Latest news with #MyNorthwest
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Breakdown of Washington bills signed on Friday
From increasing tracking of people convicted of sex crimes to improving maintenance of the State's ferries, Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson signed 14 bills into law on Friday. Lawmakers behind House Bill 1457 say it will help bolster public safety and how the state handles incarcerated sexually violent predators. 'This is one of the reforms that the bipartisan group came up with that makes sure that monitors to the fullest extent,' said Rep. Dan Griffey, a Republican representing Allyn, Washington. Washington was the first state to initiate a civil commitment process for sexually violent predators after they served their prison sentences. Prosecutors can petition for offenders to be committed to McNeil Island for mental health treatment, where they will undergo yearly screening to see if they still meet the definition of a 'Sexually Violent Predator.' Offenders whose condition is considered changed will be released, either unconditionally or to 'less-restrictive alternative' facilities. As MyNorthwest reports, when offenders are moved to LRA facilities, many communities push back. 1457 requires offenders released to those facilities to wear advanced electronic monitoring that will provide real-time location data, notify when a person leaves an area they are required to be in, and notify victims if the offender comes within several miles of them or if the offender has tampered with the monitor. It's a balance between keeping tabs on people who have committed heinous crimes and ensuring Washington's process holds up to due process challenges. 'What we're trying to do is maximize public safety. And not get ourselves into any kind of position where this very-needed program that we have in Washington state isn't ruled unconstitutional,' Griffey said. HB 1075 aimed to address the creation of affordable housing by allowing public-housing authorities to finance developments from private entities. Ferguson said in signing the bill, housing affordability is the topic he hears from people the most. HB 1054 allows counties to bid for contracts for ferry maintenance and repairs. The bidding process allows flexibility, Rep. Mari Levitt says, meaning lower costs when securing drydock space needed to work on the vehicles. 'County ferries are essential lifelines for communities like Anderson Island and beyond,' said Rep. Leavitt in a statement. 'This bill ensures counties can be proactive about keeping those ferries in service—so families can get to work, kids can get to school, and people can access medical care without disruption.' Here are the other bills the Governor signed on Friday: House Bill No. 1191 Relating to removing vehicle titles from manufactured homes. Primary Sponsor: Rep. April Connors House Bill No. 1003 Relating to service of notice by mail in cases involving forcible entry and forcible and unlawful detainer. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Peter Abbarno House Bill No. 1007 Relating to requisites of notice in small claims actions. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Sam Low House Bill No. 1112 Relating to removing the city residency requirement for judges pro tempore in municipalities with a population of more than 400,000 inhabitants. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Darya Farivar House Bill No. 1157 Relating to authorizing access to certifications of birth and death to additional family members. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Mike Steele House Bill No. 1172 Relating to authorizing fire protection districts to dissolve existing civil service systems with approval from the civil service employees. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Schmidt House Bill No. 1304 Relating to the effective date of the filing of a notice of intention with a boundary review board. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Brandy Donaghy House Bill No. 1361 Relating to updating process service requirements in Washington state for business entities and motorists. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Natasha Hill House Bill No. 1553 Relating to extending the dairy inspection program until June 30, 2031. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Adison Richards House Bill No. 1556 Relating to tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Debra Entenman House Bill No. 1947 Relating to reducing satellite management agency requirements for simple group B public water systems. Primary Sponsor: Andrew Engell The laws will go into effect 90 days from April 11.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
King County Executive Dow Constantine tapped as Sound Transit CEO with up to $650K salary
This story was originally published on Sound Transit is officially nominating a new CEO, and it's a familiar name to King County residents: Executive Dow Constantine. The Sound Transit Board of Directors made the announcement Monday after having previously named Constantine as a finalist. The board said they picked him out of 60 applicants. 'Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level,' Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers, Pierce County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan N. Mello, and King County Council member and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci wrote in a joint statement. Appointment process plagued by claims of conflict-of-interest The appointment was not without controversy. The process to pick the next Sound Transit CEO has been criticized as secretive and some have called out a conflict of interest with board members appointed by Constantine being the ones to hire him to a six-figure salary. The Seattle Times reported the transit CEO could make up to $675,000 annually. The board is set to vote this Thursday to appoint Constantine as head of the agency. The 63-year-old already sits on the Sound Transit Board—he'll recuse himself from this week's vote. Constantine is expected to step down from serving as county executive, a position he's held since 2009. Sound Transit faces series of issues The announcement comes as the agency has faced a series of technical issues and closures. In January, MyNorthwest reported months-long service disruptions. MyNorthwest also reported on several violent incidents that occurred onboard trains and on platforms last year. 