Here, as there, we differ on how to get things done and what things we need to do. But we tend to work these things out, one local interest group to another, without a lot of drama.
There, the numbers are immensely larger but the concepts are quite similar — finding the right balance between money and services. It is against this background that we welcome, enthusiastically, the appointment of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to co-chair the debt reduction supercommittee with Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.- Tri-City Herald
Murray: Job training crucial for laid-off
Aug 12 2011
Shannon Dininny
Seven months before graduation, Alex Dimas toured aviation manufacturer GE Aviation Systems and applied for a job. Then, the company and his instructors at Perry Technical Institute worked with him to strengthen his skills until he graduated. Three years later, he’s still at the company, working as a machinist building hydraulic fuses for 737s. “They gave me the confidence to know I can come in here and know what I’m doing,” the 29-year-old married father of two said. State and local officials say making that caliber of training available to young and laid-off workers is crucial to filling the available jobs, not just in Washington state, but nationally. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray calls it a deficit of infrastructure and innovation.
– The Seattle Times
Vets sound off at session
Aug 10 2011
Sheila Hagar
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray was in town Monday, wearing her trademark tennies and sporting a listening ear. And there was plenty to hear as Murray, D-Wash., and her assembled panel sat in a room packed with veterans and others at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 992. Led by facilitator Doug Bayne, director of the Walla Walla Community College Foundation, panelists took turns explaining to the senator the issues they see in the universe of veterans. Housing challenges, for example. Renee Rooker, of Walla Walla Housing Authority, told Murray there are nearly 150 homeless veterans in the area. While there are programs in place to help get those men and women into housing, actually getting that done is a problem. “There is a lack of funding for deposits, security and utility deposits, to get veterans into a permanent home.” Coupled with communication gaps between federal agencies that are supposed to help veterans and a retroactive 17 percent reduction in administrative fees — that cut screening staff — it all equals an inability to fully serve a vulnerable population, Rooker told Murray. She gets it, Murray assured her audience. Her father served in World War II. His war-caused injuries affected every component of family life.
Health Insurance Coverage with No Waiting Period
Are you 
If your answer is yes to both questions, you may be eligible for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan – a new federal program for children and adults with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for at least six months – with no waiting period.
For more information and how to apply, go to the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan – Washington website or call toll-free 1-877-505-0514
Be a Seed for Change 
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