Senator Ann Rivers

Rivers looks forward to new, better solution for Columbia River Crossing The 2013 legislative session ended today with the passage of a new two-year capital budget. The transportation-revenue package that would have provided Washington’s share of Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project funding failed to progress in the final hours of the session. “I take neither pleasure nor joy in this eventuality,”... Read More...

Rivers supports sustainable budget with education emphasis OLYMPIA… Sen. Ann Rivers lauded the $33.6 billion budget approved Friday by the Senate and House of Representatives. The new operating budget includes $15.2 billion in overall K-12 funding, an 11 percent increase over the previous budget.  The budget also prevents higher-education tuition increases by providing funding for Washington’s six... Read More...

Rivers says stage is set for legislators to complete budget work, conclude session In light of a significant boost in resources available to legislative budget-writers, Sen. Ann Rivers today said the Senate and House of Representatives should be able to complete their work this weekend and prevent layoff notices from going to state workers. “With nearly a half-billion dollars more on hand today... Read More...

Rivers supports new reform of state’s industrial-insurance monopoly Sen. Ann Rivers today helped pass a bill that could stave off an increase in the premiums paid by Washington workers and employers for the industrial insurance commonly known as workers’ compensation. “Although our state’s economy is slowly improving employment in Washington is generally well below the pre-recession level. I’d... Read More...

Governor signs Rivers’ bill on fuel switch for publicly owned vehicles Legislation introduced by Sen. Ann Rivers to balance air-quality concerns with the fiscal realities facing local governments completed its legislative journey Tuesday when Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5099 in a Capitol ceremony. Rivers’ bill acknowledges the challenges associated with converting fleets of publicly owned vehicles, vessels and construction... Read More...

Rivers still on guard concerning Columbia River Crossing project Although the new transportation budget adopted by the Legislature doesn’t include nearly enough money to keep the proposed Columbia River Crossing project on schedule, Sen. Ann Rivers says she and others who oppose or question the controversial $3.5 billion bridge-replacement have reason to remain vigilant. “For CRC supporters, the fact... Read More...

Rivers among Senate coalition leaders calling for formal, independent investigation of CRC contracts, spending records Leaders of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus today asked Gov. Jay Inslee to initiate a formal and independent investigation of the controversial Columbia River Crossing project based on concerns raised by two forensic accountants. The request for a comprehensive accounting review is aimed particularly at contracts and spending records and... Read More...

Pro-education, no-new-taxes Senate budget wins Rivers’ support Sen. Ann Rivers said the bipartisan operating-budget adopted by the Senate today would spend more on basic and higher education while addressing the needs of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens, all without raising taxes. The measure passed with a bipartisan 30-18 vote. “The people I represent are having to live within... Read More...