New GOP leader in Washington’s Senate wears a lot of hats
John Braun: U.S. Navy veteran, businessman, father of four, and now one of the most powerful Republicans in the state. By Hannah Krieg, Crosscut, Crosscut
Published: February 22, 2021, 6:02am
Share: Hybrid floor session in the Washington State Senate, Jan. 13, 2021.
Under more normal circumstances, state Senate Republican Leader John Braun would not be in his south Chehalis office midmorning on a weekday. He would have already made himself a quick breakfast in his Centralia home, stopped by his family company, Braun Northwest, and made the drive to the state Capitol. But with the current session being held remotely, Braun spends more time in his home district, out of what he calls the “bubble” of Olympia.
SEATTLE — Lawmakers in Washington state are discussing a bill that would end the automatic disqualification of people with certain criminal convictions from working with vulnerable populations in health care
Washington state lawmakers look at loosening occupational licensing laws by Tim Gruver, The Center Square | February 10, 2021 12:00 PM Print this article
The COVID-19 pandemic has made finding a job harder than ever, and Washington lawmakers are once again debating how to lower the costs of being licensed for one.
The National Council on State Legislatures reports roughly a quarter of the U.S. workforce was licensed to do a job in 2015, compared to just 5% in the 1950s.
Washington s Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates professions ranging from architects and cosmetologists to real estate brokers and bus drivers. Licensing requirements vary by industry and involve everything from college-level coursework to a simple exam and come at the cost of thousands in fees.