Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

Salomon bill would allow psilocybin use among adults over age 21 under supervision

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA—Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) has introduced SB 5263 which would legalize and regulate the supervised use of psilocybin and make it available for wellness purposes. 

It would allow people aged 21 and over to undergo a psychedelic experience at a registered facility with appropriate supervision.

A previous version of the bill introduced during the 2022 legislative session failed to advance past committee. Like the previous bill, the 2023 version regulates supported adult use which has been shown in FDA-approved studies to provide users a safe and effective method to alleviate symptoms of depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders. 

Psilocybin has been shown to be effective at easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal illness and has also proven to increase emotional empathy, creative thinking, mindfulness, and insightfulness in patients.

This time around, the bill has already gained ample support across the political spectrum ranging from left to center to right. Almost half of the Senate has already signed on as co-sponsors, including two Republicans, the Senate majority leader, and the chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee, which will be hearing this bill.

“Combat veterans with PTSD and people recovering from addiction or mental health issues like long-term depression have been very vocal about how psilocybin has dramatically improved their lives when all kinds of more common therapy didn’t work for them,” said Salomon. 
“We are trying to integrate an ancient product into our relatively new system of health and law. With so many people in mental health crises, we can’t afford to deny them a safe and well-regulated path to wellness.”

SB 5263 is modeled after Oregon’s Measure 109 and Colorado’s Proposition 122. After close observation of Oregon’s law, valuable lessons were learned as to what will work best for this bill.

In a state where many residents live with mental illness and a large number have seen their mental health decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salomon views psychedelic usage — monitored by trained professionals — as a key to healing for some people.

“We need to make sure there is a safe and responsible process to legally participate in psilocybin use in our state,” Salomon added.

Veterans have become leading advocates in the push to allow legal access to psilocybin, sharing personal stories about how their own experiences with psychedelics have helped them cope with trauma and helped treat their anxiety and depression.

The bill is expected to get a hearing in the Legislature in the next weeks.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Salomon bill would hold people accountable for failing to comply with court ordered drug treatment programs

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
Olympia – Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) has introduced a bill which would encourage treatment for those found in possession of controlled substances while holding people charged with illegal drug possession accountable for failing to comply with court ordered treatment.

“Working for 15 years as a public defense attorney and child welfare prosecutor, I have worked with thousands of people affected by drug addiction. I believe we need to encourage and fund treatment, but I understand that people in the throes of addiction can’t always make the best choice for themselves and their families,” added Salomon. 
“Therefore, under the bill, if people are convicted of illegal drug possession and refuse treatment, there will be jail time imposed. If they do complete the treatment, the case will be dismissed.”

This bill would provide an opportunity for those arrested for simple possession to receive the help they need and start their path to recovery. The current process in which officers must refer people without allowing any criminal charges would be repealed.

“This is an outside-the-box policy idea that is treatment-forward but with accountability for failure to undergo treatment,” said Salomon. “I have heard from many mayors, community members and police officers that the current referral system is not working. This bill provides a better path.”

First and foremost, this bill is about effective treatment. If the person completes the substance use disorder treatment prior to their conviction being entered, the court would be required to dismiss the charge. If a conviction is entered, the court could not sentence to jail but would order the person to undergo treatment based on their treatment needs. If the person completes the treatment, the conviction would be overturned and dismissed.

If the person willfully abandons or demonstrates a consistent failure to engage in treatment, however, the court would be required to impose at least 45 days of jail.

Under this legislation, the treatment requirement would be subject to the availability of treatment and the availability of funding for it. If treatment or funding were not available, the court would not be allowed to sanction the person with jail time for noncompliance with treatment. This provision protects indigent individuals from being at an unfair disadvantage due to their financial status.

“We appreciate and support this bipartisan proposal that provides incentives to encourage drug rehabilitation and treatment, while holding those who are in unlawful possession of drugs accountable in a compassionate manner. We must break the cycle of drug abuse, provide help to individuals in need, and take back our public spaces for our community and our businesses,” said Steven D. Strachan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The bill has already received bipartisan support from three Republican members and 12 Democratic members, including the Senate minority leader.

