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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

WA: Poverty Issues

Washington state has greater protections against predatory loans than other states. (Serge Aubert/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 25, 2024

WA lawmakers approve greater predatory loan protections

Lawmakers in Olympia this session moved to add more protections for consumers against predatory loans. Washington state lawmakers passed Senate Bill …

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Washington state lawmakers are engaging in important budget negotiations this session, including measures that deal with food assistance. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)
Anti-hunger advocates call for action at WA Capitol

It's Hunger Action Day at the Washington State Capitol. Advocates are in Olympia to meet with lawmakers and call for policies that curb hunger…

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A public hearing on the rent stabilization bill was held in Olympia last week. (adonis_abril/Adobe Stock)
As housing crisis builds, rent stabilization measure before WA lawmakers

Housing is a major issue in this year's legislative session -- and for some, simply staying in their home is the goal. One measure in Olympia would …

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The economic threshold for the Senior Property Tax Exemption program in King County will increase to $84,000 in 2024. (CascadeCreatives/Adobe Stock)
Underused programs could assist with older Washingtonians' budgets

Many older residents of Washington state are facing strains on their budgets -- and the government programs that could assist them are underused…

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Lack of housing is a critical issue in Washington state. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)
Housing, health care meet in innovative WA program

Having a home is critical to a person's health. Medicaid dollars in Washington state are helping bridge the gap between health care and housing…

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Washington state's minimum wage is more than twice the federal minimum wage. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)
WA minimum wage to increase, but workers still feel financial strain

Washington state is raising its minimum wage in 2024, but workers likely will still feel financially squeezed. The Washington State Department of …

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Beneficial State Bank supports affordable housing, calling it a human right. (Dennis M. Swanson/Adobe Stock)
Bank Helps Bring Affordable Housing to WA

A new program in Washington state will provide homes to people who are most in need in the region. The project, known as Madrona Highlands in south …

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U.S. officials are meeting with representatives from around the Pacific Rim at the Seattle Convention Center on Sunday.(dbvirago/Adobe Stock)
Critics Call for Transparency at Seattle Global Trade Meetings

Global trade negotiations are happening this weekend in Seattle and critics say the process should come out from behind closed doors. Meetings for …

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The Fair Start for Kids Act increases the income threshold to receive subisidies for child care. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)
With Industry in Crisis, WA Addresses Child Care Woes

Child care is one the costliest services for families across the country. Advocates for child well being say Washington state has positioned itself …

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La ley Fair Start for Kids aumenta el umbral de ingresos para recibir subisidios para el cuidado de niños. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)
Con la industria en crisis, WA aborda problemas de cuidado infantil

El cuidado de los niños es uno de los servicios más caros para las familias de todo el país. Los defensores del bienestar infantil …

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Since July 2022, 2-1-1 has received more than 380,000 calls from residents in Washington state. (Gajus/Adobe Stock)
WA 211 Helpline Sees Jump in Calls

A helpline to help people connect with resources when they're in need has seen an uptick in calls to its service. However, funding remains a …

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Food insecurity ranged from 32% to 73% across Washington state counties in a hunger survey. (Mikhailov Studio/Adobe Stock)
Hunger Remains Top Concern for Many WA Families

Three years on from the start of the pandemic, securing food is one of the biggest challenges facing households in Washington state. The Washington …

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