Rooftop solar, EV rebates, hydrogen-powered planes and new anti-pollution rules: events this week highlighted the many ways Washington is building a building a clean, green future. Click Here to Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's…

Governor Jay Inslee released a statement on On April 25th's announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of new rules that will severely limit planet-warming pollution from the nation's power plants. “These new EPA rules are…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced On April 2 he is appointing David Schumacher, the director of Washington's Office of Financial Management, to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Schumacher replaces Jeremy Jaech who resigned his position on…

On April 2 Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Whitney M. Rivera to the Snohomish County Superior Court. She is appointed to replace Judge Anita Farris, who will retire from the bench effective April 30, 2024. In November 2020, Rivera was…

In case you missed it, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and other governors of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in Food and Drug Administration, et al., v. Alliance for…

On February 29, 2024 Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Monica Kaup Cary to the King County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Matthew Segal, who retired from the bench effective Jan. 17, 2024. Since 2022, Cary has served as a…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Mark Larrañaga to the King County Superior Court. He will replace Judge Steve Rosen, who has announced plans to leave the bench later this month. Larrañaga is a career criminal…

Building on landmark climate laws like the emissions-slashing Climate Commitment Act and the requirements of the Clean Energy Transformation Act to get to 100% clean energy by 2045, legislators passed more than half a dozen bills this session that…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will call a special session to begin May 16. The session will focus on passing a new drug possession law. Inslee set the date after conversations with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders. “My office and…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today he does not plan to seek a fourth term. Inslee was most recently re-elected in 2020, making him only the second Washington state governor to serve three consecutive terms. “Serving the people as governor of…

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a multi-pronged attack on reproductive freedom nationwide. But states like Washington are fighting back to protect the right to abortion, gender-affirming care…

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new bills into law, continuing Washington state’s progress to enact meaningful gun safety measures. Washington is now one of 10 states in America with a ban on assault weapons, and one of a few states with…

Gov. Jay Inslee and legislative leaders ended the legislative session after achieving many of the goals Inslee laid out including go-big proposals on housing, increased funding for education, and policies to address behavioral health, public safety,…

Earth Day is a global call for leaders to forge ahead with climate action. Never has that call been louder, with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report projecting catastrophic warming for the planet if significant emissions…

Rolling dune-colored hills; rocky snow-covered mountains; sandy beaches lined with tide-pools and sea stacks; glacier carved azure-blue lakes; trails winding through mossy evergreen forests… Washington has some of the most varied geography on…

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that Washington state has taken unprecedented action to purchase a three-year supply of mifepristone, an abortion medication used safely for more than two decades. Inslee directed the state Department of Corrections,…

Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement in response to operating and capital budget proposals released by the state House of Representatives on Monday. “I’m very encouraged to see the House propose larger investments to avert…

“The Senate’s capital budget proposal would take us backwards on housing. It’s less than what we approved last biennium. In the middle of a housing crisis, less is unacceptable. We need to go big, so people can go home. In the past…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Leonard Feldman to the Washington Court of Appeals, Division One. He will replace Judge Beth Andrus, who is retiring later this month. Since 1992, Feldman has maintained a diverse litigation…

Gov. Jay Inslee hosted British Columbia Premier David Eby on Monday for his first visit to Washington state since becoming premier in November. The two discussed climate and renewable energy; housing and homelessness; high-speed rail; and…

Emergency Management Division Private Sector Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PSPR2) Seminars for Resilience The Public/Private Partnership (P3) Program Managers of Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, in partnership with CISA, and the…

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö pays historic visit to Washington state In the first-ever address by a foreign head of state to the Washington State Legislature, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö paid a grand compliment to the…

Legislation requested by Gov. Jay Inslee would require local governments to plan for climate change. The House passed the bill last Friday. More than 1 million new residents have arrived in Washington state over the last decade. To accommodate this…

His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, visited the Washington State Capitol on Monday, March 6, 2023. His address to the Legislature was the first by a foreign head of state in Washington state history. The…

