Washington Senate

Washington Legislature Heads Into Fraught Home Stretch

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:41:12 +0000

For the second time this week, minority Democrats in the Washington Senate have tried to force a vote on a controversial insurance measure that deals with abortion coverage. The parliamentary move Wednesday highlights partisan tensions as the deadline for adjournment approaches.

Democrat Karen Keiser led the effort to revive the so-called Reproductive Parity Act. On the floor of the Senate, she said the bill has enough votes to pass.

Controversial Injured Workers Measures Pass Washington Senate

Alexandra Kocik — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 02:22:31 +0000

The new Republican-dominated majority in the Washington state Senate has approved a series of controversial measures that deal with injured workers. The votes Monday were a key test of the Majority Coalition’s one vote advantage. The most controversial of the proposed laws would lower the age when permanently injured workers are eligible to choose a lump sum insurance payout.

Washington Senate Democrats: GOP Pushing 'Cookie-Cutter' Education Reforms

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:57:02 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Democrats in the Washington Senate are on the attack over a series of Republican-backed education reform measures. At a news conference Friday, the Democrats accused Republicans of getting boilerplate legislation from a corporate-backed education foundation run by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

Democrat Andy Billig serves on the Senate K-12 committee.

Fight Brewing Over College Bound Scholarship

Alexandra Kocik — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:31:08 +0000

First it was Washington’s guaranteed tuition program. Now the new majority leader of the state Senate has another college access program in his budget-cutting sights: College Bound.

Democrats In Washington Senate Slam Majority For Leak Investigation

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:07:00 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The partisan fallout continues in the Washington state Senate over its response to how a controversial Republican senator treats staff.

Democrats React Angrily To Power Grab In Wash. Senate

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:08:33 +0000

Some Washington Democrats are reacting angrily to a power grab in the state Senate. A coalition of Republicans and two breakaway Democrats announced Monday they will seize the majority, but share power.

New Wash. Senate Majority Will Not Promise $1B More For Schools

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:03:31 +0000

A big shake-up in the control of the Washington state Senate could have major implications for how lawmakers address funding for schools next year. A coalition of Republicans and two breakaway Democrats announced Monday it has just enough votes to depose the current Democratic majority.

Republican Take-Over Of Wash. Senate Results In $1.75M Workplace Claim

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:11:10 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A Republican takeover of the Washington state senate last month could prove costly. A longtime lawyer for the Senate Republican caucus is now demanding $1.75 million in damages. He says to muster enough votes to control the senate, Republicans lifted sanctions against a senator who created a hostile work environment.