Policy News and Action Alerts - April 16, 2018
National Policy News
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“We’re on a high-speed train heading for a fiscal cliff”
Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) spoke on the House floor in support of H.J. Res. 2 proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Rep. Newhouse is a cosponsor, and the legislation was not approved by the House today on a vote of 233-184 because it required a two-thirds majority. In order for Congress to consistently make the tough decisions necessary to control spending, elected representatives need the external pressure of a balanced budget requirement. H.J. Res 2 would provide that external structure through a Constitutional amendment, ratified by the states. Specifically, H.J. Res 2 would mandate that Congress not spend more money than it receives in revenue. This amendment would also require a true majority in both the House and Senate to pass a tax increase, along with a three-fifths supermajority requirement to raise the debt limit. Read More |
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Senator Murray Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Successful Military Medic Program Nationwide
Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), joined by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to partner with medical schools and healthcare systems in states with a Special Operations Command (SOCOM) presence such as Washington, Florida, California, and North Carolina, to allow military medics to transfer their experience into credit for a Master’s Degree to become Physician Assistants (PAs). The SOCOM Medic Pilot Program expands upon a successful public-private partnership between the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Carolinas Healthcare System, and Wake Forest University, which effectively shortens the time of post-military Physician Assistant’s certification from 2 years to 5 months for military medics. Read More |
WSU precision agriculture program ranked in top 25 in world
Industry professionals have named Washington State University one of the 25 best colleges in the world for precision agriculture.
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Industry professionals have named Washington State University one of the 25 best colleges in the world for precision agriculture.
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State Policy News
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Brown bill signed to help children and new moms access mental-health services
Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill sponsored by Sen. Sharon Brown that continues her efforts to address the state’s mental-health needs. The law created by Senate Bill 6452 will expand the activities of the children’s mental-health services consultation program and create a pilot program to specifically address the needs of children, pregnant women and new mothers. Read More |
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Governor signs Rep. Mary Dye’s broadband bill
Ongoing efforts to solve rural Washington’s broadband problem are bearing fruit. After two years of give and take, legislation sponsored by Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, has been signed into law. Read More |
Lawmakers tell court: We've satisfied your education funding mandate. Big assist from thriving economy.
Last week, the Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation"-- aka the McCleary Committee -- held what lawmakers hope will be its last meeting. The committee approved a report to the state Supreme Court saying that the state has now fully complied with the court's 2012 McCleary order.
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Last week, the Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation"-- aka the McCleary Committee -- held what lawmakers hope will be its last meeting. The committee approved a report to the state Supreme Court saying that the state has now fully complied with the court's 2012 McCleary order.
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Local Policy News
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Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners invites you to the premiere/unveiling of the Vista Field Phase-One Design
Thursday, April 19, 2018 ~ 6:00 p.m. Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, Bechtel Board Room 7130 W. Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick Washington View Concept Renderings; Make Comments & Ask Questions Learn About Phase One Infrastructure, Financing, Timelines & Next Steps to Construction Read More |
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Port of Pasco VIP Tour
YOU are invited! Come and enjoy a FREE tour of the Port industrial sites. The tour begins in the Port’s Administrative Office, 1110 Osprey Pointe Blvd., Suite 201, Pasco. Lunch is included. There will be a presentation about what a Port is, how a Port operates, and the current projects underway at the Port of Pasco. Following the presentation, will be a bus tour that will showcase the Big Pasco Industrial Center, including the new Osprey Pointe Business Center, the Intermodal Rail Terminal, the Marine Terminal and Pasco Processing Center. It’s a great way to learn about the Port of Pasco and see some of the facilities important to our economy. Read More |
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Weekly Review: Board of Commissioners
County staff prepared a brief update to the Board regarding the Benton County Fairgrounds, including: Positive things happening at the Fairgrounds – There has been more interest in the grounds since our investment in Buildings 2 and 3. Two recent weddings (last weekend) were very pleased with the venue. Two new events for 2019 have been booked: Columbia Basin Safari Club International and the FBLA Conference. Read More |