WA needs more than a million homes Washington state needs to build another 1.1 million homes over the next 20 years to support housing needs projections recently issued by the state Department of Commerce. More than half of the new units must be…

America’s ongoing epidemic of gun violence has in recent years spurred “a sea-change in Washington’s gun laws,” as The Seattle Times wrote in a 2022 editorial. Washington’s voters led the way by passing I-1639 in 2018,…

On March 2nd, the Senate approved legislation requested by Governor Jay Inslee that would spur urgent reforms to the state’s competency restoration system. The issue has attracted attention because surging demand over the past several years…

Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Kendrick Stewart interim director of the Washington State Department of Commerce effective March 4, when Lisa Brown steps down from the post she held the last four years. Stewart currently serves as deputy director…

One year has passed since Russia began its campaign to invade Ukraine, and the conflict remains ongoing. Refugees and Ukranian-Americans still anguish for their nation, and Ukranians fighting for liberty still rely on support from world…

Washington stands with Ukraine on anniversary of Russian invasion One year has passed since Russia began its campaign to invade Ukraine, and the conflict remains ongoing. Refugees and Ukranian-Americans still anguish for their nation, and Ukranians…

Governor Jay Inslee on Feb 22nd, named Marcus Glasper to serve as director of Washington state’s Department of Licensing (DOL). He replaces Teresa Bernsten, who retired earlier this month. Aléjandro Sanchez, DOL’s deputy director…

In case you missed it: On Feb 21st, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Delaware Governor John Carney, Hawai’i Governor Josh Green, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maine Governor…

Youth center and shelters in Longview offer fresh starts for locals Frank Morrison directs the ASCENT Youth Center and the Community House on Broadway in Longview. The former is a youth recreation and support center, and the latter is a supportive…

Earthquakes are possible in Washington state – be prepared Tens of thousands of people have died after devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye. Washington state faces a similar threat – the state sits atop fault lines and has…

Dept. of Revenue WFTC Applications are Now Open! Find out if you qualify for the Working Families Tax Credit using the quick Eligibility Assistant. Individuals and families can apply here. Application options: Online using MyDOR, a secure…

New Working Families Tax Credit returns up to $1,200 for eligible families The new Washington’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) will provide up to a $1,200 cash refund. Approximately 400,000 households qualify statewide. The tax credit…

The Department of Revenue officially launched the Working Families Tax Credit at a press event in Seattle on Feb. 1. Washington’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) officially launched on Feb 1st. For qualified families, this credit will…

On Jan 30th, Governor Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Jared A. Boswell to the Yakima County Superior Court. He will replace Judge David Elofson, who is retiring this week. Since 2006, Boswell has worked in the Yakima County Prosecuting…

Legislators hold hearings on slate of reproductive freedom bills In the six months since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, 24 states have banned or severely restricted abortion care. On…

On Jan 25th, Governor Jay Inslee announced the appointment of David Puente, Jr. as the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, effective February 1, 2023. WDVA serves Washington state’s veterans and their families by…

Lawmakers honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an occasion proclaimed by Gov. Jay Inslee to be a “day on” in service rather than an idle holiday. The state Senate has not been idle of late, passing…

In the past decade, Inslee has strived to make Washington’s courts look more like the communities they serve “In order to cultivate a set of leaders with legitimacy in the eyes of the citizenry, it is necessary that the path to…

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023 Each year on the third Monday in January, we honor the life, mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He visited Washington State for the first time in November of 1961. Experience the story of his…

As the new legislative session begins, Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his 2023 State of the State speech on Jan 10th, at a joint session of the House and Senate. This is the first in-person session since 2020, and is among the most diverse legislatures…

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…

In a tight labor market, workers are tougher to find, tougher to keep, and they command a higher salary. State agencies are investing in recruitment and retention, at a cost. Across the country and across economic sectors, the challenge to recruit…

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…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Brandon Mack to the Jefferson County Superior Court. He will replace Judge Keith Harper, who plans to retire at the end of January 2023. Mack currently serves as a full-time family law court…

