​Washington State University Tri-Cities recognized eight leaders as Women of Distinction for their contributions to the campus and Tri-Cities community as part of a March 27 inductee ceremony.   
 
The winners exhibit exceptional leadership in their discipline or area of expertise, serve as role models and mentors, advocate for positive social change and demonstrate a commitment to WSU Tri-Cities’ mission.  
 
“The WSU Tri Cities Women of Distinction Awards were created as a means in which to honor the work of women and for women that happens on our campus and in the community,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “The people chosen for these awards are dedicated to improving our community and represent the very best of what the Tri-Cities has to offer.”
 
This is the eighth year of the award program, and during that time, 286 submissions have been received. Nominations were open to the campus and the Tri-Cities community.
 
The portraits and biographies of the 2025 winners will be added to the past awardee exhibit in the WSU Tri-Cities Art Center, which currently displays the previous 49 winners. The exhibit will be open until April 4.
 
The 2025 Women of Distinction Award Winners: 
 
Lori Mattson
Women of Distinction Legacy Award, 2025 
President and CEO, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
  
Chaune’ Fitzgerald
Women of Distinction Community Member Award, 2025 
CEO, Women of Wisdom Tri-Cities
Founder, Washington African American Chamber of Commerce
  
Michelle Smith
Women of Distinction Alumna Award, 2025
Assistant Principal, Pasco High School
  
Jillian Cadwell
Women of Distinction Faculty Award, 2025
Research Associate, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, WSU Tri-Cities
  
Kalimae Mountain
Women of Distinction Student Award, 2025 
Environmental Science student, WSU Tri-Cities 
 
Courtney Flatt
Women of Distinction Staff Member Award, 2025
Senior Environment and Energy Correspondent, Northwest Public Broadcasting 
 
Devin and Amanda Lorraine
Women of Distinction Champion Award, 2025
Founders, Grace Collective
​

In the past week, the Washington State Legislature introduced two major transportation budget proposals—one from the Senate and one from the House—that aimed to tackle the state’s urgent infrastructure and funding needs. Both proposals reflect growing concerns over how to sustainably finance transportation systems as traditional revenue sources, such as the gas tax, become less reliable in the face of evolving technologies and consumer behavior.

Key Components of the Budget Proposals

1. Gas Tax Increase:

Both the Senate and House proposals include raising the state’s gas tax, which is a primary source of transportation revenue. The Senate’s plan proposes a 6-cent per gallon increase beginning July 1, 2025, with a 2% annual adjustment to account for inflation. The House version goes further, proposing a 9-cent increase, also indexed to inflation. These increases are projected to generate $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion respectively over six years.

2. Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Fees:

To address the declining gas tax revenue as more drivers adopt fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, both proposals introduced higher registration fees for these vehicles. The goal is to ensure that all drivers contribute to maintaining the state’s transportation infrastructure regardless of the fuel type.

3. Sales Tax Reallocation:

A key element of the House plan is the reallocation of 0.3% of the state’s sales tax revenue, amounting to approximately $800 million annually, directly into the transportation budget. This aims to create a more stable, long-term funding source that is not solely dependent on user fees such as fuel taxes.

4. Project Commitments and Maintenance:

Both proposals prioritize the completion of existing projects, preserve the current infrastructure, and improve road safety. The Senate’s six-year budget plan commits approximately $9.2 billion to these efforts and also addresses a projected $1 billion shortfall in the 2025–27 transportation budget, securing funding commitments through 2031.

Challenges in Crafting a Sustainable Budget

While both chambers agree on the urgency of addressing transportation funding, several challenges complicate the path to a final budget agreement:

1. Balancing Revenue and Public Burden:

Raising gas taxes and vehicle fees, while necessary for funding, could place a heavier burden on Washington residents, especially those with lower incomes or living in rural areas where driving is essential. Lawmakers must balance the need for revenue with fairness and affordability.

2. Gaining Public Support:

Public resistance to tax hikes and new fees remains a persistent obstacle. Legislators must clearly communicate the long-term benefits of the proposed changes, such as safer roads, less congestion, and job creation, to build public understanding and support.

3. Political Consensus:

Reaching bipartisan agreement is critical but can be difficult, as lawmakers may prioritize different funding methods or infrastructure investments. The budget must reconcile these differences to gain enough votes for passage.

4. Adaptation to Changing Transportation Trends:

As electric vehicles become more common and fuel efficiency improves, traditional revenue sources such as gas tax will continue to decline. Washington must begin transitioning to a more resilient funding model that reflects this reality, possibly through mileage-based fees or the broader use of general tax revenues.

Potential Solutions and the Path Forward

To address these challenges, legislators have been exploring a combination of traditional and innovative funding strategies. These include:

• The implementation of equitable fee structures ensures that all vehicle types contribute fairly.

• Reallocating existing tax revenues such as state sales tax to reduce reliance on user fees.

• Engaging the public with transparent messaging about how funds will be used and why investments are needed.

• Planning for future shifts by studying long-term trends and developing alternative funding models that align with changing vehicle usage patterns.

The 2025 transportation budget discussions represent a pivotal moment for Washington State. With thoughtful negotiations and forward-thinking solutions, the legislature has the opportunity to create a more equitable, sustainable, and effective transportation system that meets both current demands and future challenges.

