Happy New Year, Washington!

Governor Jay Inslee and the staff of the Office of the Governor wish you and your loved ones a delightful 2023.

2022: The year in review

This 2022 Year in Review story reflects on the year’s achievements to address homelessness, combat climate change, protect reproductive freedom, promote equity in state services, reduce gun violence, overcome the pandemic, and celebrate one very special state employee’s retirement.

Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee’s Medium

News you might have missed:

Proposed state constitutional amendment would enshrine right of choice

Democratic lawmakers have proposed a bill to affirm the right of reproductive freedom for Washingtonians by way of constitutional amendment. The amendment would establish broad protections for choice regarding abortion and contraception. The bill was proposed at the request of Gov. Jay Inslee and sponsored by Sen. Patty Kuderer and Sen. Karen Keiser. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the state Legislature, then a ballot measure, to pass.

New Washington state labor laws take effect in January

Workers statewide will benefit from new labor laws that take effect to begin the new year. The state minimum wage will increase to $15.74 per hour. Additionally the overtime exempt salary threshold will increase, agricultural workers can begin earning overtime after 40 hours in a workweek, rideshare drivers will enjoy new protections, and job postings must detail salary and benefits. More information is available from the state Department of Labor and Industries.

State urgently seeks public input on broadband map

The state Department of Commerce urges residents and businesses to participate in a broadband survey - as much as $900 million in federal funding could be at stake. By participating, residents will help ensure that federal funding is applied to connect unserved communities. The survey takes only one minute to complete.

New state grant awards will expand behavioral health access and supportive housing

The state Department of Commerce recently announced grant awards for projects around the state that will create 1,265 units of affordable housing, including units specifically for people with developmental disabilities, and expand community-based behavioral health care capacity. The latter award supports five crisis stabilization projects across Benton, King, Skagit, and Whatcom counties under the governor’s five-year plan to transform the state’s mental health system.

Opioid settlement funds begin to reach Washington communities

Opioid distributors have begun to compensate Washington state under a half-billion dollar settlement agreement  announced in May. The funds will support state and local programs to combat the opioid epidemic and improve access to counseling and supportive services. The governor’s proposed biennial budget includes $61.5 million in investments in prevention and education and treatment programs, including $12.4 million specifically allocated for tribal communities.