'We know this is a crucial time for the agency, and there are difficult and complex discussions on the near horizon, along with reforms that will require knowledge and commitment to continue forward,' the statement from officials continued. 'These include operational and maintenance challenges that need to be addressed immediately by an incoming CEO, increased accountability measures, as well as rising financial pressure from inflation and economic uncertainties. As board leaders, our priority remains delivering on the voter-approved ST3 package, while operating a safe and dependable system,' the statement continued.'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spokane County faces possible service cuts, hiring freezes because of anticipated budget shortfall
This story was originally published on Spokane County is bracing for a $20 million deficit heading into 2026, as reported by The Center Square. According to Jeff McMorris, senior director of the county's Finance and Administration Division, projections indicate general fund revenues will drop to $262 million next year, $2 million less than the 2025 budget. McMorris suggested a hiring freeze and cutting non-essential services as potential solutions. He also proposed eliminating 106 vacant positions to save $10 million. However, labor contracts and agreements are limiting the county's ability to cut costs. 'We're heading into a big contrast,' McMorris told The Center Square. 'The extra money outlook is going in the opposite direction, and that's going to impact this year's budget. Things are not super great.' He attributed the shortfall to the end of federal COVID-19 relief aid and broader challenges. More from MyNorthwest: $4B in cuts and furlough days? A look at Ferguson's proposed bipartisan budget 'Our forecast is showing a $20 million deficit in 2026,' Tessa Sheldon, budget and financial operations manager, said Sheldon explained the shortfall affects the entire county budget, which heavily relies on federal and state funding. Decreased consumer spending and tax revenue are also results of corporate cutting. Bischoff had budgeted a 1% sales growth for 2025, but McMorris set 2026 at 0%, with gradual increases in subsequent years. Spending is expected to reach $282 million in 2026 and surpass $350 million by 2030, with revenues projected at $281.9 million. From 2000 to 2023, Spokane County averaged a 4% annual growth in sales tax revenue. Sales tax is 30% of the county's general fund revenues, followed by services at 26% and property taxes at 24%. Salaries and benefits are 69% of the general fund budget. Bischoff wants departments to propose their own reductions after initially offering his suggestions. McMorris plans to conduct monthly reviews to monitor costs. 'We're not in the hole,' he said. 'We have a fund balance. It's just if we don't start doing something now, give it a year, and we'll be in a tough situation.' Relate from MyNorthwest: WA Republicans accuse Democrats of inflating budget deficit to justify more taxes Follow Bill Kaczaraba on X. Send news tips here.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Washington highways among the worst in the nation, per report
This story was originally published on Washington state's highway system is among the worst in the United States, according to the Reason Foundation's 28th Annual Highway Report. The state ranked 47th overall in highway performance and cost-effectiveness, a slight drop from its 46th-place ranking in the previous year's evaluation. The annual report, which assesses the condition, safety, and cost-effectiveness of state-controlled highways in all 50 states, uses data primarily reported by each state to the Federal Highway Administration for 2022. It examines 13 categories, including pavement and bridge conditions, traffic fatalities, and spending. 'In terms of improving in the road condition and performance categories, Washington should focus on reducing capital-bridge disbursements, maintenance disbursements, and other disbursements. The state ranks 50th in all three categories,' said Baruch Feigenbaum, lead author of the 28th Annual Highway Report and senior managing director of transportation policy at Reason Foundation. 'The state performs better in the safety-focused categories but could still do to lower its other fatality rate, in which it ranks in the bottom 20.' The only states that performed worse than Washington were Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Related from MyNorthwest: WA drivers flooded with fake toll texts – here's how to protect yourself from the scam Why did Washington rank so poorly on highways? Washington's rankings varied across different categories. A significant area of concern is traffic congestion. Washington ranked 31st in the nation, with drivers spending an average of 28 hours per year stuck in traffic from Seattle to Spokane and Vancouver to Bellingham. The state performed relatively better in safety and condition categories, ranking 27th in urban Interstate pavement condition and 31st in structurally deficient bridges. However, it struggled in other areas, ranking 44th in rural Interstate pavement condition, 43rd in urban arterial pavement condition, and 25th in rural arterial pavement condition. Related from MyNorthwest: Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition Money not-so-well-spent The report highlighted significant deficiencies in spending and cost-effectiveness, too. Washington ranked 50th in capital and bridge disbursements, which cover the costs of building new roads and bridges and widening existing ones. It also ranked 50th in maintenance spending, including expenses for repaving roads and filling potholes. Additionally, the state ranked 47th in administrative disbursements, which include office spending not directly allocated to road projects. 