“We all learned during the failed war on drugs that we can’t arrest or jail our way out of the drug epidemic. But we’re now learning that voluntary programs alone aren’t enough, either. A middle ground that focuses on treatment but has consequences for failing to complete it is the right step forward,” said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Amtrak to add second round-trip to Vancouver BC by March 7

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Amtrak to increase service to Vancouver, B.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Amtrak announced in a letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation that the company will add a second round-trip to Vancouver, B.C. beginning March 7, restoring full service on the Cascades line to pre-pandemic levels.

In the letter, Amtrak also stated that it will increase the number of daily trips between Seattle and Portland from four to six beginning in fall 2023.

“I’m thankful that Amtrak is finally on the path to fully restore service in the Pacific Northwest. I-5 corridor in the State of Washington is one of the most congested corridors in the nation and the Cascades service provides a convenient alternative to travelers. I will work to make sure Amtrak meets its commitment to restore additional service to Vancouver B.C. by March 7th and add two trips this fall,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Pre-pandemic, more than 750,000 annual riders utilized the route connecting the State of Washington, Oregon and British Columbia – a critical connector for the region’s businesses and travelers. The route from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. was suspended altogether in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2022, as the country recovered from the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell spoke with Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and urged him to restore service between the State of Washington and Vancouver B.C.

Amtrak restored one of the two round-trips in September 2022. Shortly after, Sen. Cantwell pressed the nominees for Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors in a committee hearing on how they planned to restore full service.

Throughout the pandemic, Sen. Cantwell was a champion of the nation’s freight network. Due to her leadership, the bipartisan infrastructure bill provides $66 billion for rail grants she authorized as Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, including $22 billion for Amtrak. 

Currently, USDOT is accepting applications for the Federal-State Partnership Passenger Rail grant program which can be used to improve the Cascades service or build a new rail route in Washington state. The applications are due on March 7, 2023.



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King County Conservation District Board of Supervisors 2023 election

Monday, January 9, 2023

The following individuals are running for Position #3 (alphabetical by last name):

King Conservation District is holding an election for Seat #3 on the Board of Supervisors. Voting begins January 24, 2023 and ends February 14, 2023. 

King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish that do not participate in the District).

You will be able to access your ballot through the online portal here starting January 24, 2023 at 8:00am.

Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County will be hosting a candidate forum Thursday, January 26 at 7pm.

See LWVSKC Candidate Forum

Voting

Like the last three years, the King Conservation District election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access in partnership with Democracy Live with alternative options for requesting physical ballots. King County Elections will tabulate all ballots and report all results.

Ballots will be available to eligible voters online from January 24, 2023, at 8:00am through February 14, 2023, at 8:00pm. Voters may return ballots electronically through the online ballot access system. The online ballot portal works with most smartphones and browsers. If you have issues, please try using a different phone or browser before contacting KCD.

Physical ballots must be postmarked by February 14, 2023, and received by February 23, 2023, to be counted. Physical ballots may also be dropped off at King County Elections at 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 200, Renton, WA 98057.

King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish that do not participate in the District).

If you have questions or need assistance voting, please contact elections@kingcd.org or call 425-282-1900.

Once you voted you can track your ballot’s progress. Please allow for up to 3 business days after submission to process your ballot. If you have questions about whether your ballot has been received and processed, call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).



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Washington state legislative session begins Monday

Saturday, January 7, 2023


The 2023 legislative session begins on Monday and will be the first in-person legislative session since 2020. The 105-day session will begin with opening ceremonies in the state Senate and House of Representatives. On Tuesday at noon, Gov. Jay Inslee will deliver the 2023 State of the State address. The address will be streamed live on TVW and C-SPAN.

Housing and homelessness is a top priority for the governor and legislators. The number of people experiencing homelessness has grown as the state’s housing deficit worsens and prices go up. The governor has proposed a $4 billion referendum that would accelerate affordable housing construction across the state.

