Last week, I was briefed on the Pentagon’s plans for the upcoming competition to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers. As you may know, this is a critical competition for Washington state’s aerospace industry, jobs throughout our state, and our economy. The Pentagon has pledged to run a fair and transparent competition, and I intend to hold them to their word. I remain confident that on a level playing field Boeing and our state’s aerospace workers will prevail. – Details
“Pentagon spells out rules in new Air Force tanker competition” – Seattle Times
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HEALTH CARE: Insurance Report Highlights Skyrocketing Health Care Premiums for Washington State Families
Last week, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and I responded to the White House’s report on “The Burden of Health Insurance Premium on American Families.” The report highlights the fact that in Washington state insurance rates have gone up by 129% in ten years, while wages have increased only 46%. The White House report also highlights the increase in some Washington state families’ premiums by up to 40% in a single year. This report shows once again what Washington state families and small business owners have known for years, that the status quo is unsustainable and we need health insurance reform now. Our families deserve a health insurance system that makes care more affordable, and guarantees stable coverage that can’t be taken away when they need it most. – Details
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Protecting Our Ports
Last Wednesday, I announced that Washington state ports will receive funding for port security efforts included in the Economic Recovery Act, which I worked to pass earlier this year. The funds will go toward infrastructure security improvements including chemical detectors, cameras, security gates, access controls, and training and exercises. As we work to create jobs and reinvest in Washington state, it is vital that our ports remain secure and open for business. With millions of containers passing through our region each year, and with thousands of good paying jobs tied to our ports, these grants are critical to ensuring that our state’s ports employ the right technology and training methods to help prevent possible attacks. – Details
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A Boost for Local Fire Departments
Last Wednesday, I also announced that fire departments in Snoqualmie Pass, Gig Harbor, and Sedro-Woolley have received grants through the Recovery Act to construct, modify, and upgrade fire stations. These grants will help local communities create jobs and will help firefighters keep our families safe. Fire departments across the state are struggling in the face of local budget cuts, and these grants will give communities the support they need to continue investing in critical fire station improvements. – Details
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Moving Toward a Clean Energy Transportation System
Last week, the Department of Transportation announced that three projects in Washington state were awarded funds as part of $100 million in the Economic Recovery Act for pursuing cutting-edge environmental technologies to help reduce global warming, lessen America’s dependence on oil and create green jobs. These funds will put people to work today and will help us move toward a cleaner transportation system by supporting the purchase of new, clean-energy technology for our local transit agencies. – Details
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