Inslee, attorney general propose bills to treat gun violence ‘epidemic’ More than 117,000 Americans are shot each year, including 6,000 children and youth. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for kids. Hundreds of police…

Inslee releases 2023 budget proposal with major focus on housing, homelessness and behavioral health Gov. Jay Inslee released his 2023–25 budget proposals Wednesday including urgent and audacious investments in housing, homelessness, and…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Coreen Wilson to the King County Superior Court. She replaces Judge Douglass North, who recently retired. Wilson is a civil trial lawyer with more than 20 years of courtroom experience. She is…

Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation today related to a series of severe autumn storms that occurred between Nov. 3 and Nov. 8 in Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Lewis, Okanogan, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish,…

Gov. Jay Inslee released his 2023–25 budget proposals today, urging legislators to continue prioritizing investments in housing, homelessness, and behavioral health with urgency and audacity. His budgets also outline updated plans for climate,…

State investments bring people inside from the Spokane cold Gov. Jay Inslee visited Spokane on Monday to tour The Catalyst, a new housing facility that opened this week and will house more than 100 residents of the encampment known as Camp Hope.…

Governor Jay Inslee visited the site of the University of Washington's new behavioral health training facility, which will offer 150 psychiatric beds and train generations of behavioral health care professionals. Inslee proposed the hospital in 2018…

Dept. of Labor & Industries TNC Drivers to Receive New Rights Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076 provides drivers for companies such as Lyft and Uber to have the right to minimum pay, paid sick time, worker's compensation and other…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of TaTeasha Davis to the Pierce County Superior Court. She will replace Judge James R. Orlando, who is retiring December 31. Since 2020, Davis has been a member of the Indeterminate Sentence Review…

New “988 Lifeline – There Is Hope!” license plate emblem can save lives Washingtonians are invited to purchase a new license plate design to support suicide prevention. The new “988 Lifeline – There Is Hope!”…

Below is the monthly recap of board and commission appointments made by Gov. Jay Inslee during the month of November 2022. Boards and Commissions are designed to give Washingtonians a voice in their government and allow residents to influence…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Wyman Yip to the King County Superior Court. He replaces Judge Mafé Rajul, who left the court last month. Yip has worked for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office since 1998.…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Anne Egeler to the Thurston County Superior Court. She will replace Judge James Dixon, who is retiring on December 30, 2022. Egeler is currently a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Pierce…

Happy Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day Happy Thanksgiving The Inslee family and the staff of the Washington State Office of the Governor wish you and your families a peaceful, pleasant, and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Friday is…

Inslee appoints Meng Li Che to the Washington Court of Appeals, Division Two Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Meng Li Che to the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division Two. She will replace Judge Lisa Worswick, who is…

COP27: State and local governments can go further, faster to counteract climate change Earlier this week in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Gov. Jay Inslee attended the 27th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27). Other U.S. governors who…

Department of Health COVID-19 Recent News & Numbers In coordination with the end of the governor’s COVID emergency declaration on Oct. 31, the Dept. of Health COVID-19 dashboard schedule for data updates will change from Monday,…

Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day Next Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day in Washington state. Voters may register or update their information in-person, and vote in-person, until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by…

Gov. Jay Inslee will attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt between Nov. 13 and Nov. 16. The conference is happening at a particularly critical point in time. Scientists say the planet has reached…

Youth mental health is in a state – 45% of high school seniors reported feeling sad or hopeless in the past year, according to the statewide Healthy Youth Survey. If nearly half of youths grapple with feelings of depression, every youth is due…

Inslee and legislators roll out more reproductive freedom bills for 2023 legislative session Governor Jay Inslee, state lawmakers, faith leaders, and reproductive care providers convened Friday in Federal Way at Wayside United Church of Christ to…

When he signed the updated state budget in March, Gov. Jay Inslee lauded legislators for making significant new investments in housing and homelessness, particularly the funding for additional services and new models of rapid housing aimed at…

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee and lawmakers announced several policy proposals that will be part of a 2023 legislative package to strengthen access and protection for patients seeking abortion and other reproductive health services. They were joined by…

