Proposed rate hikes focus of Jan. 19 public hearing in Olympia

OLYMPIA – Puget Sound Energy customers can comment on the company’s proposed electric and gas rate increases during a public hearing next week in Olympia. This is PSE’s first rate case following the sale of the utility to the Macquarie investor consortium which was approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) in December 2008.

Attorney General Rob McKenna announces bills to reign in the government’s eminent domain powers

OLYMPIA — Like so many immigrants to the United States, Henry Kubota sought the American dream: a piece of property; a business; a livelihood. He thought he found it in Seattle, purchasing the Seattle Hotel in 1941.

OLYMPIA – State Attorney General Rob McKenna wants state lawmakers to make it harder for government to seize private property under the guise of economic development or reducing blight, only to sell the confiscated real estate to private developers.

Landowners, policy leaders and legislators will join McKenna at a press conference Thursday in Olympia to spotlight why changes to Washington’s eminent domain laws are critical to protect the public from unfairly losing their homes and businesses.

WHAT:   

OLYMPIA – Two of Attorney General Rob McKenna’s public safety bills will receive public hearings Tuesday.

One proposed law would require longer sentences for repeat, felony domestic abusers. HB 2427 is sponsored by Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, and co-sponsored by Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw, among others.

Topco Financial reaches settlement with Attorney General’s Office

SEATTLE – An Everett-based collection agency agreed not to harass, threaten or cuss at consumers as part of a settlement with the Attorney General’s Office.

The Attorney General’s Office sued Topco Financial Services, Inc., and company officials in February 2009, accusing them of violating the state’s Consumer Protection Act. Topco’s clients include towing companies.

Drug giants blocked sales of generics, say attorneys general

SEATTLE – While marketing a drug to lower cholesterol, attorneys general say pharmaceutical giants Abbott and Fournier fattened their wallets by clogging the pathway for cheaper generics to be sold.

OLYMPIA…Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed announced today they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court the recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision granting felons the right to vote in Washington.

Bipartisan group of legislators join McKenna’s call to get tough on domestic abusers, criminals who exploit children or seniors 

OLYMPIA — When shocking crimes are committed by repeat offenders, members of the public often ask elected officials why they didn’t do more to keep those criminals off the streets.

Attorney General also to announce consumer protection, open records bills

OLYMPIA – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna will be joined by a bipartisan coalition of legislators on Monday as he rolls out his agenda for the 2010 legislative session.

Washington state officials urge responsibility this season
 
OLYMPIA – ‘Twas the night of the party when all through the home
were half-empty glasses of booze where kids like to roam;
From yuletide punch to a frothy egg flip,
they tempted young ones and teens to take a sip.