State Government

Do you ever wonder how many U.S. representatives and senators Washington (as a state and territory) has had in its 170-year history? How many of them were Republicans? How many were Democrats, or Progressives?

If you’re doing a little in-depth research, how many years did Julia Butler Hansen serve in the House of Representatives? Why did James W. Bryant’s term end?

Or, if you’re simply curious, what in the name of Orange Jacobs is a “Silver Republican”?

We’ll get to that.

How often have you heard someone tell you the information you are looking for is “on our website,” only to give up looking because you could not find it?

More than likely quite often. Unfortunately, however, and despite the best of intentions, government agencies are not always immune to this issue.

In the lower level of the Legislative Building 55 years ago this week, a theft was discovered that made front-page newspaper headlines, resulted in no arrests, and shocked political leaders. The Great Petition Robbery, a heist of thousands of signature sheets bearing petition signatures for an anti-gambling ballot initiative, didn't stop the initiative but did hasten the end of the long political career of Secretary of State Vic Meyers, a bandleader and former five-term lieutenant governor. The story unfolded over a quiet Capitol weekend

For several years, Capitol visitors have been treated to some amazing exhibits in our front lobby, courtesy of our talented and creative Legacy Washington team. The latest is “Korea 65: The Forgotten War Remembered.” The exhibit, along with a series of online profiles, focuses on Washingtonians who experienced the Korean War in different ways, from U.S.

Our Legacy Washington program is getting ready for the Sept. 14 launch of its new exhibit in our front lobby, “Korea 65: The Forgotten War Remembered.” The exhibit tells the stories of 13 Washingtonians who experienced the Korean War in different ways, from U.S. soldiers who fought in the war, to a nurse who worked in a MASH unit, to Korean Americans who grew up in Korea during or after the war. The public is welcome to attend the Korea 65 exhibit launch at the Capitol.

Washington’s Capitol Campus receives thousands of visitors each year, including many tourists from other states or other nations. But a large number are elementary school students from right here in Washington. Usually, an entire grade of students from a school will make the bus trip to Olympia to see the campus. For most of these students, it’s their first time to the Capitol.

A bill requested by Secretary of State Wyman and her Corporations Division has been signed into law by Gov.

Talk about an impressive streak. For the 14th straight year, state and higher education employees and retirees have given more than $5 million annually through the Washington State Combined Fund Drive. In 2016, nearly 16,400 Combined Fund Drive donors pledged $5.3 million to local, national and global charities.

It’s time for Washington to move its Presidential Primary earlier in the year so the state has a more relevant role in choosing the Democratic and Republican nominees, Secretary of State Kim Wyman told a House panel. Wyman testified Wednesday afternoon before the House State Government, Elections and Information Technology Committee on Senate Bill 5333, a bipartisan proposal prime-sponsored by Sen.