The COVID-19 pandemic remains, but it’s no longer an emergency thanks to vaccinations, medical treatments, and the innumerable efforts of countless Washingtonians since the state had the nation’s first documented case in January 2020. As…

As other states enact abortion bans, Washington leaders prepare to enact new protections Gov. Jay Inslee and several state legislators met in Bellingham on Friday to begin rolling out the initial policies of a choice-defending agenda for the 2023…

The U.S. Department of State, the State of Washington, and the City of Seattle are pleased to announce Seattle, Washington as the site of the third Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ and Ministerial Meetings, including…

Gov. Jay Inslee & First Spouse Trudi Inslee invite trick-or-treaters to join them at the Executive Residence for an Addams Family Halloween (*snap, snap*). On Monday, Oct. 31, the Inslee's will hand out Washington treats to trick-or-treaters at…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Taki Flevaris to the King County Superior Court. He replaces Judge Mike Diaz, who was recently appointed to the Washington State Court of Appeals. Since 2013, Flevaris has worked as a litigator and…

As increasing numbers of states begin to enact abortion bans and federal lawmakers vow to pursue a national ban, Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic lawmakers met today in Bellingham to begin rolling out their choice-defending agenda for the 2023…

World’s largest melter of radioactive waste now heating up at Hanford The world’s largest melter of radioactive waste is now heating up near Richland after more than 20 years of construction. The melter will be used to glassify…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Linden Rhoads and the re-appointment of Blaine Tamaki to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Rhoads's term will start Oct. 24, 2022 and end Sept. 30, 2028. Tamaki's new term will end…

COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 Case Numbers as of 11:59 pm on October 4th Confirmed Cases: 1,820,468 COVID-19 Deaths:14,284 For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more statistics, visit the Dept. of Health COVID-19…

Gov. Jay Inslee recognized 23 state agency leaders today with an annual celebration for outstanding leadership, inclusive excellence and achievement during the 2021 calendar year. The Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award program was…

President Biden announces pardons for simple marijuana possession President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would pardon all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana. The measure aligns with policies and actions already…

Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution The Washington State Department of Ecology has finalized regulations for the state’s first cap-and-invest program, which will drastically reduce greenhouse gas…

Below is the monthly recap of board and commission appointments made by Gov. Jay Inslee during the month of September 2022. Boards and Commissions are designed to give Washingtonians a voice in their government and allow residents to influence…

Gov. Jay Inslee today declared an emergency in Lewis County due to damage that occurred on September 22, 2022 to the State Route 506/108 bridge over I-5. The damage was caused when an over-height load struck the SR 506 overpass, requiring…

“What goes around, comes around,” as the idiom goes. What one puts into the world is often returned in kind. It’s true of good humor, and it’s true of malice. It’s also true of waste — the effects of consumption…

Gov. Jay Inslee today declared an emergency in Clark County due to damage that occurred on July 7, 2022 to the Lieser Road overpass. The damage was caused when a vehicle with an over-height load struck the overpass where it crosses State Route 14.…

Transportation is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions in Washington state, and the biggest opportunity to make a difference. The threat of climate change is clear, and Washington state is leading by example to respond. Washington state…

Inslee wraps Nordic trade mission with focus on electric ferries Gov. Jay Inslee and a delegation of Washington state officials have concluded a ten-day trade mission to the Nordic countries. This week, the delegation visited Sweden and Norway to…

“We can dominate the next big global industry,” say West Coast leaders about clean technology Gov. Jay Inslee, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and British Columbia Premier John Horgan participated in a keynote…

Inslee announces end of COVID-19 state of emergency by Oct. 31 Governor Jay Inslee announced Thursday that all remaining COVID-19 emergency proclamations and the COVID-19 state of emergency will end by Oct. 31. Though the state’s…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the appointment of Michael Paquette as director of the Board of Accountancy (ACB). Paquette will replace acting director Jennifer Sciba. The ACB is a consumer protection agency that qualifies and continues to…

