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

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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Candidate filing week May 15 - 19, 2023

Candidate filing week - May 15 - May 19, 2023

Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the filing week of May 15 through May 19, 2023.

King County Elections encourages all candidates to file online. Online filing opens at 9am on May 15 and is open 24 hours a day until 4pm on May 19. Candidates may file in person until 4:30pm.
  • In-person assistance is available for those who need it at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton
  • Candidates may file by mail. Mailed filings must be received no later than 4:30pm on May 19, regardless of postmark. 
  • Candidates and campaigns can call 206-296-1565 with questions or for help filing.

The final deadline to withdraw one’s name from the ballot is 4:30pm on Monday, May 22.

An updated list of candidate filings will be posted by noon and 6pm each day until the filing week ends. The list will be finalized following the withdrawal deadline.

There are many offices subject to election this year, including county and city level offices, school boards, and special purpose districts. You can find the complete list of offices subject to election in King County on our website.

Candidates can sign up for notifications by email or text to get alerts about deadlines and other candidate-related information.

Candidates looking for more information, please contact us at 206-296-1565 or election.services@kingcounty.gov.



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Politics: LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson to run for reelection

Sunday, May 14, 2023

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park looks a little different than it did 12 years ago, and we’ve accomplished quite a bit. But there’s still a bit more to get done, and I’d like to see a few things through to completion.

Therefore, I’m excited to seek your votes one last time for Mayor of Lake Forest Park.

Working together, we’ve gotten a lot done in my two terms as mayor.
  • Our city has several new parks, including Five Acre Woods, Brookside Park, a reimagined Eagle Scout Park, and our exciting new future waterfront park.
  • We’ve made Lake Forest Park one of the top five safest cities in the State of Washington (according to several surveys).
  • We’ve added crucial culverts on Lyon and McAleer Creeks to improve water quality, flood mitigation, and fish passage.
  • We’ve assembled an excellent new leadership team, making it possible to survive COVID with no layoffs and minimal service disruption. (I would like to thank the entire staff for their sacrifice and dedication to the city with their willingness to take furlough days.)
  • Through the unpredictable economic landscape of the past few years, the city has maintained stable finances.
  • With our commitment to the environment, we created a new environmental task force, park board, and tree board.

In addition, my “Coffee with the Mayor” meet-ups, nights out against crime with our police force, and all the events we’ve brought back, like Picnic in the Park, Battle of the Bands, and Pet Parade, have blessed me with the opportunity to meet and get to know so many of you.

But there’s still much to do:
  • Complete more upstream culverts, including Ballinger Way and 35th.
  • Design and build the future waterfront park, giving all citizens a chance to enjoy Lake Washington.
  • We have many important decisions to make, including how to fund: road and park maintenance, our outstanding police department, and sidewalks.

Lake Forest Park has more challenges ahead, including minimizing the impact of Sound Transit, state zoning pressures, and how to remain safe and compassionate during these challenging times of rising crime, drug use, and homelessness. With so many wishes and wants from our diverse citizen base, there aren’t always solutions, but often compromises.

Our city remains a destination for people and families seeking a safe and friendly place to live, and I’d like to thank all of the people who have volunteered, run for office, and participated in making this the home it is for all of us.

Thank you for allowing me to serve. Let’s continue working together to move this city forward.

Mayor Jeff Johnson


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Public Disclosure Commission changing guidance on use of campaign contributions for a different race

Saturday, May 13, 2023

The Public Disclosure Commission voted Thursday to issue formal guidance regarding candidates’ use of contributions received for a previous campaign for a different office.

Under RCW 42.17A.490, a candidate who solicits contributions for a state, local, or judicial office may not use any unspent contributions to seek a different office without first obtaining written approval from the persons or entities who contributed the money.

PDC staff previously advised candidates to seek permission and then report the funds as a lump-sum transfer, which is consistent with how transfers to a subsequent campaign for the same office are treated under a different section of law, RCW 42.17A.430.

