Social services

Microsoft to Contractors: Give New Parents Paid Leave

Microsoft to Contractors: Give New Parents Paid Leave

Republican state Sen. Joe Fain, the prime sponsor of the measure that passed last year, said Microsoft's decision was "a really powerful step forward."

By applying the plan to contractors and vendors around the country, "it really creates a pressure for those state legislatures to make a similar decision that Washington made."

Fain is the person we need returning to Olympia

Fain is the person we need returning to Olympia

“Joe is the community advocate and bipartisan leader our community needs. While the rest of our nation’s politics sometimes seems to be crashing down around us, Joe’s is a steady and thoughtful hand that brings people together to get things done. This primary election I’m voting for our Sen. Joe Fain, and I hope you’ll join me.”

Family-leave measure passed by Washington Legislature

Family-leave measure passed by Washington Legislature

The Washington Legislature on Friday approved a paid family leave program that offers workers paid time off for the birth or adoption of a child or for the serious medical condition of the worker or the worker’s family member.

New state law reduces barrier to addiction recovery

New state law reduces barrier to addiction recovery

A first-in-the-nation new law providing for privileged communication between a person undergoing drug or alcohol addiction treatment and their recovery sponsor goes into effect today in Washington state.

The change sponsored by state Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, recognizes the important role sponsors play in substance abuse treatment by providing support, advice and accountability for recovering addicts.

Auburn's job support for people with disabilities recognized statewide

Auburn's job support for people with disabilities recognized statewide

Auburn residents are well represented when it comes to job support and training for people with disabilities. The City of Auburn and state Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, were recognized by the Community Employment Alliance at the group's annual meeting in Snoqualmie on Oct. 7.

Hundreds hear homeless stories during annual Reach Out fundraiser in Federal Way

Hundreds hear homeless stories during annual Reach Out fundraiser in Federal Way

“My trunk became my closet and my glove compartment became my lingerie drawer,” Khalid said in a video, as hundreds of people in the audience — including Khalid herself — watched her story unfold on a big screen during Reach Out's annual breakfast fundraiser on Tuesday morning at the Christian Faith Center.

Improving the odds for young people leaving foster care

Improving the odds for young people leaving foster care

Transitioning into adulthood can be a daunting experience... Think about how difficult this transition would be if the home or homes you grew up in were no longer an option and you couldn’t turn to your parents for guidance or financial help.

Finding a solution to street gangs

Finding a solution to street gangs

Criminal street gangs are a serious burden in Central and South King County. Gang violence is not a new phenomenon and needs to be addressed. The most fertile ground for the spread of gangs is the hearts and minds of our youth. At a young age, our most vulnerable children are making decisions that could lead them to a lifetime of violence and criminal behavior. In order to address the problem, we must look to prevention and early interventions.

Foster Youth with Medical Needs Receive Extended Services

Foster Youth with Medical Needs Receive Extended Services

Foster youth often face a difficult transition into adulthood when services typically end. Legislation signed into law Monday, sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain and Rep. Tina Orwall, will provide extended benefits to young adults ages 19-21 with medical conditions who do not already qualify for extended foster care, which requires them to be enrolled in school, job training or employed.

Fain's work improves access to developmental disability services

Fain's work improves access to developmental disability services

Auburn Reporter

Following the legislative session, Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed into law the Vulnerable Individuals Priority (VIP) Act, co-sponsored by Joe Fain (R-Auburn) that will provide developmental disability services to 5,000 people currently on a waiting list.

The measure, which had strong support of advocates for developmental disability services and lawmakers, will provide additional respite care and supported employment assistance.

 

Legislature continues work supporting victims of human trafficking

Legislature continues work supporting victims of human trafficking

“Too often victims of sex trafficking suffer severe personal and legal consequences while those that forced them into the situation get away with much less,” said Sen. Joe Fain in a press release. “Legal records for those forced into prostitution as a minor shouldn’t prohibit their ability to get a job and participate fully in society.”

Senate approves foster-care extension ahead of key deadline

Senate approves foster-care extension ahead of key deadline

State Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, the Senate's majority floor leader, worked with the proposal's sponsors and stakeholders to bring the measure before the full Senate for a vote before the 5 p.m. deadline.