Berry elected as House Labor and Workplace Standards chair
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 11 months AGO
Berry
OLYMPIA — Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, has been elected to chair the Washington State House of Representatives Labor & Workplace Standards Committed for the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, according to a press release from the Washington House Democrats on Tuesday.
Berry previously served as the committee’s vice chair, according to the press release. The House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee oversees the state’s industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, safety and health standards, and collective bargaining and workforce safety rules.
“Our state’s greatest strengths are our diverse workforce and innovative business,” Berry said in the press release. “I’m deeply honored to take on this new position and remain committed to giving all Washingtonians a seat at the table as we address the most urgent workplace challenges they face.”
Berry, who has led efforts to expand Washington's Paid Family Medical Leave program, will also continue to serve on the House Environment & Energy and the Transportation committees, the press release said.
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.