When questions about that informal guidance recently were raised, the staff took the issue to the Commission for a decision.

During Thursday’s special meeting called to discuss the issue, the Commission backed an alternative interpretation of the existing law. Under the Commission’s interpretation, such funds authorized for transfer to a campaign for a different office should be attributed to the individual donors in the new campaign’s reports and count toward applicable contribution limits for the new campaign.

The Commission directed staff to advise campaigns of its interpretation and to return with a written proposal for formal adoption at the May 25 meeting.


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Washington now has a state dinosaur - the Suciasaurus rex

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signs a bill proclaiming Suciasaurus rex as Washington’s official state dinosaur.

A large, two-legged, meat-eating therapod once roamed Washington state, as paleontologists discovered in 2012.

Paleontologists at the Burke with dinosaur bone found in Washington state
Photo courtesy Burke Museum

They found a partial thigh bone for a dinosaur similar to but smaller than a Tyrannosaurus on the shores of Sucia Island State Park.

The Burke Museum reported that "The fossil is a partial left thigh bone of a theropod dinosaur, the group of two-legged, meat-eating dinosaurs that includes Velociraptor, Tyrannosaurus rex and modern birds. It was found along the shores of Sucia Island State Park in the San Juan Islands.

"The fossil is approximately 80 million years old and is from the Late Cretaceous period. During that time, the rocks that today form Sucia Island were likely further south. How much further south is a topic of scientific debate, with locations ranging between present day Baja California, Mexico, and northern California. Earthquakes and other geologic forces that constantly reshape our planet moved the rocks north to their present-day location."

A decade later, a class project to teach kids how a bill becomes a law led to Gov. Jay Inslee signing a bill to proclaim the Suciasaurus rex as Washington’s official state dinosaur

Students from Elmhurst Elementary in Tacoma engaged their legislator Rep. Melanie Morgan to introduce the bill - both the students and Rep. Morgan were present for the signing.


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Planning to travel out of the country? There's a major backlog in the passport system

Friday, May 5, 2023

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal recently sent out current information on the passport system:

There’s been a major backlog in the passport system – which I know is a big headache if you’re travelling in the near future. 

Today, I’m writing with some information on the process for renewal and who you can contact to speed up that process if need be.

Current estimates suggest that processing times for passport renewal may be up to 13 weeks.

For general info on forms, costs, and processing times, visit the State Department's website. And to check the current status of your passport application, click here.

To contact the National Passport Information Center, call 1-877-487-2778 on Monday through Fridays from 5:00am to 7:00pm Pacific Time, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time. The call center is closed on federal holidays.

The State Department prioritizes customers who are traveling internationally in the next 3 business days due to a qualified life-or-death emergency. What number you call to make an appointment depends on the day of the week and time of day. Learn more at their Life-or-Death Emergency page.

You can also schedule an appointment for urgent travel service if you are traveling internationally within the next 14 days or need a foreign visa within 28 days. To do this, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Find your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility here.

Please make sure to check when your current passport expires and always leave yourself and your application extra time in case of delays. And as always, if you need assistance with these processes, please reach out to my office. We’re here to help.

Pramila Jayapal
U.S. Representative (WA-07)
Seattle Office 
1904 3rd Ave, Suite 510
Seattle WA 98101
Phone: 206-674-0040; Fax: 206-623-0256


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

Sunday, April 30, 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

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.

On April 27, 2023 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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County councilmember in Washington D.C. to meet with legislators

Thursday, April 27, 2023

County Executive Dow Constantine, Senator Patty Murray, Councilmember Rod Dembowski
in Washington D.C.

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who represents District 1 on the King county council, is in Washington D.C. along with County Executive Dow Constantine to meet with Washington congressional representatives to discuss King county issues.

Rod said, "An honor to congratulate Senator Murray on 10,000 votes cast on behalf of Washingtonians. We are so fortunate to have her in the US Senate working for us."

