Cheers: To school support staff. The Legislature has committed $600 million over the next three years for more counselors, nurses, social workers and psychologists in public schools. Previously, school-funding formulas provided for one nurse for every 5,263 elementary school students; money for additional positions had to come from district levy funds. By 2025, the ratio will be one nurse for every 684 students through state funding. Under the new formula, schools must show the money was used to hire for the specified positions.
Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, said of the plan, “It was the one thing we had to make sure we did.” Providing a comprehensive education requires more than classroom lessons and homework. And with the COVID-19 pandemic upending normalcy, concerns about student mental health have increased. Schools can play an important role in protecting the physical and mental health of students.
Jeers: To charity scams. With many Washington residents desiring to assist the people of Ukraine, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has issued a warning about fraudulent charities. “Americans are a generous people. Whenever a tragedy or crisis occurs around the world, we express our compassion by donating to any number of honest, legitimate charities,” Hobbs said, while his office offered tips for vetting charities. Among the warnings: Never share financial information over the phone.
Many reputable charities are raising money to help Ukrainians following an invasion by Russian forces. With due diligence, Americans can ensure that their assistance goes where it is needed. Jeers go to scammers taking advantage of a global crisis.
Cheers: To Rep. Larry Hoff. The two-term state representative, who announced that he won’t seek reelection, has admirably served his constituents. “Serving in the Legislature is a noble venture that is incredibly rewarding when you put in the time and effort,” Hoff said. “There is no better feeling than being able to help someone who has nowhere else to turn. That has been my favorite part of the job and what I will miss most.”
Hoff has acted as a traditional pro-business Republican rather than embracing the party’s fringe elements, and he has served the 18th Legislative District in an effective and dignified manner. He has demonstrated traits that all elected officials should emulate.
Jeers: To scorpions. An Oregon man has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating international and domestic shipping laws. The crime? He imported and exported hundreds of live scorpions without a license.
The case started in 2017 when the man sent 12 live scorpions to an address in Germany in a box labeled as “chocolates.” The package was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in what might be called a “sting” operation. Like they say about a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.
Cheers: To new buses. C-Tran is receiving a $2.7 million federal grant to replace its six remaining diesel buses with vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and have improved access. The money comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program, and the new buses are expected to be delivered in 2023.
The competitive grant program will allocate $1.1 billion this year to help states and transit agencies replace outdated buses. C-Tran officials expect to have replaced their entire 28-bus fleet by 2025, reducing carbon emissions. The grant program is a fine example of your tax dollars at work.
