Gubernatorial transitions, a new legislative session, abortion directive, California fires
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"Today’s is the final edition of Gov. Jay Inslee’s newsletter. We hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed compiling story after story of Washington’s national leadership. Thanks for reading. Remain subscribed to receive updates from the new administration of Gov. Bob Ferguson."
Farewell from your newsletter creators and editors:
Jaime Smith | Mike Faulk | Jim Kopriva | Jim Mumford | Silong Chhun
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Transitions and new legislative session on the horizon
Gov. Jay Inslee smiles from a podium
Next Monday, January 13, the 2025 legislative session will begin. Legislative leaders will deliver opening day remarks. On Wednesday, January 15, newly-elected and re-elected statewide officials will be sworn in, completing the official transitions to a new Insurance Commissioner, a new Commissioner of Public Lands, a new Attorney General, and a new governor.
Gov. Jay Inslee, the current longest-serving governor in America, still has a few last steps to take as he runs through the tape. On Tuesday morning, Inslee will deliver his final State of the State address, reflecting on the state’s progress over the years and his optimism about Washington’s future.
Later on Tuesday, Inslee’s official governor’s portrait will be unveiled. Washington has been led by 23 governors since achieving statehood in 1889; each is commemorated by an official portrait. Many are on display in the lobby of the Office of the Governor inside the Washington State Capitol. Seattle-based and Spokane-born [ [link removed] ] artist Grace Athena Flott [ [link removed] ] was chosen to paint Inslee’s official portrait.
On Wednesday morning, Inslee will officially convey his office and powers to Washington’s 24th governor, Bob Ferguson. Ferguson will deliver his Inaugural Address that day at 11:30 a.m.
* Watch: Washington State House of Representatives opening ceremonies [ [link removed] ] (Monday, Jan. 13 at 12:00 p.m.)
* Watch: Washington State Senate opening ceremonies [ [link removed] ] (Monday, Jan. 13 at 12:00 p.m.)
* Watch: Gov. Jay Inslee’s final State of the State address [ [link removed] ] (Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10:30 a.m.)
* Watch: Unveiling Gov. Jay Inslee’s official portrait [ [link removed] ] (Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 12:30 p.m.)
* Watch: Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address [ [link removed] ] (Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 11:30 a.m.)
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News you might have missed:
Inslee issues directive to strengthen laws related to emergency abortion care
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a directive [ [link removed] ] Friday instructing the Washington State Department of Health to adopt rules and codify requirements related to emergency abortion care at hospitals.
The rules prohibit hospitals from withholding care because a person is pregnant, and they prohibit hospitals from prioritizing the continued pregnancy or health of the fetus over the health of the pregnant person unless directed by the patient. DOH will begin emergency rule-making immediately.
Inslee signs permit to green-light Benton County solar project
On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a permit [ [link removed] ] to authorize the state’s largest solar farm to date. The Wautoma Project [ [link removed] ] in Benton County will generate over 400 megawatts, enough power for 300,000 homes.
“It was my pleasure as one of my final acts to sign that permit to move forward, and it was kind of an indicia of my leaving with the vision of the state continuing to grow,” said Inslee [ [link removed] ].
Washington sends help to fight California fires
Deadly wildfires have destroyed entire neighborhoods near Los Angeles. Washington state has assembled resources [ [link removed] ] to assist California’s firefighting efforts. Nine task forces comprising 11 trucks, 45 engines, and 146 personnel, among other equipment, are already California-bound.
President Jimmy Carter remembered
Former President Jimmy Carter was laid to rest [ [link removed] ] this week at the Washington National Cathedral. All five living presidents attended the ceremony. President Joe Biden delivered a eulogy.
“We all are created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally,” said Biden. “Throughout our lives, we’ve never fully lived up to that idea of America. We’ve never walked away from it, either, because of patriots like Jimmy Carter.”
Inslee signs declaration to support communities hit by bomb cyclone
This week, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation [ [link removed] ] declaring a state of emergency following November’s bomb cyclone weather event. The proclamation unlocks state funding to support recovery efforts, and it supports the state’s application for federal aid to repair damaged infrastructure.
“This funding will help with short-term housing, some home repairs and other critical needs as we work together to rebuild and recover,” said Inslee.
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