2023 legislative session kicks off next week

The 2023 legislative session begins on Monday and will be the first in-person legislative session since 2020. The 105-day session will begin with opening ceremonies in the state Senate and House of Representatives. On Tuesday at noon, Gov. Jay Inslee will deliver the 2023 State of the State address. The address will be streamed live on TVW and C-SPAN.

Housing and homelessness is a top priority for the governor and legislators. The number of people experiencing homelessness has grown as the state’s housing deficit worsens and prices go up. The governor has proposed a $4 billion referendum that would accelerate affordable housing construction across the state.

“If we keep nibbling at this issue, we will never take a big enough bite to solve this problem,” said Inslee during a legislative preview event this week. “This investment would meet the speed and scale we need to build more housing.”

The governor and legislators have also discussed the need for a continued focus on behavioral health, climate, public safety and education, and have brought forth proposals to reduce gun violence and protect Washingtonian’s rights to reproductive freedom.

Information about bills, committee hearings and how to contact your legislator is available at leg.wa.gov.

National workforce shortages strain public services

Across the country and across economic sectors, the challenge to recruit and retain workers has been acute. For state agencies, labor market trends have been disruptive. Ferries need tending. Hospitals need staffing. Without enough workers, state services suffer.

For Washington State Ferries, new hires require a year or more of training and certification before they can set foot on deck. Vacant positions can delay sailings and disrupt service.

For the Department of Social and Health Services, state hospitals are competing to hire nurses. Nursing program enrollment is down nationally while demand for skilled nurses is way up. As a growing list of patients waits for care, DSHS is offering raises and incentives to recruit and retain nurses.

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

Two new climate laws take effect in 2023

The Climate Commitment Act took effect Jan. 1, beginning Washington state's journey to slash emissions 95% by 2050. The law stifles pollution while simultaneously funding clean transportation and assistance to overburdened communities. This budget cycle will be the first to benefit from CCA revenues.

The state's Clean Fuel Standard also took effect Jan. 1. The law will curb carbon pollution from transportation, which is the largest source of statewide greenhouse gas emissions.

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Hydrogen Hub proposal for Northwest receives positive review

The U.S. Department of Energy has $8 billion to fund and launch “Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs,” and has received 79 competing proposals. The proposal offered by the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association received a positive review from the federal government; one of only 33 proposals received positive reviews.  A federal network of hydrogen hubs would advance the development of green hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

New library at juvenile facility enjoys busy opening week

In just one week, 60 kids checked out 150 books from the library at Echo Glen Childen’s Center, a juvenile detention center in Snoqualmie. The Department of Children, Youth and Families has joined the Washington State Library in a pilot program to boost access to books for young people serving time. The program intends to introduce a love for reading and a reduction in recidivism.

Working Families Tax Credit applications open in February

Starting February 1, agency accepting applications for Working Families Tax Credit. The state Department of Revenue estimates that 400,000 Washington families may be eligible for a tax credit up to $1,200. The program is perpetual, not one-time, and affords some relief to many low- and middle-income households.