Sen. Murray was recently named Senate pro tem, which places her fourth in line for the presidency, after the President, the Vice President, and the Speaker of the House.

Dembowski represents most of the cities in north King county.

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AG Ferguson, Rep. Mena bill protecting Washingtonians from utility shut-offs during extreme heat signed into law

Sunday, April 23, 2023

AG Ferguson, Rep. Joe Nguyen, Rep Sharlett Mena stand with Gov. Inslee as he signs their bill
Photo courtesy AG Office

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bill Attorney General Bob Ferguson partnered on with Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, to ensure a utility operator cannot shut off Washingtonians’ power or water when the National Weather Service issues a heat-related warning or alert.

The bill, House Bill 1329, does not relieve Washingtonians of their obligation to pay their utility bills. It protects human health and safety by preventing electricity shutoffs for failure to pay during extreme heat. It does not prohibit utilities from shutting off power to prevent or mitigate damage from forest fires.

It passed the Senate on April 10, 2023 with a 29-20 vote. The House passed the bill with a bipartisan 64-31 vote in late February.

Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center, sponsored a companion bill in the senate.

“This will provide a tangible, important, life-saving benefit to Washingtonians,” Ferguson said.

“Extreme heat is risky for seniors, people with disabilities, folks who work outside, and anyone who can’t afford their utility bill;” Rep. Mena said. “Power and water can be a matter of life and death during a heat wave. This legislation will ensure that every Washingtonian has the ability to protect themselves against extreme heat.”

The bill places a moratorium on utility shutoffs for inability to pay during a Weather Service heat-related warning or alert. The legislation protects all Washingtonians’ access to electric fans, working refrigerators and running water during extreme heat, as well as air conditioning for residents with access.

More information here



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Pollet bill to increase funding for special education heads to Governor's desk

Rep. Gerry Pollet
46th LD
OLYMPIA – Students with disabilities and exceptional needs continue to lack equitable access to special education programs and funding in Washington state. 

Seeing an “unconscionable” failure to meet the state’s paramount duty to fund basic education for students with disabilities, State Representative Gerry Pollet, D-North Seattle, introduced House Bill 1436, which the House passed on Saturday.

School districts reported that they are spending over $500 million from local school levies this coming year on services for students who have been evaluated to have disabilities and are entitled to services under federal and state laws (referred to as “Individual Education Plans,” or IEPs).

Under HB 1436, as adopted today, and in the new state budget, the Legislature will add $417 million in new support for special education during this biennium and nearly a billion dollars over four years. It increases how much special education funding school districts receive per student up to the new cap, which is increased from 13.5% to 15%.

It further requires a study of the adequacy and efficacy of the special education funding formula. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required to review data to ensure that there is not a disproportionate identification or under-identification of specific groups of students, and to develop an allocation and cost accounting methodology to ensure equitable funding for special education programs.

The legislation also begins an effort to have the Office of Education Ombuds provide special education ombuds to assist parents, as advocated for by Senate Education Chair Lisa Wellman.

“Washington has a constitutional obligation to fund every child’s education. Disability is not a choice,” said Rep. Pollet. 
“Today, we move one step closer to fully supporting all students in our state with a high-quality public education. Looking to the future, more work remains. I am hopeful that the legislature will support future proposals to completely remove this cap because of the disproportional impact on students in our state.”

HB 1436 now heads to the Governor’s desk.

Rep. Gerry Pollet represents the 46th Legislative District in NE Seattle from about NE 45th in the U District to NE 145th on the Seattle/Shoreline boundary.


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Legislature passes ban on assault weapons

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee and AG Bob Ferguson listen to KeAnna Pickett recount the death of her husband DeVonne, shot dead outside of their family business in Seattle in October 2022

The Legislature on Thursday passed HB 1240, sponsored by Sen. Strom Peterson, to prohibit the sale of assault weapons. Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign the bill soon, along with legislation to require safety training and a 10-day waiting period, and a bill to strengthen accountability for manufacturers and retailers.