'In spending and cost-effectiveness, Washington ranks 50th in capital and bridge disbursements, which are the costs of building new roads and bridges and widening existing ones,' the report states. 'Washington ranks 50th in maintenance spending, such as the costs of repaving roads and filling in potholes. Washington's administrative disbursements, including office spending that doesn't make its way to roads, ranks 47th nationwide.' The state saw some improvement in rural arterial pavement condition, rising from 30th to 25th. Urbanized area congestion also improved, moving from 35th to 31st. However, the urban fatality rate worsened significantly, dropping from 6th to 27th. Related from MyNorthwest: WSDOT could prevent snow-related crashes at the Snoqualmie Pass, says Cliff Mass How does Washington compare to other states? Compared to neighboring states, Washington's highway performance lags behind Idaho (15th), Montana (16th), and Oregon (35th). When compared to states with similar populations, Washington also ranked lower than Virginia (4th) and Arizona (29th). North Carolina fared the best in the report and Idaho saw the most improvement, jumping 19 positions from 34th to 15th in the overall rankings.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Washington highways among the worst in the nation, per report
This story was originally published on Washington state's highway system is among the worst in the United States, according to the Reason Foundation's 28th Annual Highway Report. The state ranked 47th overall in highway performance and cost-effectiveness, a slight drop from its 46th-place ranking in the previous year's evaluation. The annual report, which assesses the condition, safety, and cost-effectiveness of state-controlled highways in all 50 states, uses data primarily reported by each state to the Federal Highway Administration for 2022. It examines 13 categories, including pavement and bridge conditions, traffic fatalities, and spending. 'In terms of improving in the road condition and performance categories, Washington should focus on reducing capital-bridge disbursements, maintenance disbursements, and other disbursements. The state ranks 50th in all three categories,' said Baruch Feigenbaum, lead author of the 28th Annual Highway Report and senior managing director of transportation policy at Reason Foundation. 'The state performs better in the safety-focused categories but could still do to lower its other fatality rate, in which it ranks in the bottom 20.' The only states that performed worse than Washington were Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Related from MyNorthwest: WA drivers flooded with fake toll texts – here's how to protect yourself from the scam Why did Washington rank so poorly on highways? Washington's rankings varied across different categories. A significant area of concern is traffic congestion. Washington ranked 31st in the nation, with drivers spending an average of 28 hours per year stuck in traffic from Seattle to Spokane and Vancouver to Bellingham. The state performed relatively better in safety and condition categories, ranking 27th in urban Interstate pavement condition and 31st in structurally deficient bridges. However, it struggled in other areas, ranking 44th in rural Interstate pavement condition, 43rd in urban arterial pavement condition, and 25th in rural arterial pavement condition. Related from MyNorthwest: Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition Money not-so-well-spent The report highlighted significant deficiencies in spending and cost-effectiveness, too. Washington ranked 50th in capital and bridge disbursements, which cover the costs of building new roads and bridges and widening existing ones. It also ranked 50th in maintenance spending, including expenses for repaving roads and filling potholes. Additionally, the state ranked 47th in administrative disbursements, which include office spending not directly allocated to road projects. 'In spending and cost-effectiveness, Washington ranks 50th in capital and bridge disbursements, which are the costs of building new roads and bridges and widening existing ones,' the report states. 'Washington ranks 50th in maintenance spending, such as the costs of repaving roads and filling in potholes. Washington's administrative disbursements, including office spending that doesn't make its way to roads, ranks 47th nationwide.' The state saw some improvement in rural arterial pavement condition, rising from 30th to 25th. Urbanized area congestion also improved, moving from 35th to 31st. However, the urban fatality rate worsened significantly, dropping from 6th to 27th. Related from MyNorthwest: WSDOT could prevent snow-related crashes at the Snoqualmie Pass, says Cliff Mass How does Washington compare to other states? Compared to neighboring states, Washington's highway performance lags behind Idaho (15th), Montana (16th), and Oregon (35th). When compared to states with similar populations, Washington also ranked lower than Virginia (4th) and Arizona (29th). North Carolina fared the best in the report and Idaho saw the most improvement, jumping 19 positions from 34th to 15th in the overall rankings.