“If we keep nibbling at this issue, we will never take a big enough bite to solve this problem,” said Inslee during a legislative preview event this week. “This investment would meet the speed and scale we need to build more housing.”

The governor and legislators have also discussed the need for a continued focus on behavioral health, climate, public safety and education, and have brought forth proposals to reduce gun violence and protect Washingtonian’s rights to reproductive freedom.

Shoreline, Woodway, and NW Seattle are in the 32nd Legislative District
  • Senator Jesse Salomon
  • Rep. Cindy Ryu
  • Rep. Lauren Davis
Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are in the 1st Legislative District
  • Senator Derek Stanford
  • Rep. Davina Duerr
  • Rep. Shelly Kloba
NE Seattle is in the 46th Legislative District
  • Senator David Frockt
  • Rep. Gerry Pollet
  • Rep. Javier Valdez
Information about bills, committee hearings and how to contact your legislator is available at leg.wa.gov



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Sen. Patty Murray to become Senate president pro tempore

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris swears in Sen. Patty Murray as president pro tempore, while retiring Sen. Patrick Leahy looks on. Photo courtesy office of Sen. Murray

Sen. Patty Murray, recently re-elected for a sixth term representing Washington state in the United States Senate, was named Monday as Senate president pro tempore, the first woman ever to serve in that position.

She was nominated by majority leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and voted in by unanimous consent. She replaces recently retired Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Murray was first elected to the Senate in 1993. 

The Senate president pro tempore is third in line to the presidency, following the vice president and the speaker of the house.

I'm honored to officially become the President Pro Tempore of the Senate today. 
As President Pro Tempore, I will sign the bills we send to President Biden’s desk for his signature and am designated to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. It’s a responsibility I am deeply honored to take on for the country I love and for Washington state.
This week was historic—the first female Vice President swore me in to be the first woman President pro-tem. It’s a clear sign that we’re making progress toward Congress looking more like America. My hope is that this is a message to young woman and girls everywhere that their voice matters, and they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. 

Murray began her political career as a member of the Shoreline School Board, later representing Shoreline in the Washington state legislature.

She has also now chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

--Diane Hettrick

Updated with additional quote 1-5-2023
Correction: Sen. Schumer is the majority leader

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DHS announces extension of REAL ID full enforcement deadline

Friday, December 30, 2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. 

Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. 

As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. 
“This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”

The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. 

Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. 

Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

--Paine Field Buzz newsletter


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Region’s congressional leaders secure critical funding for transit expansion

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Sound Transit Board leaders

News from Sound Transit

The passage of Congress’ FY 2023 spending bill will provide $586.5 million in funding for Sound Transit—including earlier-than-expected payments toward previously executed federal grant agreements and more than $115 million in new funding.

"This bill significantly expands funding for completing the largest transit expansion program in the nation," said Sound Transit Board Chair Kent Keel. 
"It not only provides accelerated funding of the Full Funding Grant Agreements for Lynnwood Link and Federal Way Link but also provides more than $115 million in new funding for those projects through a provision similar to Senator Murray’s Public Transit Capital Investment Relief Act of 2021, which was co-sponsored by Senator Cantwell."

The bill, which will be signed into law in the coming days by President Biden, provides a total of $468 million to fund Sound Transit’s two Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGAs):
  • The Federal Way Link FFGA will receive $268 million, which finishes the federal commitment of $790 million three years ahead of schedule
  • The Lynnwood Link FFGA will receive $200 million, leaving only $250 million remaining to fulfill the $1.17 billion agreement.

The accelerated payments will reduce agency borrowing, creating more than $40 million in savings for regional taxpayers.

The bill also includes a provision that will provide an additional $115.5 million for those two projects: 
  • $54 million for Lynnwood and $61 million for Federal Way. These funds are on top of the FFGA commitments for those projects.

Additionally, Sound Transit will receive $3 million for safety and security improvements to the stations in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, through Congressionally Directed Spending sponsored by Rep. Jayapal and Senator Murray.

