Fewer teens use tobacco and alcohol; many need support for depressive feelings

Healthy Youth Survey explores attitudes and behaviors among 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders Fewer students are smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, according to a recent survey of kids in our state. At the same time, a large number of students seriously considered suicide in the past year. The number of secondary school students who believe using marijuana is risky dropped to the lowest level since the state started collecting…

Housing and Essential Needs services effective at reducing homelessness

Newly released report reveals increased housing stability and less likelihood of incarceration OLYMPIA, WA – A Housing and Essential Needs report for the Washington State Department of Commerceshows recipients have greater housing stability and are less likely to be incarcerated compared to similar peers who do not receive Housing and Essential Needs services. The Housing and Essential Needs Program provides non-cash rent assistance and other support – such as personal hygiene and bus tokens –…

Thousands entitled to Earned Income Tax Credit payment could miss out

Free tax help for low- to moderate-income taxpayers available by dialing 2-1-1 or go to Get Free Tax help http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ for the nearest location OLYMPIA, WA – The state is urging you to apply for your share of millions in Earned Income Tax Credit(EITC) money available to eligible families and individuals from the Internal Revenue Service. Today is “Earned Income Tax Credit Day,” helping raise awareness of this federal program. The program goes…

Third annual broadband report shows high-speed internet access improving all over the state

Washington is now 10th in the nation for access at 3 Mbps and third in broadband adoption OLYMPA, WA – The work of public and private broadband providers is paying off in Washington according to the 2012 Annual Broadband Report released today by the Washington State Broadband Office.  During the last year, more than 500 of the state’s 629 Census-designated communities saw increased access to broadband through wireline and/or wireless providers. “These statistics…

State Board approves funding for City of Tekoa

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced approval of a $40,000 grant to the City of Tekoa to support a feasibility study for a truck bypass. If built, the bypass would remove truck traffic from Tekoa’s main street and business district improving public safety and business development opportunities. The study will examine the potential to improve public health and safety by reducing seasonal traffic…