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the upcoming rescission of all remaining COVID-19 emergency proclamations and state of emergency by Oct. 31. Nearly three-quarters of the governor’s 85 COVID-19 emergency orders have already been lifted, and…

Washington state representatives from business, education, and government, including Gov. Jay Inslee, will participate in a trade mission to the Nordic countries of Finland, Sweden and Norway from Sept. 13 to Sept. 23. Washington state has deep…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Marla Polin to the Spokane County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Harold Clarke, who is retiring September 30. Since 2008, Polin has operated her own private Spokane-area practice, Polin…

Kids ride free! Public transit agencies drop youth fares thanks to Move Ahead Washington transportation package Public transit is now free for riders ages 18 and under in many places statewide thanks to the Move Ahead Washington transportation…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the appointment of Erin Okuno as director of the Office of Education Ombuds (OEO). Okuno will replace acting director Yordanos Gebreamlak. The OEO is crucial to reducing the opportunity gap by supporting families,…

Below is the monthly recap of board and commission appointments made by Gov. Jay Inslee during the month of August 2022. Boards and Commissions are designed to give Washingtonians a voice in their government and allow residents to influence…

Hazy air, contaminated water, and hazardous waste hurt families and turn communities into unlivable spaces. They’re not hard to find: America is dotted with communities burdened by the runoff of our unsustainable, climate-changing approach…

Half a million Washingtonians may benefit from the federal government's student loan debt plan On Tuesday, President Biden announced details for the Student Debt Relief Plan, forgiving up to $20,000 in debt for Pell Grant recipients with loans…

“The state and federal governments should implement a plan to replace the benefits of the Lower Snake River Dams to enable breaching to move forward,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee released…

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Serve Washington, the state’s commission on national and community service, has been awarded $21.3 million in federal AmeriCorps funding that will help place 1,490 AmeriCorps members statewide. AmeriCorps…

Inflation Reduction Act is a win for Washingtonians The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs, create more jobs, increase manufacturing, lower prescription and healthcare costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With…

Inslee Names Lekha Fernandes Director of the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the appointment of Lekha Fernandes, director of the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises…

Inslee issues directive for monkeypox virus (MPV) plan of action Gov. Jay Inslee today issued Directive 22-18 to expand upon the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) ongoing efforts to prevent and control the spread of the…

State continues advancing justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and people Attorney General Bob Ferguson held a press conference on Monday, Aug 8th, to review the progress of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task…

Inslee statement on Inflation Reduction Act's historic climate investments Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes historic progress in the fight against climate…

Inslee issues updated directive regarding COVID-19 vaccination standards for state employees Gov. Jay Inslee has issued an updated directive regarding policies that require state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The updated directive…

Historic Pact Act will expand benefits for thousands of veterans in Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs are applauding the U.S. Senate’s passage of the historic PACT Act. Once…

Washington state wins federal Good Jobs Challenge grant to support career connected training for thousands of students The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration today announced that Washington has won a $23.5…

Boards and Commissions appointments by Governor Jay Inslee - July 2022 Below is the monthly recap of board and commission appointments made by Gov. Jay Inslee during the month of July 2022. Boards and Commissions are designed to give…

988 lifeline already helping Washingtonians – Inslee and state leaders celebrate launch Gov. Jay Inslee, Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, U.S. Health and Human Services regional director Ingrid Ulrey, and other leaders celebrated the…

Today Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Sonia Rodriguez True to the Yakima County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Gayle Harthcock, who plans to retire September 1. Rodriguez True has served as a Yakima County Superior Court…

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Joe Campagna and Jaime Hawk to the King County Superior Court. Campagna will replace Judge Julia Garratt. Hawk will replace Judge Regina Cahan. Judge Garratt and Judge Cahan both retired on June 30,…

Gov. Jay Inslee tonight issued the following statement regarding news that Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C. have reached agreement on an Inflation Reduction Act that includes major climate and clean energy provisions. "The nation, and the…

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the appointment of Milt Doumit to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission through January 2023. He will succeed Jay Balasbas who departed the commission earlier this year. Doumit is…

