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Category: Gov. Jay Inslee

RIP Billy Frank Jr.: `A singular force’

RIP Billy Frank Jr.: `A singular force’

(Photo courtesy of Laura Mott) Billy Frank Jr., a central figure in the decades-long struggle for tribal fishing rights, has died at age 83. Frank, longtime chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Evergreen trustee and civic activist, was subject of a well-received Legacy Project book, “Where the Salmon Run: The Life and Legacy of Billy Frank Jr.”  It is available free online, and for sale in print.It was written by Trova Heffernan and published by the University of Washington…

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Flags lowered as we remember Oso

Flags lowered as we remember Oso

As a lone bagpiper played a mournful “Amazing Grace” at the top of the Capitol steps, state troopers slowly lowered flags to half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives in the Oso landslide tragedy — and the communities and responders who continue to offer care and comfort. Gov. Jay Inslee, joined by Secretary of State Kim Wyman,  Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and First Lady Trudi Inslee, told a noon gathering of school children and state workers on Tuesday…

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A day for honoring heroes

A day for honoring heroes

Secretary of State Wyman stands with (from left) SFC Leroy Petry, Capt. William Swenson and SSG Ty Carter in front of the Medal of Honor Monument on the Capitol Campus. (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Helle) Washington paid tribute Wednesday to three of the state’s bravest sons, military heroes who are the latest to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest commendation for gallantry and bravery on the battlefield. Secretary Wyman joined Gov. Jay Inslee and other officials; MG Terry Ferrell,…

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12th Man lets loose at Seahawks’ homestate Capitol

12th Man lets loose at Seahawks’ homestate Capitol

(Photo courtesy of Benjamin Helle) Although hundreds of thousands of  fans converged on Downtown Seattle and CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field Wednesday for the parade honoring the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win over the Broncos, many fans around the Capitol couldn’t go north because they work for the Legislature, which is in the middle of its 60-day session. But that didn’t stop a large contingent of the 12th Man from gathering on the north steps of the Legislative Building to cheer…

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Great day for the 12th Man

Great day for the 12th Man

Walking toward the Legislative Building on the way to work usually is inspiring on its own. But when you see the 12th Man flag flying high outside the Lege on the same day as the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade in Seattle, well, it can give anyone a jolt on this chilly morning. Even the glass doors on the north side of the building show a reflection of the 12th Man flag fluttering in the cold breeze. Congrats to the NFL…

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SecState honors farm-labor pioneer Tomas Villanueva

SecState honors farm-labor pioneer Tomas Villanueva

Assistant Secretary of State Ken Raske speaks before a large gathering honoring Tomas Villanueva as the guest of honor (in wheelchair) and his son, Gabriel, listen. (Photos courtesy of Laura Mott) Surrounded by family, friends and assorted dignitaries, Tomas Villanueva was honored by Secretary of State Kim Wyman’s Office for his pioneering role in advocating for farm workers. Villanueva was included in Legacy Washington’s new exhibit at the Capitol that celebrates Washington’s place in the world. Villanueva was part of…

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Declaring support for libraries

Declaring support for libraries

Librarians staff a table inside the Legislative Building where people signed the Declaration for the Right to Libraries. (Photo courtesy of Gracelin Moore) Unlike the Founding Fathers in 1776, the people signing this declaration aren’t wearing wigs. They’re supporters of libraries. As part of Library Legislative Day, librarians gathered signatures from legislators and others for a Declaration for the Right to Libraries. Go here to see what the declaration says. The library declaration is a joint project of the Washington…

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Statewide officials show support for libraries

Statewide officials show support for libraries

Secretary of State Wyman signs the Declaration for the Right to Libraries in the Governor’s Conference Room. Secretary of State Kim Wyman joined Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn in showing their support for Washington’s libraries by jointly signing a Declaration for the Right to Libraries in the Governor’s Conference Room Wednesday morning. State Librarian Rand Simmons and 25 children, teacher-librarians and library officials were on hand for the signing event. The declaration is a project…

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Calls for bipartisanship, Seahawks as 2014 session opens

Calls for bipartisanship, Seahawks as 2014 session opens

Members stand as a State Patrol Color Guard brings in the U.S. and Washington flags at the start of the opening-day floor session in the House of Representatives. (Photos  courtesy of Legislative Support Services Photo Department) The 63rd Washington State Legislature opened its 60-day 2014 session Monday with remarks of bipartisanship and hard work by members on both sides of the aisle. The Senate and House met in their respective chambers, with both Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, who presides over…

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Rain doesn’t dampen Seahawks rally at Capitol

Rain doesn’t dampen Seahawks rally at Capitol

Secretary Wyman wears her Marshawn Lynch jersey at the Seahawks rally Wednesday at the Capitol. (Photos courtesy of Benjamin Helle)  In true Pacific Northwest fashion, Seattle Seahawks fans and state workers gathered despite the cold and rain Wednesday afternoon for a rally to raise the 12th Man flag outside the Capitol in Olympia. Clad in blue and green, huddled together under umbrellas, supporters chanted through the drizzle for their favorite football team.  The Seahawks mascot, Blitz, stands with Lt. Gov….

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