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EVERETT — A new Washington state law will require local governments to allow housing for people experiencing homelessness in residential areas. Communities across the state have pushed back to varying degrees to permitting homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing in their neighborhoods. House Bill 2266, which Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Friday, limits their ability to … READ MORE

“There’s a lot to be said for a state lawmaker who zeros in on an issue and keeps pressing it, no matter the headwinds, until he gets results. State Rep. Strom Peterson has done that on gun laws, doggedly sponsoring legislation for responsible firearm ownership every year since 2017, until finally winning a ban on … READ MORE

Hero 1: Rep. Strom Peterson (D-21, Edmonds) turned in another strong effect this session. Peterson chairs the housing committee in the lower chamber, and worked to shepherd the rent stabilization bill through the house… Peterson’s excellent track record this session also included passing two bills aimed at poverty reduction and fostering self-sufficiency for low-income households.

OLYMPIA — It will soon be illegal in Washington to make, sell or distribute a firearm magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The state House on Friday passed Senate Bill 5078 to restrict large-capacity magazines on a 55-42 vote following an emotion-filled four-hour debate. No Republicans supported the bill, while two … READ MORE

Imagine getting a notice in the mail that your rent, probably your largest monthly expense, is going up 10%, 20%, 50%, or even more, and you have just 60 days to figure out what to do. Will you get a second job? Cancel your health insurance? Find a new place to live in one of … READ MORE

When the pandemic shut down in-person offices across the state in March 2020, the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) was no exception; the department, which administers state benefits ranging from direct cash assistance to food stamps, shuttered all 181 of its local offices and began offering services only online or over the phone. In … READ MORE

Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, is challenged by Democrat Gant Diede of Everett and Republican Brian Thompson of Edmonds. Peterson, who owns an Edmonds restaurant and cheese shop and previously served on the Edmonds City Council, is running for his fourth two-year House term. He is challenged by Diede, a mechanic at Boeing who also is … READ MORE

State Rep. Strom Peterson’s pragmatic legislative record and experience as a local government official and retail business owner make him the best candidate to return to Olympia for a daunting task. The Edmonds Democrat is running for his fourth term representing the 21st Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Edmonds and Everett.

Native American tribal casinos, now closed statewide and losing millions of dollars daily due to coronavirus fears, got a boost Wednesday when Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bill authorizing sports betting within those venues.

Washington is on the cusp of outlawing thin plastic carry-out bags and promoting paper bags as an alternative. A bill imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags is on its way to Gov. Jay Inslee. The measure, if signed, would preempt similar prohibitions in force in four cities in Snohomish County.