Washington will become the tenth state to ban assault weapons.

"WA does not and will not accept gun violence as normal," tweeted Inslee.

Fifty-nine Americans died in mass shootings in just five years preceding a federal ban on assault weapons in effect between 1994 and 2004. Only 53 died during its ten years of effect, and mortality exploded after its expiration. 

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma estimated that the ban reduced the likelihood of mass shootings by 70%.

"High-capacity assault weapons have no practical use in civilized society except to make it easier for people to easily kill multiple people," said Sen. Marko Liias in 2017, not long after a mass shooting involving an assault weapon left three dead in Mukilteo. 
Washington state last year passed a ban on high-capacity magazines and so-called untraceable “ghost guns.” 

Washington voters have also approved policies to strengthen background checks and implement extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flags. Such policies are helping address various forms of gun violence including suicide and domestic violence.


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King County hosting online workshops for people interested in running for local offices, April 15 and April 24

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Photo by Michael Carruth on Unsplash
King County is hosting several online candidate workshops providing information about filing for office in King County including submitting local voter’s pamphlet information, voter lists and data management, campaign sign regulations, and basic public disclosure information from the Public Disclosure Commission. 

Workshops are on Saturday, April 15 from 11am to 1pm and Monday, April 24, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm.

Candidate registration with King County starts May 14 and ends May 19. Information about candidacy and running for office is available from the King County Elections Home Page. In addition, candidates must register with the Public Disclosure Commission. Link to key dates with the PDC.

City of Shoreline City Council Elections November 2023


Three (3) City Council positions are up for election/re-election in November 2023: Positions 2, 4, and 6. Candidates must follow the guidelines and registration dates as posted by King County (see above).

As the City's governing body, Shoreline's seven elected part-time City Councilmembers establish City policies and laws, adopt an annual budget, approve appropriations, contract for services and grant franchises.

City Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms; roughly half the Council is up for election every two years. All Councilmembers are "at-large" meaning that they serve the City as a whole as opposed to a specific district.

The mayor is a councilmember, elected by the council. The mayor sets the agenda for council meetings and represents the city on formal occasions.

City of Lake Forest Park Mayor and Council Elections November 2023


The Mayor and three (3) Lake Forest Park City Council positions are up for election/re-election in November 2023: Positions 2, 4, and 6. Candidates must follow the guidelines and registration dates as posted by King County (see above).

The Mayor and seven City Councilmembers are part-time, non-partisan elected officials who serve four-year terms. Municipal elections are held in November of odd-numbered years and terms are staggered so that no more than four positions are up for election every two years. All Councilmembers are elected "at-large," meaning they serve the City as a whole, as opposed to a specific district.

Unlike Shoreline, LFP has a Mayor/Council form of government.

The City Council is the legislative body of the City.  It enacts laws and regulations, establishes policy direction for the City, establishes tax and fee rates, adopts an annual budget, grants franchises, approves contracts for services, and payment of all City moneys.

The mayor is the executive branch of the city government, elected directly by the voters of Lake Forest Park for a four year term. The City of Lake Forest Park has a strong-mayor form of municipal government in which the mayor has the administrative authority to prepare and administer the budget, appoint a City Administrator, and appoint and dismiss department heads.


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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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Stanford bill to elevate quality of pet insurance signed into law

Friday, April 7, 2023

Bill to regulate pet insurance signed into law
Photo courtesy Washington State LSS

OLYMPIA—For the first time, Washington pet owners will be able to rely on a well-regulated insurance market to cover the health care of their furry friends.

SB 5319, signed into law Thursday April 6, 2023 by Gov. Jay Inslee, puts in place protections for insurance customers, requires disclosures about coverage, and establishes a training and licensing requirement for sellers.

