On April 16, Governor Bob Ferguson signed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), marking significant steps forward for community safety and health care access in Washington state. House Bill 1114 makes Washington the first state in the nation to adopt the newly established Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, enabling licensed respiratory care practitioners […]
Pierce County
Nobles’ maternal health bills advance as Black Maternal Health Week concludes
As Black Maternal Health Week concludes, two maternal health bills sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) have passed the Legislature, advancing efforts to expand access to critical care and strengthen protections for pregnant and postpartum individuals in Washington state. Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11 to April 17, was founded by the […]
Marijuana and Your Oral Health: A Joint Problem
Submitted by Dr. Jeff Reynolds. Washington state has long been a trailblazer when it comes to cannabis. The Evergreen State was the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2012 and medical use has been legal since 1998. While state residents have been riding that high, they also could be doing long-term damage to […]
Washington state unemployment rate holds steady in March at 4.4%
Washington’s economy decreased by an estimated 5,200 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in March 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate remained at 4.4%. “The unemployment rate stayed steady, and the labor force also maintained relative stability in March. Slowing job growth took a slight turn this month,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security […]
Governor, Legislature, and Representative Mari Leavitt Honor Curtis High School Volleyball and Water Polo Teams at the Capitol
On April 16, Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) welcomed the Curtis High School girls’ volleyball and boys’ water polo teams to the state Capitol to celebrate their outstanding seasons and recognize their dedication, teamwork, and success. Both teams were honored by the Legislature during floor action, following the adoption of resolutions celebrating their matching 2024 state titles. […]
New Community Needs Grant program aims to improve health, safety and access to opportunity
Yesterday, the Pierce County Council passed legislation to create the Community Needs Grant program to provide up to $5 million every two years for grants that support projects and services that improve the quality of life of Pierce County residents. The ordinance was proposed by Executive Ryan Mello, as part of his Forward Together […]
Board, Dignitaries Celebrate Pierce Transit’s 45th Anniversary
On April 14, Pierce Transit hosted former Board members, community partners, elected officials and dignitaries to celebrate the transit agency’s 45th anniversary. Event attendees shared stories with current Board members, recapped the many ways the agency has served the people of Pierce County over the years and were present for the reading of a Board resolution […]
The Pierce Transit April 17 Meeting Agenda
The Pierce Transit Service Delivery & Capital Committee’s next Regular Meeting will take place on April 17 (3 pm). Access the agenda and ways to attend here.
Essential healthcare industry transparency bill passes Senate
A priority bill for Healthcare & Wellness Committee Chair Rep. Dan Bronoske (D-Lakewood) heads to the Governor’s desk as HB 1686 passed the Senate today. HB 1686 lays the groundwork for the creation of the Washington Healthcare Entity Registry, a comprehensive database tracking vertical and horizontal integration and ownership changes in the healthcare industry. “From […]