​The Association of Washington Business (AWB) released several issue briefs for the 2025 legislative session, addressing key topics impacting businesses in Washington State. These briefs provide insights into legislative priorities and proposed policies.

• Budget: AWB emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced state budget without increasing taxes, advocating for fiscal responsibility to support economic growth.

• Updating Washington's Pay Transparency Law: This brief discusses proposed amendments to enhance pay transparency, aiming to promote fairness and equity in the workplace.

• Rent Control: AWB argues against the implementation of statewide rent control, suggesting that increasing housing supply is a more effective solution to address affordability issues.

• Employer Costs in Washington: This brief examines the various factors contributing to employer costs in the state, highlighting the need for policies that alleviate financial burdens on businesses.

• Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers: The AWB opposes extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers on strike, maintaining that current laws appropriately disqualify striking workers from receiving such benefits since they have jobs to return to post-strike.
 
• Housing: This brief outlines AWB's perspectives on housing policies aimed at increasing affordability and availability to support the state's growing population.

These issue briefs serve as valuable resources for understanding AWB's positions and the potential implications of proposed legislative actions on the business community in Washington State. You can find other issue briefs here. 

Congratulations to Three Rivers Convention Center on the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on their new expansion! After construction is complete, the Three Rivers Convention center will add a 60,000 square foot exhibit hall, 5,000 square feet of additional meeting rooms, an extended lobby/pre-function space, and a new kitchen to the existing footprint. The project is projected to be complete by Fall 2026.

​Washington State House Bill 1722 (2025) is a proposal designed to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in public schools. These programs provide students with real-world job skills while still in middle or high school. The CTE includes training in areas such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and other high-demand industries. HB 1722 focuses on preparing students not only for college but also for the workforce. It encourages schools to work closely with local businesses, so students can get hands-on experiences that connect directly to their future careers.

If passed, this bill would bring more support and funding to the CTE programs across the state. It would modernize classrooms and equipment, expand career-connected learning opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeships, and make it easier for students to earn credentials and certifications before they graduate. The goal is to help students explore careers early, build practical skills, and become more prepared to enter the workforce.

For businesses, HB 1722 offers a chance to help shape their future workforces. Companies can partner with local schools to provide job shadowing, internships, or even direct training. This means that businesses could find skilled workers more easily, especially in trade and technical jobs that are currently facing shortages. Employers also benefit from having a voice in what students are learning, so graduates come out of school with the exact skills they need.

Communities across Washington would also feel the impact. When students have access to career training in high school, they are more likely to remain motivated, graduate, and contribute to the local economy. Young people are better prepared to enter local industries, which helps towns and cities grow stronger. 

There are many potential benefits to the bill. This would help students obtain real job experiences before they graduate. It would also allow them to earn certifications that would make them more competitive in the job market. Families could save money, since students might not need expensive college degrees to start a good career. In addition, employers would have a reliable pipeline of skilled workers trained in their communities.

In the end, House Bill 1722 is about giving students more choices and better opportunities. This helps connect classroom learning to real careers and supports the idea that success after high school does not always require a four-year college degree. With careful planning and strong community support, this bill could help prepare the next generation of Washington workers for success in the modern economy.

In 2025, Washington State lawmakers are working to address several aspects of education. From Childcare to K12, post-secondary education. Legislators are working hard to improve this system. 

In 2025, several laws were introduced to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE helps students learn skills for specific jobs such as healthcare, technology, or construction. These new laws aim to better prepare students for the workforce and address challenges they might face when starting their careers.

1. House Bill 1722: This bill aims to find out what rules might be stopping students from joining CTE programs or other job-related pathways. By understanding these barriers, the goal is to make changes that will allow more students to get the training they need for various careers.  

2. House Bill 1273: This proposal plans to continue and expand a program that helps students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously through CTE courses. This means students can get a head start on their college education while still in high school, saving time and money. 

3. House Bill 1414: This bill aims to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-old students who are in or have completed CTE programs to find jobs. It looks at changing certain laws and practices that might make it difficult for these students to obtain work experience or jobs in their chosen fields. 

4. Senate Bill 5358: This bill suggests that sixth grade students should be allowed to take exploratory CTE courses. The idea is to introduce younger students to different career options early on, helping them discover what interests them, and plan their future education paths accordingly. 

These proposed laws can help students by:
• Providing Early Exposure: Starting career education in middle school allows students to explore different fields and make informed decisions about their futures.
• Expanding Opportunities: Focusing on specific industries, like maritime careers, opens up new job possibilities for students. 
• Removing Barriers: Changing rules that limit participation in CTE programs can make it easier for students to get the training they need.

However, high school students often face challenges when entering the workforce, such as:
• Lack of Experience: Many employers prefer workers with experience, which students might not have yet.
• Limited Access to Training: Not all schools offer a wide range of CTE programs, limiting students' options.
• Balancing Responsibilities: Managing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging for students.

By addressing these challenges through supportive laws and programs, Washington State aims to help students successfully transition from school to the workplace.

Congratulations to NextDoor Wellness and Northwest Stem Cell on their combined ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 20. You can visit both facilities at their home at 5908 Bedford St., Ste. A in Pasco.