Sound Transit’s financial plan assumes 19.5% of the capital program will come from federal sources, and these funds are critical to helping meet that target.

"As Sound Transit forges ahead with the nation's most ambitious transit expansion program, we are exceptionally fortunate to have the strong support of every member of our Congressional delegation, including Senators Murray and Cantwell, along with Representatives DelBene, Jayapal, Kilmer, Larsen, Schrier, Smith, and Strickland," said King County Executive Dow Constantine, who will chair the Sound Transit Board starting January 1, 2023. 
"Together, we will build and operate the infrastructure to protect our planet while helping millions of Puget Sound residents thrive."

"This investment by the federal government comes at a crucial time for Sound Transit, as we enter a period of unprecedented expansion north, south and east," said Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Dave Somers. 

"Our expansions will not only enhance the region’s mobility, economy and environment, but also help train and employ the next-generation labor force and connect workers to jobs. Coming on top of this year’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this spending bill marks an exceptional year for federal investments in transit for the Puget Sound region, and I look forward to continuing progress on Lynnwood and Everett Link."

In the next several years, Sound Transit will more than double the region’s light rail system from 26 miles to 62 miles. Later expansions are set to expand the light rail system to 116 miles while establishing new Stride bus rapid transit services along the north, east and south sides of Lake Washington and improving Sounder commuter rail service.


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Key Habitat Restoration Project included in National Defense Bill, including feasibility study for Ballinger Creek

Friday, December 9, 2022

Most of Ballinger Creek is in pipes
Photo by Londa Jacques
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 350-80 to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation – which now heads to the Senate – includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and would authorize critical projects for salmon recovery and Washington state’s maritime economy.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, fought to secure WRDA language that would authorize key Army Corps of Engineers projects across the State of Washington.

Among other projects, the bill would authorize construction of the Howard A. Hanson Dam Downstream Fish Passage, which will allow salmon to reach 60 miles of ideal spawning habitat in the Upper Green River.

"Behind the Howard A. Hanson Dam is 60 miles of pristine habitat that's perfect for salmon," said Senator Cantwell. 
"With authorization of the downstream fish passage facility and the $220 million investment secured from the Army Corps earlier this year, we are going to open up this habitat which will help increase salmon survival. This is a major milestone for Puget Sound salmon recovery efforts that has been decades in the making.”

Building the fish passage will open up the Green River cool water habitat deep in the Pierce County foothills, away from road runoff and other human pollutants, where salmon can spawn before returning to the Sound.

In March 2022, Senator Cantwell secured $220 million in funding for the fish passage as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With authorization in the NDAA, the Army Corps will be able to use that funding to begin and complete the design of the facility and the first phase of construction. The project is a top priority of local conservation groups and has strong bipartisan support.

The fish passage project is among several Army Corps projects in the House-passed NDAA that aim to fix short-term problems and provide long-term solutions in waterways around Washington state. Among the project is a feasibility study for the Ballinger Creek Ecosystem Restoration (Shoreline/Lake Forest Park)

The bill would fund a $100,000 feasibility study for a planned project to restore and improve approximately 1,500 feet of Ballinger Creek that is now run through pipes or other man-made structures.

Sen. Maria Cantwell is one of Washington state's two senators. The other is newly re-elected Sen. Patty Murray.



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King county council chair applauds voter support of even-year elections charter amendment

Thursday, November 10, 2022

On Tuesday, King County voters sent a clear message that they want to expand democracy by approving King County Charter Amendment 1 and move elections for county executive, assessor, director of elections, and councilmembers to even-numbered years.

“King County voters want to strengthen our democracy by making it easier for more people to vote to elect their County-level representatives,” said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, who introduced the even-year election proposal. 
"Already, King County’s elections are one of the most transparent, secure and inviting in the nation, and now with this one simple, commonsense change to King County’s charter, we can make our elections even better.”

