large. "You do not need to be afraid, but you must always be awake," he said.

His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, visited the Washington State Capitol on Monday, March 6, 2023. His address to the Legislature was the first by a foreign head of state in Washington state history.

The president’s visit included a greeting with Gov. Jay Inslee, a performance of the Finnish and American national anthems by the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle, and his remarks to a joint session of the Legislature. Niinistö and Inslee also led a bilateral meeting and hosted a joint media availability.

After the address, Niinistö and Inslee and their delegations met in the governor’s office for the bilateral meeting. The president and governor agreed to deepen the cooperation in the areas of telecommunications, climate change, and port modernization. 

Partnership between Finland and the state of Washington will continue, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2021.

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Gov. Inslee: World’s largest melter of radioactive waste now heating up at Hanford

Monday, October 24, 2022

Hanford crews conduct routine maintenance of a waste tank containing radioactive waste.
Image courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The world’s largest melter of radioactive waste is now heating up near Richland after more than 20 years of construction. 

The melter will be used to glassify radioactive waste from Hanford tanks, preparing the waste for permanent disposal. The melter will first create practice glass before processing real Hanford tank waste by the end of 2023.

The Hanford Site is a decommissioned nuclear production site. Between 1942 and 1987, the facility produced plutonium for the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Radioactive waste was stored and remains today in tanks with a lifespan of only about 25 years. 

Leaking tanks and other problems pose enormous risks, threatening the local community and environment. Adequate, stable federal support is vital to clean up the site.

Earlier this year, the federal government took the unprecedented step to amend a funding proposal for the Hanford cleanup, adding $191 million to the effort over the next fiscal year. State leaders have petitioned the federal government for decades for more funding to support the cleanup. 

The federal adjustment to the funding proposal was an encouraging step, one that Gov. Jay Inslee hopes will be followed by continued support.

"Things are heating up in this Hanford cleanup," said Inslee. "This melter has been a long time coming - its activation is a big leap forward for the project. Likewise, we hope this recent federal support is a sign of greater commitment."



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President Biden announces pardons for simple marijuana possession

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee signs the first set of pardons for misdemeanor
marijuana possession convictions under his Marijuana Justice
Initiative on Jan. 9, 2019.
President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would pardon all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana. 

The measure aligns with policies and actions already underway by Gov. Jay Inslee, legislators, and courts in Washington state.


“Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. 

"That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction,” said Biden. 

“Today, we begin to right these wrongs.”

In Washington state, it has not been considered criminal behavior for adults to possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use since voters approved Initiative 502 in 2012

Inslee launched the Marijuana Justice Initiative in 2019 that allows people with prior convictions for misdemeanor marijuana possession to apply for a pardon. Later that year, the Legislature would pass SB 5605, which allowed multiple charges to be vacated and allowed a broader jurisdictional variety of convictions to be vacated. 

The governor has also commuted the sentences of 740 people on probation or under community supervision under older, now-invalid state drug possession law that was overturned by the Washington State Supreme Court’s so-called Blake decision.

“We still have an injustice that thousands of people have a criminal conviction on their records for something that is legal today,” said Inslee in 2019 as he announced his Marijuana Justice Initiative. 
“This is impairing their ability to reach their dreams, live their lives, and raise their children… A simple possession conviction 20 years ago should not be a life sentence.”

Inslee’s Marijuana Justice Initiative continues. People convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession may still file for their charges to be vacated on the governor’s website.



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State Department of Corrections applying Norwegian methods to reduce recidivism

Friday, September 23, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee and officials from the Washington State Department of Corrections visited Romerike Prison near Oslo in September. Norwegian prisons seek to “resocialize” incarcerated people to prepare them for society upon release — Inslee spoke with American and Norwegian corrections officers for their perspectives.

The Norwegian Correctional Service believes that people go to court to get punished and to prison to become better neighbors. 

Norwegian prisons prioritize rehabilitation and have succeeded, slashing recidivism to just 20% (one-third of the American rate). 