Inslee, law enforcement leaders propose expansion of police training to regional campuses State and local law enforcement leaders joined Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday to announce united support for the proposed expansion of the Criminal Justice…

State and local law enforcement leaders joined Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday to announce a proposed expansion of the Criminal Justice Training Committee (CJTC). Regional campuses would help agencies respond to a national officer shortage and would…

State and local law enforcement leaders joined Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday to announce a proposed expansion of the Criminal Justice Training Committee (CJTC). Regional campuses would help agencies respond to a national officer shortage and would…

Inslee discusses nursing labor shortage, workforce development efforts with nurses in Bellingham The importance of nurses has never been more obvious given their heroic work on the front lines of the pandemic. The field has long faced a labor…

COVID-19 Update Newest numbers as of 11:59 pm on July 5, 2022 -- Confirmed Cases: 1,677,766 -- COVID-19 Deaths: 13,193 For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's…

Seattle naturalization ceremony welcomes new citizens on Independence Day Nearly 300 immigrants from 74 countries became citizens of the United States of America on Independence Day during a ceremony in Seattle. Now a 30-year tradition, the…

Washington is a sanctuary state for abortion: Inslee and state legislators respond to Supreme Court decision Gov. Jay Inslee held a press conference on Saturday, June 25 to declare Washington a sanctuary state for those seeking abortion care.…

Governoe Jay Inslee on June 27th, issued Proclamation 22-03, declaring an emergency in King County following severe damage to the Lind Avenue overpass that resulted when a vehicle with an over-height load struck the overpass where it crosses…

California, Oregon and Washington will continue to be a safe haven for all people seeking abortions and other reproductive health care services in these states. UPDATE: The day after the West Coast states announcement, Gov. Jay Inslee held a…

West Coast states unite to “fight like hell” to protect access to abortion On Friday morning, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health…

It’s now official! Sunday marks state’s first Juneteenth holiday This Sunday, June 19, will be the first Juneteenth to be celebrated as an official Washington state holiday. HB 1016, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Morgan, was approved by…

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on June 19th, completed its review of the federal process and has unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old.…

Inslee visits Snohomish County to tour behavioral health facility and energy-efficient affordable housing On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee spent the day meeting with organizations that are providing behavioral health and housing services in Everett…

COVID-19 Update Case Numbers as of 11:59 pm on May 31, 2022: Confirmed Cases: 1,583,206 COVID-19 Deaths: 12,876 For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's COVID-19…

Inslee visits Hanford to highlight need for adequate federal cleanup funding On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee joined Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson and Ecology Nuclear Waste Program Manager David Bowen for a tour of…

Your turn, Congress: Washington state leads on firearm safety policies Tuesday's violent tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, once again highlights the overwhelming need for policies to reduce gun violence. As the Associated…

Former judge appointed to lead first-in-the-nation Office of Independent Investigations At a news conference earlier this week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Roger Rogoff to lead the newly created state Office of Independent…

Governor Jay Inslee issued an update on May 20th, to Proclamation 21-14.5 which outlines COVID-19 vaccination requirements for several categories of workers, volunteers and contractors engaged in work with public sector agencies, health care…

Governor Jay Inslee has cancelled the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board’s order that granted parole to Timothy Pauley. Pauley has been incarcerated by the Department of Corrections since his 1981 conviction for three counts of first degree…

Federal report highlights historical injustices of Native boarding schools On Wednesday, a national investigative report was released by the U.S. Department of the Interior identifying more than 400 federally-run schools for Native American…

Dept. of Health COVID-19 case numbers as of 11:59 pm on May 3rd: - Confirmed Cases: 1,508,065 - COVID-19 Deaths: 12,679 For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's…

"We are going to fight like hell” – State leaders vow to protect access to abortion This week a draft decision of the Supreme Court of the United States indicated its intent to overturn the country’s decades-old…

COVID-19, construction fatalities among largest groups of fallen workers in WA Every year the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries hosts a memorial ceremony for workers who lost their lives on the job. L&I records show…