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On March 3, the state House passed a bill from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) to extend a tax credit for businesses working with students in employment training programs. The legislation, HB 1033, passed in a 97-0 vote with strong bipartisan support. The bill would extend the Washington Customized Employment Training Program B&O tax credit … READ MORE

The state House voted 96-2 Thursday to pass a strong bipartisan bill from Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) to create pathways from prison to postsecondary education for people who are incarcerated. By expanding access from prison to postsecondary and apprenticeship education, HB 1044 would invest in a workforce that wants to contribute to their communities, … READ MORE

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.

Washington political handicappers are being tested in suburban West Pierce County, home to one of 2020’s tightest legislative races. Sen. Steve O’Ban, R-Tacoma, has met his match in T’wina Nobles, a Fircrest Democrat, to retain the 28th District Senate seat he’s held since 2013 and Republicans have locked down for decades.  Nobles edged O’Ban by … READ MORE

By Laurel Demkovich laureld@spokesman.com(509) 416-6260 When the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to stay at home in March, former state Rep. Kristine Reeves knew her campaign would change in ways many other candidates’ wouldn’t. Reeves, who has two young children, now had to balance campaigning for a seat in Congress and figuring out how to home school her … READ MORE