A delegation of Washington state officials including Gov. Jay Inslee visited Romerike Prison near Oslo, Norway to observe their compelling correctional model. The visit was part of the governor’s ten-day trade mission to the Nordic countries.

The mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. 

DOC has partnered with AMEND at the University of California San Francisco to adopt new strategies like those used in Norway to prepare incarcerated people for successful reentry into society, a tactic which DOC hopes will prevent many from returning to prison.

Read more about the Norwegian model and recent DOC reforms on Gov. Jay Inslee’s Medium.



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Gov. Inslee: Student Debt Relief Plan

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Graphic courtesy of @POTUS on Twitter
On Tuesday, President Biden announced details for the Student Debt Relief Plan, forgiving up to $20,000 in debt for Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the Department of Education, and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation for non-Pell Grant recipients. 

This forgiveness could impact 40 million people across the nation and half a million Washingtonians, providing relief for low and middle-class borrowers.

The administration also granted an extension of the pause on federal student loan repayment through December 31, 2022. Those potentially eligible for the PSLF waiver can visit this website by October 31 to see if they qualify.

"My student loan plan makes sure working people have a shot at a college degree without the fear of being saddled with insurmountable debt," said Biden.

There are three parts to the debt relief plan:
  1. Final extension of the student loan repayment pause to Dec. 31.
  2. Targeted debt relief to low- and middle-income families.
  3. A student loan system that is more manageable for current and future borrowers.
"This is providing relief to hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians. Thank you to the Biden administration for delivering on your promise and helping to fuel the economy," said Gov. Jay Inslee.


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Gov. Inslee: Inflation Reduction Act is a win for Washingtonians

Friday, August 19, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs, create more jobs, increase manufacturing, lower prescription and healthcare costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With provisions that reduce energy costs and emissions, create more domestic manufacturing and good-paying jobs, and make health care more affordable, the historic Inflation Reduction Act will deliver for families all across the nation. President Biden signed the act into law on Tuesday.

The law includes the most consequential suite of national climate actions to date. It puts America on track to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, and paves the way for new clean energy infrastructure, new clean energy jobs, and energy security and independence. The investments will help “supercharge” state efforts to combat climate change. 

Gov. Jay Inslee spoke with the Washington Post and other news outlets about how the legislation will significantly bolster Washington’s efforts to help more people purchase electric vehicles, make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes and appliances, and more.

The law is also the most important piece of federal health care legislation since the establishment of the Affordable Care Act. It will lower the cost of numerous prescription drugs, including medications treating cancer, diabetes and other health conditions where too often people have had to pay too much out of pocket.

"We can choose to build a future where everybody has an even shot. That's the America I believe in. And today, we've come a step closer to making that America real," Biden said.

"Clean energy and transportation. Well-paying jobs. Investments in cleaner air and efficient buildings for communities," Inslee said. 
"Washington and other states have led the way. This will now bring billions in investments and jobs to Washington and our whole country. Finally the federal government is joining in taking action on climate."

Read more from the White House about how the Inflation Reduction Act delivers for Washington.



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Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup finds Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Photo courtesy WA Deptartment of Health
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup today completed its review of the federal process and has unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old. 

The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the governors of Washington, California, Nevada and Oregon this afternoon.

The Moderna two-dose vaccine series and the Pfizer three-dose vaccine series are now available to children as young as 6 months old. 

The Washington State Department of Health last week said once vaccines were approved they will begin supplying healthcare providers with vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years.

On Friday, June 17, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the vaccines in children as young as 6 months old, and the CDC affirmed that decision on Saturday. The Workgroup reviewed the federal decisions on Saturday and affirmed them today.

The Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety and efficacy data for the vaccines. The Workgroup found that completion of either vaccine series produced antibody levels similar to those achieved in individuals aged 16-25 years. Observed vaccine reactions among infants aged 6-12 months and children aged 1 through 5 years were consistent with reactions to other vaccines routinely recommended for these age groups.