“Pet insurance has been a Wild West of unregulated offerings, misleading advertisements, and arbitrarily denied claims, which have done a disservice to pet owners, to their pets, and to the responsible businesses trying to offer a good product but getting lost in the tumult,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), Chair of the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming and Trade Committee and sponsor of the bill. 
“This legislation sets a floor for quality and consistency between plans in the pet insurance market, similar to the way Obamacare did in the health insurance market.”

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Brier, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood Manor, Cathcart, Clearview, and Maltby.


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Letter to the Editor: Much-needed Affordable Housing

Thursday, March 23, 2023

To the Editor:

HB 1110, a bill to Increase middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing, has passed the State House of Representatives and is now being considered by the Senate.

It will override most local zoning/building codes, with the goal of providing "affordable housing."

However, no truly "affordable" housing is required by this bill.

The HUD 2021 median income for King County was $106,326. Using the formula in HB 1110, where housing costs (including utilities other than phone) should not exceed 30% of:

  • 80% of the median income for a homeowner, or $2,127 per month; or
  • 60% of the median income for a renter, or $1,595 per month. A renter earning a wage of $20 an hour for a 40-hour week, or $3,440 gross per month, is using 46% of that monthly income on housing. This is not affordable.

HB 1110 explains, "To unlock opportunity for Washingtonians it is necessary to lift bans on the development of modest home choices in cities near job centers, transit, and amenity-rich neighborhoods." 

It includes definitions for "Low-income household" and "Extremely low-income household," yet nowhere does it require that anything besides "affordable housing" be built, and the "affordable housing" is optional. 

There is no mandate for it. Will developers provide “affordable ownership” opportunities, or will our cities be filled with more townhouses selling at upwards of $600,000 and $700,000, and more? This bill needs to be amended for those of us seeking “affordable housing” and "affordable ownership".

You can read the entire bill here:
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1110-S2.E.pdf?q=20230321132049

You can comment on HB 1110 here:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1110&Initiative=false&Year=2023

Jonelle Kemmerling
Shoreline, WA


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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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Shoreline School District leaders advocate in Olympia for school funding

Friday, March 17, 2023

Student representatives to the school board Helen Murphy, Lily Fredericks, and Luke Smith

Shoreline School District leaders recently traveled to Olympia to advocate for lawmakers to increase support for schools. Board members Sara Betnel, Meghan Jernigan, and Sarah Cohen and student board representatives Lily Fredricks, Helen Murphy, and Luke Smith, along with Superintendent Susana Reyes, participated in the annual "Day on the Hill" on February 27, 2023 organized by statewide organizations of school leaders.

"The majority of our district funding and policy requirements are set by the state legislature. Engaging directly with our representatives in Olympia around our legislative priorities and funding needs is one of the most important ways we ensure they know how the decisions they are making impact our students, staff, and community," according to Sara Betnel, who leads legislative advocacy for the district as the board’s legislative representative. 
“Day on the Hill is a great moment of collective advocacy with district and student leaders across the state that builds on the conversations we have with legislators all year long.”

Advocacy has been particularly vital this year, as Shoreline and many other districts across the state are facing a funding shortfall, as the Board shared in a letter to lawmakers sent in January. 

In Washington, the state government controls and allocates most of the revenue available to public schools, based on the funding model established in response to the 2012 “McCleary decision” that held the state responsible for funding basic education. 

In Shoreline, 59% of the budget used for teaching and other school operations comes directly from the state on a per-student basis, while 14% comes from the state for specific purposes, 5% from federal funding sources, and 16% from local levy support (capped by state law based on enrollment).

Helen Murphy, OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal, Luke Smith, Lily Fredericks, School Board Director Sara Betnel, Shoreline Schools Superintendent Susana Reyes

Chris Reykdal, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized that public school funding is a statewide emergency in a Seattle Times interview timed to coincide with the advocacy day. 

