Ann Rivers

OLYMPIA…Marking the recent release of rules from Washington’s Liquor Control Board for the recreational marijuana market, Sen. Ann Rivers is doubling down on her commitment to pass legislation in 2014 that would regulate and license the medical cannabis industry under a separate set of rules from Initiative-502. “The passage of...

OLYMPIA… Sens. Ann Rivers and Annette Cleveland are pleased with the state Department of Revenue’s decision to review regulations that could potentially prevent churches from holding non-profit fundraisers on their property. “Non-profit religious institutions need clarity on what they can do on their properties without jeopardizing their property tax exemption,”...

Washington State’s 18th District Senator Ann Rivers, R-La Center, talks about how the Majority Coalition Caucus will be embarking on a listening tour around the state to get transportation priorities straight from the citizens.

With the end of the 2013 regular and two special sessions now in the rear-view mirror, members of the Washington State Senate Majority Coalition Caucus have their sights set firmly on reforming the state’s transportation system. Listen to Senator Ann Rivers, R-La Center, explain why these reforms are necessary, what...

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,”...

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...

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...

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...

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...