Opportunities to serve the people of Washington State

Washington State has more than 200 boards and commissions to which Governor Inslee appoints members. Appointees are responsible for advising the Governor, the legislature, and state agencies.

Currently, there are vacancies on the Early Learning Advisory Council, Green River College Board of Trustees and the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, which may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities.

Apply to serve on a Board or Commission.

Legislative Update for the Week of 2/22

February 22 marks the 43rd day of the 60-day “short” legislative session. February 17 was the last day to consider bills in the house of origin, which means that bills that have not passed either the House or Senate are unlikely to reach the Governor’s desk this session. However, bills that are critical for passing the state budget are exempt from the deadline.

For the next two weeks, action turns back to the committees where bills will be considered by members from the opposite chamber.

Below are scheduled public hearings for bills CAPAA is tracking (view the complete list of bills we are tracking this session):

Education

The Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 1541, which implements strategies to close the educational opportunity gap based on the recommendations of the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee. The Senate Committee will also discuss strategies to increase the number of public school teachers and substitute teachers.

February 22, 2016

  • SHB 2964: Eliminating lunch copays for students who qualify for reduced-price lunches.
  • 2SSB 6408: Concerning paraeducators.

February 23, 2016

  • 4SHB 1541: Implementing strategies to close the educational opportunity gap, based on the recommendations of the educational opportunity gap oversight and accountability committee.
  • E2SHB 2573: Concerning the shortage of public school teachers and substitute teachers.

Economic Development

The House Transportation Committee will have a public hearing to discuss the creation of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) advisory committee to advise the Transportation Commission on issues and concerns from the DBE community and to increase the level of accountability and transparency regarding DBE activities.

February 23, 2016

  • SB 6180: Creating a disadvantaged business enterprise advisory committee within the transportation commission.

Civil Rights & Justice

The Senate Government Operations & Security Committee will have a public hearing on HB 1745, which promotes equal voting opportunity by authorizing district-based elections, requiring redistricting and new elections in certain circumstances, and establishing a cause of action to redress lack of voter opportunity.

February 25, 2016

  • E2SHB 1745: Enacting the Washington voting rights act.