Reykdal explained that Washington school districts, especially in the Puget Sound region, face a “perfect storm” of fiscal challenges, with declining enrollment due to demographic factors and accelerated by the pandemic, rising inflation, and deficiencies in the state funding model.

Conversations with legislators focused on key areas of student need, where legislation under consideration has the greatest potential to have a positive effect on the district's budget outlook. 

One of these areas, special education funding, is particularly important because districts have a legal obligation to provide special education services, but the state's current allocation falls far short of the true cost; in Shoreline, the yearly gap is about $8 million. 

This means that the district must divert about one third of local levy funds intended for “enhancement” to meet its legal - and moral - requirement to provide basic education to students with special needs.

Front row: WA State Representative Lauren Davis (32rd), Sara Betnel;
Back row: Susana Reyes, Luke Smith, Helen Murphy, Lily Fredericks,
School Board Director Meghan Jernigan, School Board President Sarah Cohen

Speaking to the importance of special education services, student representatives from Shoreline provided first hand testimony to lawmakers about the impact of funding on students’ lives.

“School funding is integral to ensure every student has access to the essential tools and mentors that will illuminate their pathways to success,” shares Lily Fredericks, Shorecrest High School junior and student representative to the school board. 
“These students will go on to become the many doctors, artists, and political leaders that stand as the pillars of our community and larger world. Funding education is not a privilege: it's an investment in humanity, an inviolable civil right—the very Paramount Duty of our state. The responsibility falls on our legislators to regard it as such.”

Student voice was a key component of the advocacy, as seen in a segment on KING5 News. Student representatives from Shoreline met with Governor Jay Inslee, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, as well as lawmakers from local districts.

“As we work diligently within our own school system to rebalance the budget for long-term financial sustainability, it is also important that we stay engaged with Washington State legislators to help them understand the difficult budget realities that Shoreline and other school districts are currently facing, and how their decisions impact the daily lives of students, staff, and families across the state,” says Superintendent Reyes.

Budget information can be found from the news section of www.shorelineschools.org and directly on the Budget Information page.



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32nd District Legislators to hold telephone town hall on Tuesday March 21, 2023 6:30pm

Wednesday, March 15, 2023


32nd LD Senator Jesse Salomon and Representatives Cindy Ryu and Lauren Davis will hold a Telephone Town Hall on March 21, 2023 at 6:30pm. 

Sign up at vekeo.com/whdc32

  • Then, click on the 32nd LD Telephone Town Hall on March 21, 2023 @ 6:30 PM PDT.
  • You will be asked to enter your first and last name, phone number and email address to sign up.
  • Once signed up, you will be set to receive a phone call at the phone number you’ve entered at the time of the event. (Please note that you must sign up a minimum of 1 hour before the event’s start time to be included.)
  • You can also call in by dialing 1-877-229-8493. When prompted, enter PIN 116285

If you’d like to get in touch but can’t participate in the Town Hall, you are invited to email them:

The 32nd Legislative District represents part of King and Snohomish Counties, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, part of Edmonds, and a section of northwest Seattle.


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Town Hall with 1st Legislative District legislators Sunday, March 19, 2023

Saturday, March 11, 2023


Do you have questions about what the Legislature is doing about the economy, housing, the environment, or education this year? 

You’re invited to join your 1st District lawmakers for an in-person town hall at 1pm on Sunday, March 19, 2023. 

Rep. Shelley Kloba, Rep. Davina Duerr, and Sen. Derek Stanford will be there to answer your questions and report about the progress they are making on those issues -- and many more.

WHO: The 1st District delegation: Sen. Derek Stanford and Reps. Shelley Kloba and Davina Duerr
WHAT: Town hall with 1st District residents
WHEN: Sunday, March 19 from 1-2:30pm
WHERE: Cascadia College, Mobius Hall, 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011

The 1st Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Kirkland. Woodinville, Briar, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood (see map)



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