The logic behind the proposal is simple: even-year elections regularly see higher voter turnout than odd-years. Since 2010, King County’s average voter turnout rate is 77% in even-numbered years and 47% in odd-numbered years. In 2021, countywide ballot measures and offices had 40 to 41% turnout, while countywide ballot measures and offices in 2020 saw voter turnout between 78% and 80%.

Voter turnout in even-year elections is also more reflective of the electorate. Areas with more renters see a higher odd-year drop than areas with more homeowners, and voters of color have a bigger dip in turnout in odd-years than white voters.

As of Wednesday night, November 9, 2022, Charter Amendment 1 was passing with 69% of ballots in favor to 31% opposed. With this change, people elected to office starting in 2023 or 2025 will serve a three-year term (2023-2026 or 2025-2028) in order to move to an even-numbered year schedule. Subsequent terms, starting in 2026 and 2028, would again be four-year terms.



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Op-Ed: NUHSA strongly encourages a YES vote on Shoreline's Prop 1

Monday, October 31, 2022

OP-ED
From Heidi Shepherd, Board President NUHSA

Ballots have been mailed, and Shoreline voters now must vote on Prop. 1, the maintenance and operations levy for public safety and community services. The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) strongly encourages a YES vote!

The pandemic has had severe consequences for many in our community, and families are still struggling. From mental and physical health challenges to food scarcity and a lack of stable housing, residents have relied on the critical support Shoreline has provided during the pandemic and the infrastructure that the City has carefully built in partnership with area providers and agencies.

State law limits an increase in tax revenue unless authorized by a vote of the people, and because funding for basic City services (including that of human services) has not kept pace with rising costs, approval of Prop. 1 is essential to simply maintain current services. 

This includes critical community services funding for seniors, youth, and families in need, along with homelessness response services and staffing for the successful RADAR program that provides mental health professionals with police to assist community members in behavioral health crises.

If the proposed levy replacement does not pass, the City will be forced to reduce or eliminate services to balance the City’s budget, as required by law - and first on the chopping block will be those programs the City is not legally required to provide. 

At risk is support for human services, such as the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, the Teen Center and programs for children and young families, in addition to neighborhood services, community events, homelessness outreach, communications, parks maintenance, recreation programs, and cultural programming.

Renewing the levy is absolutely critical for maintaining the health and human services residents expect and ensuring a strong and vibrant community for everyone. Vote YES on Prop. 1!



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Judge grants AG Ferguson’s request for maximum $24.6M penalty against Facebook parent Meta

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

OLYMPIA — A King County Superior Court judge today issued the maximum penalty of $24.6 million against Facebook’s parent company, Meta, in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s campaign finance transparency lawsuit. Ferguson had requested the maximum penalty be imposed.

Judge Douglass North ruled that Meta intentionally violated Washington law 822 times. Because the violations were intentional, the court had the option to triple the penalty, for a maximum of $30,000 per violation.

Today, Judge North ordered Facebook to pay the maximum penalty: $24,660,000. This represents the largest campaign finance penalty anywhere in the country — ever.

Judge North also ordered Facebook to reimburse the Attorney General’s costs and fees, and ordered that those attorneys’ fees should also be tripled “as punitive damages for Meta’s intentional violations of state law.” 

That amount will be determined at a later date, but Ferguson’s office is requesting a total of $10.5 million, which includes the treble damages. The court ruled that Meta must pay 12 percent interest per year on the total judgment, starting from when the payments are due. By law, campaign finance penalties go to the State Public Disclosure Transparency Account.

“I have one word for Facebook’s conduct in this case — arrogance,” Ferguson said. 
“It intentionally disregarded Washington’s election transparency laws. But that wasn’t enough. Facebook argued in court that those laws should be declared unconstitutional. 
"That’s breathtaking. Where’s the corporate responsibility? I urge Facebook to come to its senses, accept responsibility, apologize for its conduct, and comply with the law. If Facebook refuses to do this, we will beat them again in court.”

