 Gov. Jay Inslee released his 2020 supplemental budget proposal Wednesday with substantial investments that address the statewide homelessness crisis, expand early learning and strengthen the foster care system, and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in government, schools and communities.
“I want everyone in Washington to benefit from our state’s shared prosperity, but we know our state’s successes are not shared by everyone,” Inslee said. “I am proposing investments that will require partnerships with local governments and community partners, and will bring people inside with dignity and compassion. This is a statewide problem and we need a statewide solution. It is morally and ethically wrong to have so many Washingtonians living outside. We can, and must do better.”
Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.
Read: Associated Press / Washington Post — Washington governor wants to spend $300M to help homeless
Watch: KING 5 — Gov. Inslee wants to tap reserve funds to address homelessness crisis
 Gov. Jay Inslee proposed five pieces of climate legislation and a direct order to a state agency Thursday during his second day of rolling out his 2020 supplemental budget proposals.
“I am proud of the climate change progress we made in 2019,” Inslee said. “But the latest science says we have further to go before we bring emissions into a range that doesn’t threaten our economic future.
“Washingtonians deserve a choice for cleaner fuels and cleaner cars — and they’re going to get both.”
Today’s announcement follows the Washington State Department of Ecology’s latest report that cites international and national research that shows the world now faces a climate crisis. The reports states the climate crisis will create devastating impacts on Washington in the form of wildfires, drought, dwindling snowpack and ocean acidification.
Read: Seattle PI — Inslee to 2020 Legislature: Enact clean fuel standards
Watch: KING 5 News — Inslee focuses on transportation in next stage of climate fight
 Washington is taking the first steps to clean up one of the biggest pollution sources in state transportation by switching from diesel ferries to electric-hybrids. The state is converting some of its biggest and dirtiest ferries, and building an all-new 144-car electric ferry with the option to buy four more.
“We’re going electric, which means a lot of jobs for shipyard workers,” Inslee said. “And it gives us more of a fighting chance to save the things we cherish most — our land, our air, our water and our children’s health.”
Gov. Jay Inslee recently issued an Executive Order to transition to an all zero-emission fleet.
While maritime culture and industry has been a backbone of our state’s economy, the industry has also been a major source of pollution, especially through ferries.
Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.
 As we end 2019, here’s a look back through photos of Gov. Jay Inslee doing work across the state, including staff favorites and never-before-seen snapshots.
You can view the photos on the governor's Medium page.
“The Dec. 18 decision does not change Washingtonians’ access to health care — the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land and coverage is available, often with financial help. Families can continue to enroll in 2020 coverage through December 31.
“All this decision does is prolong the fear and anxiety felt by tens of millions of Americans as the Trump administration continues its abhorrent crusade against their health care. That includes 800,000 people in Washington covered under the ACA today. The law has enabled more than 32,000 Washingtonians to get treatment for cancer, more than 112,000 to access substance use treatment, and more than 325,000 to get mental health services. It is unconscionable that President Trump’s Department of Justice is pushing to eliminate their access to life-saving medical care.
“We understand what is on the line. People with pre-existing conditions and millions of others who rely on the ACA’s reforms, such as women and older adults, are counting on us to block this latest assault on health care. We have turned back every previous attack on the ACA, and this time is no different. We will fight until we win.”
Learn more about what’s at stake for Washingtonians.
 Gov. Jay Inslee named Laura Watson director of the Washington State Department of Ecology Friday. She replaces Maia Bellon, who Inslee appointed in 2013.
“Laura is a proven leader who is deeply committed to protecting our state’s air, water and land,” Inslee said. “She has a deep understanding of the crucial work Ecology does statewide and was at the center of some of the most important issues in recent years. I know she will build on the transformative work that Maia has done at Ecology and I look forward to welcoming her to my cabinet.”
Watson is currently the senior assistant attorney general in the Ecology Division of the Attorney General’s Office. As chief legal counsel to the Director of the Department of Ecology, she provided advice and representation to Ecology’s 10 environmental programs and to the agency’s administration.
Read the rest of the announcement on the governor's website.
"I thank all the stakeholders from all over the state for weighing in on this crucial issue. I encourage Washingtonians to get engaged in the public comment period over the next month and share their input on what should be done. We need to hear from a variety of people from different regions and perspectives.
“I look forward to the public engagement and to working in partnership with the federal government going forward.”
Background and more information on stakeholder and public engagement:
The draft report, Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, is available for public comment until January 24, 2020. The Legislature provided funding to the governor’s office in the 2019-21 operating budget to conduct a stakeholder process to understand the views of Washingtonians on breaching and removing, or retaining, the lower Snake River dams.
Read the rest of the statement on the governor's website.
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