Dye house bill to ensure reliability and reduce consumer power costs

OLMPIA–House bill 1130 authored by Rep. Mary Dye, (R-9) known as the Real Solutions for Consumer Affordability and Reliable Energy Supply (CARES), seeks to reduce electrical and natural gas costs to all Washington consumers by 50% and reduce all power outages in Washington State by 50% by the year 2030, was heard in the House Environment and Energy Committee.

Pomeroy Partners Programs in the Community LifeSkills for Middle School

POMEROY–Jessica Nelson at the Garfield County Health District has been implementing the evidence-based program LifeSkills for Middle School in 6th and 9th Grade. The 8th grade class received this program earlier this school year when Sarah Meyers implemented. The program includes lessons on drug abuse, media influences, peer pressure, coping with anxiety, stress relief, social skills, and more.

Bill to shield against ‘retroactive overtime’

By Sen. Mark Schoesler

OLYMPIA–The supreme Court ruled on the Jose Martinez-Cuevas v. DeRuyter Bros. Dairy, Inc case which established exempting the agricultural industry from paying overtime wages after 40-hours per week was unconstitutional. Now a new senate bill, SB 5172, has been placed on the agenda to address if the decision will retroactively impact agricultural business.

Inslee relaxes economic lockdown

Sen. Mark Schoesler

OLYMPIA–Two regions: Puget Sound (Snohomish, King, Pierce) and West (Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific) move to Phase 2 in Inslee’s re-open safely plan. In Phase 2 indoor dining, fitness centers and entertainment venues can function at 25% capacity, and social/at-home gatherings can have a maximum of five people from outside a household, limiting to two households.

Second Amendment rights limited

Sen. Mark Schoesler

OLYMPIA–A bill to prohibit “open carry” of firearms during “permitted demonstrations” or within 250 feet of the capitol for “near demonstrations” (250 feet) zipped through the Senate Law and Justice Committee in three days.

Bill to assist with school maintenance

Sen. Mark Schoesler

OLYMPIA–Washington Association of School Administrators, the Washington State School Directors Association and the Washington Association of Maintenance and Operating Administrators favorably testified that some school districts have maintenance needs that don’t belong in a bond-issue package and would be better handled on a cash basis. Senate Bill 5202 proposes the needed authorization to create a “depreciation subfund”.

Foreclosure and evictions moratorium extended

WASHINGTON D. C.–The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the eviction and foreclosure moratorium to affected multifamily housing residents through March 31, 2021. This halt in residential evictions allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend relief to the tens-of-thousands of Americans who rely on USDA-supported multifamily housing communities.

McMorris Rodgers Announces Washington Natives as New Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff

Washington, D.C.–Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced that Washington native Jared Powell will serve in her Washington, D.C. office as Chief of Staff. Additionally, Washington native Patrick Bell will step into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff for McMorris Rodgers, serving in the Spokane office. McMorris Rodgers also announced today the additions of Kyle VonEnde as Communications Director, and Liz Payne, who will serve as Legislative Director.