This law requires campaign advertisers, including entities such as Meta that host political ads, to make information about Washington political ads that run on their platforms available for public inspection in a timely manner. The state asserted that Meta violated the law repeatedly since December 2018 and committed hundreds of violations.

The Attorney General’s campaign finance enforcement has in recent years resulted in two other findings of intentional violations: One against the Consumer Brands Association, formerly known as the Grocery Manufacturers Association, totaling $9 million, the other against initiative promoter Tim Eyman for $2.6 million.

More information here



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It's illegal to take campaign signs

Monday, October 24, 2022

It's election season and once again people are stealing campaign signs.

Basic facts:
  • Campaign signs are legal.
  • It's illegal to steal them.
If a campaign sign is placed so that it is a traffic hazard or obstructs a driver's view, police will remove the sign. This happens very rarely because campaigns know the rules.

If this were to happen, the city would contact the campaign and hold the sign at City Hall for pick up.

In my experience, the signs are taken by random people who have nothing to do with any campaign and are unknown to anyone.

If you see someone taking a sign, call 911 to report the theft. Those signs are expensive.

--Diane Hettrick



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League of Women Voters Sno County posts recordings of 12 candidate forums

Saturday, October 22, 2022

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County has recorded a series of twelve candidate forums for the November 8 general election in these races:

  • US Congressional District 1
  • Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney
  • PUD Commissioner, District 3
  • Legislative District 12 – Positions 1 & 2
  • Legislative District 21 – Senator
  • Legislative District 21 – Positions 1 & 2
  • Legislative District 32 – Senator
  • Legislative District 38 – Positions 1, 2 and Senator
  • Legislative District 39 – Positions 1 & 2
  • Legislative District 44 – Senator
  • Legislative District 44 – Positions 1 & 2
  • Judicial races

Video and podcasts of all forums are available on the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County website: lwvsnoho.org, and on the League’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lwvsnohomishcounty

We invite voters to explore these forums and to vote in the November 8th election.

The League thanks the members of our 2022 Forum Partnership Coalition: AAUW, C3 Coalition, Edmonds College, The Daily Herald, KSER/KXIR, NAACP – Snohomish County, Sno-Isle Libraries, Sultan School District and Turk Pride TV.


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Student loan debt forgiveness program blocked by the courts

Friday, October 21, 2022

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash
According to reporting the The Washington Post (reprinted in The Seattle Times), a Federal appeals court has blocked the immediate cancellation of student loans to consider a request filed by six Republican-led states to stop the program.

A federal appeals court on Friday evening blocked the imminent cancellation of federal student loans under President Joe Biden’s debt relief program, days after millions of borrowers began applying for up to $20,000 in forgiveness.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit granted an administrative stay while it considers a request for an injunction filed by a coalition of six Republican-led states seeking to block the forgiveness program.

Yesterday we published information on the loan program from our Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit will make a decision on whether or not to lift the stay but the timeline is unknown. 22 million people have already filed for relief.

Read The Seattle Times article here



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Pramila Jayapal: Beta application for student loan debt is officially live

Thursday, October 20, 2022

From Congresswoman Pramilia Jayapal

BIG NEWS: The beta application for student loan debt cancelation is officially live and takes less than two minutes to submit! 



Please note: this is a beta application and may close and reopen throughout the week.

Recently, President Biden announced his administration will be canceling $20,000 of federal student loan debt for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 of federal debt for other borrowers, reaching a total of 43 million borrowers.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal
This is a massive step in the right direction, and as the Chair of the Progressive Caucus, something I have personally been fighting for.

With the President’s action, approximately 20 million people will see their loans fully canceled, and an additional 23 million will see relief with a portion of their debt canceled. 

AND it will help to address the root cause of the issue by capping interest for current and future loans at 5 percent of income, half of the current rate. 

This means that those who still have a balance on their loan after this action will be able to lower their average annual payment by more than $1,000.

Be sure to get your application in today and subscribe to get email updates so I can keep you updated as we learn more about the timeline of when you'll see this money!



