On Feb. 25, the state House passed a bill from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) to provide food and cash assistance to low-income families and update the standards of need for cash assistance programs, which were last updated three decades ago.
The bill, HB 1151, passed in an 82-16 vote with strong bipartisan support.
Sam’s Law will expand the definition of hazing and create requirements for colleges to provide hazing education and training to students and employees. It also will require colleges to publicly report findings of misconduct by student groups.
Jolayne Houtz has been working to honor her son, Sam Martinez, since his death on Nov. 12, 2019. Martinez died of alcohol poisoning after an event at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, during which Martinez’s family says he was hazed. Wednesday was a big day for Houtz. “Oh, I have a lot of emotions today. … READ MORE
Bill drafted in response to the death of a WSU student moves to Gov. Inslee for final approval
LAKEWOOD, WA — The City of Lakewood has secured $3.7 million in capital funding from the state Legislature, which it says will go to support several quality of life improvements. The bulk of the money, $3.2 million, will go to improve American Lake Park, Wards Lake Park, and Fort Steilacoom Park, the city said. Proposed … READ MORE
A tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs was extended yesterday after Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1033 into law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), extends the Washington Customized Employment Training Program Business and Occupation tax credit to July 1, 2026. The program is used by businesses … READ MORE
