Governor Jay Inslee didn’t raise much for his presidential campaign, but what he did raise was able to qualify him for the Democratic debate stage. “This first month fundraising shows strong grassroots momentum for Gov. Inslee’s message of defeating climate change,” Aisling Kerins, Inslee’s campaign manager, said.  Inslee received donations from at least 200 donors in 20 different states, one of the thresholds to participate in the official Democratic National Committee debates. Meanwhile, Inslee is still polling below “Somebody else” in most polls. (Seattle Times)

Last Friday House Democrats passed Inslee’s renewable energy bill, sending it back to the Senate for approval of amendments. “It’s time to move past the era of carbon into the next generation with modern, 21st-century energy systems using integrated wind, hydro and solar power,” said Carlyle. Democrats have focused much of this session on advancing policies that Inslee can tout on the campaign trail. (Washington State Wire)

Tacoma Fire Chief Jim Duggan is set to retire this month after seven years leading the department. Deputy Fire Chief Toryono Green is expected to be approved later today by the council to take the reins. “He knows the issues the department is facing and has the courage and skills to lead the department to its amazing potential,” City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said. (The News Tribune)

Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant is rolled out her plan to push for rent control in the city. One ordinance would enact “citywide rent control … without corporate loopholes,” that would take require the Legislature to lift its statewide ban on the rent regulation. For those of you keeping track at home, rent control would exacerbate the housing issue – it would constrict supply and cause prices to skyrocket. But, when has Sawant (a self-described economist) ever let real economics or facts ever get in the way of yelling about things out front of City Hall? (MyNorthwest)

“We want to do something about it,” said Providence’s Community Health Investment Manager Sara Clements-Sampson. “The data shows we need to do something about it.”  A program at Providence Sacred Heart is hoping to help equip Spokane community members with the knowledge of what signs to look for in someone with mental health challenges. Clements-Sampson added that the number of those facing mental health challenges is only going up. (Spokesman-Review)

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