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October 25th performance of My Body No Choice at Edmonds College

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Ballyhoo Theatre and Black Box at Edmonds College present My Body No Choice. One performance only, October 25, 2022, 7:30pm at Black Box at Edmonds College (Mukilteo Hall), 20310 68th Ave W,  Lynnwood WA 98036.

In June 2022, reproductive rights took a giant leap backwards when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In the United States, we can drive when we turn 16, and vote when we turn 18. But we no longer have the bodily autonomy to make the choices that will impact us the most.

In My Body No Choice, eight of America’s most exciting female playwrights share what choice means to them, through the telling of fiction and non-fiction stories rooted in personal experience; theirs or a friend’s. 

Because this is a time when women need to tell their stories. My Body No Choice is a commission of Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. This reading is presented in coordination with a full production at Arena that will be Molly Smith's final production as the company's Artistic Director.

My Body No Choice will explore the importance of bodily autonomy, from the ability to choose - or not - to have an abortion, to the freedom to choose one's body size, to making a decision around when to end one's life. 

The short stories are both fiction and non-fiction by eight of America's most exciting female writers, who are: Lee Cataluna(Home of the Brave), Fatima Dyfan (Woolly Mammoth Theatre New Work Fellow), Lisa Loomer (Roe), Dael Orlandersmith (Stoop Stories), Sarah Ruhl (In the Next Room, or the vibrator play), Mary Hall Surface (Perseus Bayou), V (formerly Eve Ensler) (The Vagina Monologues), and Anonymous. 

These tremendous artists and their monologues represent a rich diversity of theatrical storytelling and personal experiences.

Admission is FREE, however, reservations are required. Ticket link at ballyhootheatre.org

Some of this material may be too sensitive for younger children. Recommended ages are 14 and up.


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Congress passes bipartisan legislation to eliminate federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Laboratory animal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Animal Wellness Action and other animal welfare groups lauded U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), for her crucial role in last week’s passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0.

The bill, S.5002, led and introduced by Senators Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Cory Booker, D-N.J., eliminates a federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs and holds the promise of delivering a dramatic reduction in animal testing by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and government agencies in the United States.

As chair of the committee with jurisdiction over health policy, Senator Murray endorsed the legislation, signaling to all Democrats that the bill warranted their support. 

Senator Richard Burr, R-N.C. and the Ranking Member of HELP, played a similar role by orienting Republicans to support the measure. 

The measure passed by Unanimous Consent on Thursday and now heads to the House, where it is expected to pass after the election.

S. 5002 also includes language from an additional proposed reform, the Reducing Animal Testing Act, authored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., to amend the Public Health Service Act to remove the animal testing requirement for biosimilars (biopharmaceutical drugs designed to have active properties similar to drugs that have already been licensed). 

S. 5002 mirrors provisions of the original FDA Modernization Act provision approved as an amendment to S. 4348, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act, taken up in June by the Senate HELP Committee. There as well, Senator Murray was instrumental in securing committee passage of that amendment, which was the template for S. 5002.

The House approved an FDA Modernization Act amendment to H.R. 7667, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2002, in June. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, strongly backed the legislation and was instrumental in that measure’s passage.

“Senator Murray and Representative McMorris Rodgers rightly recognize that the United States must lift an archaic animal-testing mandate for drug development and replace that strategy with 21st-century methods grounded on human biology,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. 
“This is the biggest policy development in Congressional history on the fight to replace animal testing with morally and scientifically superior methods, and we are grateful for the crucial roles that both of these veteran lawmakers are playing on this subject.”

“It’s no small matter for the U.S. Senate to approve this major animal welfare and health-policy measure, and Senator Murray was at the center of the effort,” said Jennifer McCausland, senior vice president for corporate policy for the Center for a Humane Economy. 

“Her seniority has been pivotal in this major outcome to reboot our drug development paradigm.” McCausland is based in Seattle.

