2023 Legislative Session

According to the bill, the Department of Health (DOH) could fine hospitals $10,000 a month if they fail to post staffing plans or meet their own set standards.

Salary increases total to approximately $1 billion and will go into effect in the 2024-25 school year.

The 2023 Washington State Legislative Session is scheduled to adjourn this weekend. Lawmakers will welcome to arrival of sine die on Sunday, April 23. Twelfth District Rep. Mike Steele (R) of Chelan says he doesn't expect too much activity during the last few days of the sessions...

A bill that clears the way for the potential construction of a regional aquatic center and sports complex in the Wenatchee Valley is on its way to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk. Engrossed 2nd Substitute Senate Bill 5001 (E2SSB 5001) allows for the creation of a second public facilities district that would let voters in both Chelan and Douglas Counties decide if the proposed complex should be built... Rea

A bill in the Washington House is proposing the creation of a new property tax category of 4% on property valued at over $5 million. Proponents of House Bill 1628 (HB 1628) say wealthy people who sell property valued at over $5 million can afford to pay the additional tax rate...

State funding for the City of Wenatchee's massive Confluence Parkway Project has now been fully secured. The money is officially in place after both the Washington House and Senate passed their respective transportation budgets this week...

A bill to establish regional apprenticeship programs for high school students in Washington is nearing the finish line in the state Senate. House Bill 1013 (HB 1013) would allow students to participate in a state-run apprenticeship program that would offer experience in different vocations that may not require a college education...

The Douglas County Commissioners have written a letter to 7th District Sen. Shelley Short (R) of Addy asking her to work with lawmakers in Olympia to establish a sales tax holiday for the county's residents. The missive, which was penned on March 21, also requests Short assist in providing the commissioners with the ability to offer a six month sales tax reprieve to the county's businesses... Read

Many of the state's Republican lawmakers are up in arms over Friday's ruling by the Washington Supreme Court that upholds the constitutionality of a capital gains tax passed by the legislature in 2021. Twelfth District Rep. Mike Steele (R) of Chelan says the court's decision will not only make the legislature's budget writing process more difficult, but it could also end up extending the 2023 sess

12th-District Representatives Keith Goehner and Mike Steele held a virtual town meeting to reflect on which bills progressed or died in the House committee Thursday.