Dear Friends,
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IN THIS ISSUE: |
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Notice of Endangerment and Intent to Sue |
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![]() Worker safety at Hanford has been a problem for decades. Hundreds of workers have been exposed to toxic vapors that leak from aging storage tanks, suffering an array of health problems, including several long-term disabilities. Despite the many reports documenting these problems over the past 20 years, workers are still not adequately protected. Following the release of this disturbing Hanford Tank Vapor Assessment report, I sent DOE and its contractor, Washington River Protection Solutions, this Notice of Endangerment and Intent to Sue. Federal law requires such notice be given 90 days before filing a lawsuit against a federal agency. The 90-day clock is now ticking. My goal is to obtain a legally enforceable agreement to ensure the federal government protects workers from the vapors. The time for studying the problem is over. We must now take action. This Seattle Times Editorial provides an in-depth look at this issue. Editorial: Better safeguards needed for Hanford nuclear tank-farm workers King 5 News Wash. plans to sue federal gov't to protect Hanford workers NBC News KNDO/KNDU |
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AGO Opinion addresses use of police body cameras |
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![]() Read the opinion KOMO TV Legal opinion: No permission needed for police body cams Spokesman-Review |
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More judges agree with AGO opinion on local marijuana bans |
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Following similar rulings in Fife and Wenatchee, a Benton County judge upheld the city of Kennewick’s ban on marijuana businesses and a Cowlitz County judge upheld a Clark County ban. The rulings allow implementation of I-502 to continue. The Attorney General’s Office intervened in these cases to defend I-502, and we will continue working aggressively to uphold the will of voters. More on the issue in this Yakima Herald article |
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Advancing Marriage Equality for All |
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![]() My office contacted Shriners about their health benefits policies after receiving a complaint from a Spokane hospital employee who had recently married her partner of 19 years. When she attempted to add her new spouse as a dependent on her medical and dental policies, human resources staff denied her request. Soon after our contact, Shriners changed its policy and will offer health benefits to same-sex couples. We continue our work to ensure employers understand and honor their legal responsibilities to provide equal benefits to their employees. Spokesman-Review Shriners hospitals to give gay couples benefits after Spokane complaint KHQ TV Shriners Hospitals extending health benefits nationwide to same-sex spouses |
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Connecting with local and tribal communities |
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I want to express my thanks to the Cowlitz and Makah tribal members and spiritual leaders who visited my office to share the history of their annual Tribal Canoe Journey, and to Suquamish Tribal Council Chairman Leonard Forsman for his presentation on tribal history and culture. I am also grateful to members and leaders of the Tulalip, Lummi, and Skagit tribes for their hospitality during my recent visits. Since taking office, I have visited 27 of the 29 federally recognized tribes in our state, working to support and encourage partnerships between state and tribal governments. |
Nick Brown