Clark County Today News

Washington’s House Democrats have passed HB 1233, making prison labor voluntary unless court-ordered. Supporters say it protects inmates’ rights, while critics argue it could lead to higher taxpayer costs and weaken rehabilitation efforts. Read more from Tim Clouser at The Center Square Washington at https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/house-dems-vote-to-end-forced-prison-labor-gop-warns-taxpayers-may-foot-the-bill/ on clarkcountytoday.com #HouseDems #PrisonReform #LegislativeDebate #StateBudget #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews

Washington state lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 5041, which proposes extending unemployment benefits to striking workers for 26 weeks. Critics argue that this would drain the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, a system meant for workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center warns that this bill would put businesses at risk and shift financial responsibility from unions to employers. Read the full column at https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-bill-5041-a-favor-for-unions-will-harm-safety-net-for-workers/ on clarkcountytoday.com #SenateBill5041 #UnemploymentBenefits #StrikingWorkers #WorkerRights #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews

It’s time for this week’s poll! Should schools require teachers to ask students for their preferred pronouns? The La Center School District is responding to an OSPI ruling on its pronoun policy, and the issue is stirring debate. Cast your vote now at https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-think-schools-should-require-teachers-to-ask-students-for-their-preferred-pronouns/ clarkcountytoday.com #WeeklyPoll #LaCenterSchoolDistrict #EducationPolicy #GenderPronouns #WashingtonStateSchools #ClarkCounty #LocalNews

Two bills to reform WA Cares failed this session, while two others move forward. Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center discusses their impact on the program and what lawmakers should do next. Read more at https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-outcome-is-split-so-far-on-four-bills-related-to-wa-cares/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #WACares #PayrollTax #LongTermCare #WashingtonLegislature #PolicyReform #RetirementPlanning #WorkerBenefits

Clark County high school basketball teams saw their championship hopes end in the WIAA state tournament quarterfinals. All six teams will now compete in the consolation bracket for a state trophy. Read more at https://clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-basketball-there-will-be-no-state-champions-from-clark-county-this-season/ #Tacoma #Yakima #Vancouver #Camas #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #HighSchoolBasketball #WIAA #StateTournament #CamasPapermakers #ColumbiaRiverRapids #SetonCatholicCougars #FinalFour #StateChampionship

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s freeze on $3 trillion in federal funding, ruling that the executive branch exceeded its authority. Learn how this ruling impacts state budgets and community services at https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/judge-blocks-freeze-on-federal-funding/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #FederalFunding #LegalRuling #GovernmentSpending #StateBudgets #PublicSafety #EducationFunding #HealthcareFunding

The Greater Clark County Service Awards Breakfast will take place on March 20, honoring local heroes from first responders to nonprofit leaders. Celebrate those making a difference and learn more at https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/greater-clark-county-service-awards-breakfast-set-for-march-20/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #ServiceAwardsBreakfast #communityheroes #firstresponders #nonprofitrecognition #educators #militarypersonnel #medicalprofessionals #volunteerrecognition #publicservice #communityimpact

Support local cat rescue efforts by taking part in Furry Friends’ 5th annual “Whiskers & Wishes” online auction from March 19 to March 23. Funds raised will help provide spay/neuter services, medical care, and shelter for rescued cats. Learn more at https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/area-cat-rescue-to-host-whiskers-wishes-online-auction/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #FurryFriends #WhiskersAndWishes #onlineauction #catrescue #nonprofit #kittenseason #spayneuter #petadoption #fundraiser #donationdrive #petmedicalcare

Washington state’s K-12 education funding system has evolved through constitutional mandates, court rulings, and legislative decisions. In the first of a three-part series, Larry Roe and Dick Rylander explore how state, federal, and local funds shape school budgets. Read more at https://clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-k-12-washington-state-education-funding-overview-part-1/ #Vancouver #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #K12educationfunding #publicschoolfunding #educationpolicy #WashingtonLegislature #schooldistrictbudgets #schoollevies #educationmandates

Clark County homeowners may qualify for property tax exemptions! Specialists from the Clark County Assessor’s office will provide information and enrollment assistance at two upcoming Battle Ground events. Learn more and check your eligibility at https://clarkcountytoday.com/news/dont-leave-tax-dollars-on-the-table/ #Vancouver #BattleGround #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #propertytaxexemptions #taxrelief #taxreduction #ClarkCountyAssessor #seniortaxexemptions #disabilityexemptions #financialassistance