The Workgroup concluded that the benefits of completing either vaccine series substantially outweigh any known or likely risks. Immunization can be expected to reduce the numbers of COVID-19-related serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in young children while facilitating their participation in normal educational, social and recreational activities.

Washington, Oregon, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October 2020. The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

Statement from Washington Governor Jay Inslee:

“This is excellent news for Washington families and I know many parents who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their youngest children vaccinated. I encourage parents to contact their trusted providers to discuss any questions or concerns. These vaccines remain the most important tool in our continued efforts to keep people safe from severe COVID illness or hospitalization.”

Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom:

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and widely accessible – we’re strongly encouraging parents to protect their kids from COVID-19 with these vaccines, and California has pre-ordered nearly 400,000 doses that can be administered at the more than 8,500 vaccine sites throughout the state.”

Statement from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak:

“Many families have been waiting for the opportunity to vaccinate their youngest members and I am happy that day has come. Families can have the peace of mind of the thorough review process these vaccines have gone through, but I encourage families to speak to a trusted health care provider about any questions they have. Vaccines protect against serious illness, and I offer my thanks to all those who continue to serve on the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to confirm the recommendations and guidance for COVID-19 vaccines.”

Statement from Oregon Governor Kate Brown:

“This is a long awaited moment for so many families. With today’s review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, Oregon parents and children can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. It is completely normal for parents and kids to have questions about vaccines––I urge you to reach out to your family doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist and get your questions answered today.”



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Gov. Inslee: Wednesday marked the 80th anniversary of the Japanese American exclusion on Bainbridge Island

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Inslee and First Spouse Trudi Inslee photographed with Natalie Hayashida Ong, the youngest survivor of the internment camps. Her mother, Fumiko Hayashida, was famously photographed while waiting to board the ferry to the camp. The iconic photo is visible on the governor's phone.

Hundreds of community members gathered Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial for a commemoration ceremony to honor survivors and educate the community about the 276 Japanese residents who were forced from their homes and exiled from Bainbridge Island 80 years ago.

Fumiko Hayashida, holding a sleeping Natalie,
waiting to board the ferry to the camp in 1942.
Photo courtesy the Project Denshõ.

The U.S. government forcibly removed Japanese Americans from their homes and into internment camps during World War II.

"The historical significance of this national failure still resonates today,” Inslee said. 
“After 80 years of healing, we must stay committed to the advancement of anti-racism, justice and democracy for all. 
"In this way, we transform the injustices of the past, into reasons to do good today, for a better future.”

Read more about the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial and view photos from the ceremony.



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Gov. Inslee: That's a wrap: 303 bills delivered and done as legislative session ends in Olympia

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Bill signing with Gov Inslee
Legislators approved 303 bills during the 60-day session that ended March 10, 2022. The action then turns to the governor's office where he has 20 days to sign or veto legislation. This week he wrapped up signing several dozen bills, including several at signing events with communities and legislators.

Some bills from the Legislature are intended for fun. On Monday, Inslee signed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Lovick establishing pickleball as the state’s official sport. Inslee and Lovick were joined by dozens of pickleball enthusiasts on Bainbridge Island where the sport was invented in 1965.

Most bills, however, bills tackle serious and urgent issues, such as the bipartisan bill to deter theft of catalytic converters. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu. Inslee also signed legislation requested by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and sponsored by Rep. Debra Lekanoff to create the nation’s first alert system to help locate missing Indigenous people.

Among the dozens of other bills the governor signed this week:
  • A bill sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry and promoted by firefighters that makes Washington the first state to phase out toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in many common products by 2025.
  • An anti-hazing bill known as the “Sam’s Law” sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt that would require colleges and universities to do more to prevent and report incidents of hazing.
  • Updated 2021-2023 capital and operating budgets that fund more shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness, help schools hire more nurses, counselors and psychologists, and continue expanding behavioral health services across the state and for youth.


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