Pramila Jayapal’s health care vision
Happening in Olympia
Western State Hospital is set to lose federal certification – and $53 million in federal funding – after years of mismanagement under Jay Inslee’s administration. Federal inspectors found a host of issues including, but not limited to, the hospital’s assessment and improvement program, its nursing services, and even issues with the fire detectors. Inslee, meanwhile, spent the weekend campaigning for president in Iowa. (Seattle Times)
Cong. Pramila Jayapal isn’t giving up her crusade of imposing a single payer health care system on Washington State. Her latest bill would allow state-based “Medicare for All” systems, i.e. entirely government-run health care systems. (Washington State Wire)
Are you in the market for a 371-foot metal bridge? If so, the Department of Transportation has a bridge to sell you. DOT sent out a request for proposals looking for interested parties who want to pay to have the Puyallup River Bridge dismantled, moved and reassembled in a new, useful location. (Tacoma News Tribune)
Western Washington
A lawsuit alleges public records violations by Jefferson County’s sheriff’s office involving a case of inmate suicide in the county jail. The lawsuit alleges the county violated the law when “Jefferson County withheld approximately 700 documents or parts of documents, and 601 redactions to documents…” according to Greg Overstreet, the attorney who filed the complaint. (Peninsula Daily News)
Eastern Washington
After ruling on narrow grounds in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, the U.S. Supreme Court chose to send similar case involving Arlene’s Flowers in Richland back to the Washington state Supreme Court to reconsider. “The state of Washington has targeted me for over five years, and I find that I am here today because my state Attorney General [Bob Ferguson] is hostile to my religious beliefs,” said Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlene’s Flowers. (Tri-City Herald)
An increased sales tax to aid mental health and chemical dependency treatment is showing positive results, according to Meghan DeBolt, Walla Wall county Community Health Department director. DeBolt delivered an annual report to county commissioners on the fund and how the money is allocated. (Union-Bulletin)
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