“Senator Murray’s support for reducing animal testing in the United States has been instrumental in the progress of this legislation,” added Muriel Van Housen, chair of the board of the Center for a Humane Economy. Ms. Van Housen is also a Washingtonian.

This groundbreaking legislation has the potential in the coming years to reduce the use of millions of animals and to deliver safer, more effective drugs to patients.

Data show that it typically takes 10 to 15 years and an average investment of $1 billion and up to $6 billion for a new drug. Animal tests are typically non-predictive of the human response to drugs, failing in 90 percent of human trials.

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) organization with a mission of helping animals by promoting legal standards forbidding cruelty. We champion causes that alleviate the suffering of companion animals, farm animals, and wildlife. 



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County Councilmembers Dembowski, Kohl-Welles to host virtual town hall October 11, 2022

Monday, October 3, 2022

Join King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jeanne Kohl-Welles on Tuesday, October 11 from 6:30pm to 8pm for a virtual town hall focusing on King County’s 2023-2024 Biennial Budget. 

They will be joined by Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget to take an in-depth look at the Executive’s proposed biennial budget and take questions from the audience.

WHEN: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/2ghsHqBas

Virtual town hall, streaming on councilmember Dembowski's official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberRodDembowski

Or on councilmember Kohl-Wells' Facebook page

Submit questions here: https://forms.gle/Ae7FPz7Q9x3VyrV79

During the event, questions may also be submitted in the comment section of the stream.

Live captions will be enabled. For other questions, including about accessibility accommodations, please call 206-477-1001.

For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/townhall

Councilmember Dembowski represents the north end cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, NE Seattle, north Kirkland, Bothell in King county. Councilmember Kohl-Wells represents NE Seattle down to Belltown.



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League of Women Voters of Snohomish County candidate forums

Tuesday, September 20, 2022


This fall, we elect Washington State Legislators, Congressional Representatives, and others, within newly created voting-districts. 

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County is scheduling a robust series of candidate forums, asking questions of candidates in these races:

Pre-recorded forums: (We are in the process of contacting candidates.)
  • Judicial Candidates (Recording Date: 9/6)
  • Legislative District 1 – Positions 1, 2 (Recording Date: 10/17)
  • Legislative District 12 – Positions 1, 2 (Recording Date: 10/13)
  • Legislative District 32 – Positions 1, 2 and Senator (Recording date: 10/3)
  • Legislative District 38 – Positions 1, 2 and Senator (Recording date: 9/22)
  • Legislative District 39 – Positions 1, 2 (Recording date: 9/27)
  • PUD Commissioner, District 3 (Recording Date 10/4)
Live-Streamed Forums: 
  • Legislative District 44 – Positions 1, 2 and Senator: Thursday, September 29 - 6:30 pm
  • Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney: Wednesday, October 5 - 6:30 pm
  • Legislative District 21: Tuesday, October 11, Positions 1, 2 - 6:30 pm
  • Congressional District 1: Thursday, October 18 - 6:30 pm
How to watch: Join us on our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/lwvsnohomishcounty

Video and podcasts of all forums will be available after the recording date and can be accessed on the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County website, and on the League’s YouTube Channel.
Recordings of most forums will also air on KSER 90.7 FM/KXIR 89.9 FM.

We invite voters to explore these forums - and to vote in the November 8th election.

The League thanks the members of our 2022 Forum Partnership Coalition: AAUW, C3 Coalition, Edmonds College, The Daily Herald, KSER/KXIR, NAACP – Snohomish County, Sno-Isle Libraries, Sultan School District and Turk Pride TV.

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920, the same year women won the vote. For 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy. 

In 1976, the League sponsored the first televised presidential debates, winning an Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement in Broadcast Journalism. 

We sponsored televised Presidential debates throughout the 80’s, focusing on nonpartisan issues with a main goal of informing voters. 

The LWVSC has been upholding that tradition right here in Snohomish County by sponsoring debates and forums for local and state offices. Since our organization neither supports nor opposes candidates or political parties, we can provide a thoughtful environment that allows voters to make their own informed choices.


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