Elizabeth New (Hovde) outlines why Washington’s non-emergency charity care rules have shifted costs onto state residents and explains how House Bill 2250 would restore residency-based limits while preserving emergency access for everyone. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-free-care-for-people-who-dont-live-here-its-being-encouraged-hb-2250-can-help/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthCarePolicy #CharityCare #WALegislature #HospitalCosts

Rep. John Ley provides an update on legislation addressing transit board governance, accountability for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project through an independent audit, sentencing standards for gross misdemeanors, and continued efforts to open the Brockmann Mental Health Facility, while also reflecting on National Guard Day at the Capitol. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-update-on-legislation-to-restore-fairness-and-local-control-to-transit-governing-boards-and-a-bill-to-create-accountability-for-the-i-5-bridge-project/ #Opinion #WALegislature #TransportationPolicy #PublicAccountability #CriminalJustice #MentalHealth

Sen. John Braun outlines concerns over fraud, nepotism, and lack of oversight in Washington’s Community Reinvestment Plan and explains how Senate Bill 6205 would impose new restrictions and transparency requirements on publicly funded housing grants. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-accountability-needed-defrauding-state-programs-is-stealing-from-taxpayers/ #Opinion #WALegislature #HousingPolicy #TaxpayerAccountability #GovernmentOversight

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kevin Waters would allow counties to manage fuel breaks along major roadways on federal forestland and retain timber revenue generated through shared stewardship agreements, offering new tools for wildfire prevention and local budget stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-kevin-waters-sponsors-bill-that-would-strengthen-wildfire-prevention-and-provide-counties-with-a-new-revenue-option/ #WildfirePrevention #ForestManagement #WashingtonLegislature #RuralCounties #PublicLands #TransportationSafety

Clark County Council discussed whether to issue a formal statement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with councilors expressing sharply different views about public safety, law enforcement impacts, and the practical effect of such language following extended public comment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-discusses-statement-regarding-ice/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #CountyCouncil #ImmigrationPolicy #LocalGovernment

Beaver Bay Campground on the Lewis River is set to reopen May 22 after a year of renovations, with updated facilities, redesigned campsites, and new accessible features, while reservations open Jan. 30 through PacifiCorp. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/beaver-bay-campground-reservations-open-this-week-before-grand-re-opening-memorial-day-weekend/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #BeaverBayCampground #LewisRiver #OutdoorRecreation #Camping

RedDoor Gallery invites the public to the grand finale of Brush Strokes in Motion with live painting demonstrations by Cheryl Mathieson and Matthew Clarkson, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process during two afternoon events in Camas. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/grand-finale-of-brush-strokes-in-motion-this-fri-sat-at-reddoor-features-mathieson-clarkson/ #Camas #RedDoorGallery #BrushStrokesInMotion #LocalArtists #LiveArt #ClarkCountyArts

Clark County is accepting applications to fill an open at-large position on the Clark County Arts Commission, with a two-year term beginning immediately and a Feb. 13 application deadline. Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/county-manager-seeks-volunteer-for-open-seat-on-arts-commission-4/ #ClarkCounty #ArtsCommission #PublicService #LocalGovernment #VolunteerOpportunity

Leslie Lewallen discusses her role as director of Future 42 Clark County, outlining the organization’s focus on legislative scorecards, local accountability, and efforts to reach persuadable voters on affordability, public safety, and the business climate in Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/leslie-lewallen-stays-and-fights-for-washington-as-director-of-future-42-clark-county/ #Future42 #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #PublicPolicy #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement

Retired Judge Dave Larson reflects on political dysfunction, arguing that the pursuit of power over principle threatens representative government and urging a return to constitutional values and civic responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-seeking-might-over-right-destroys-representative-government/ #Opinion #RepresentativeGovernment #Constitution #CivicResponsibility #WashingtonState #PoliticalCulture