TJ Martinell

Washington

Journalist and Host at Freelance

Investigative reporter, writer, and author frequently seen roaming the Cascade Mountains.

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Articles

WA state labor board investigating Everett employee's union dues complaint

6 days ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – A Washington state labor board is investigating a complaint filed by an employee with the city of Everett regarding dues paid to the local union after that employee attempted to opt out.
Economic reality may force Sound Transit to revise its financial plan

1 week ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – Much of the funding for Sound Transit’s projects, including ST3, has come from federal grants. In the past seven years, it has secured a total of $3.8 billion, with $9 billion expected in future grants for ST3. However, as the transit system struggles to recover its pre-pandemic ridership volumes, the agency faces a growing fiscal challenge due to what a spokesperson says are rising property values and increased construction costs.
New WA grant program incentivizes compliance with police use of force reporting

1 week ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – In 2021, the Washing State Legislature enacted Senate Bill 5259 funding a statewide police use of force database which would receive data from local law enforcement agencies on a regular basis. While the project struggles to get off the ground due to a variety of setbacks and delays, a new state law enacted this legislative session now gives law enforcement officers greater incentives to comply by making new grant funding dependent on it. Sponsored by Rep.
WA AGO has 10 active contracts with law firm defended in amicus brief

1 week ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – The Center Square reported in March that the Washington Attorney General’s Office had an active contract with Seattle-based private law firm Perkins Coie at the same time it defended the firm’s lawsuit via an amicus brief against President Donald Trump’s executive orders. The Center Square has since learned through public records that the Washington AGO has nine additional active contracts with Perkins Coie. The contract’s range from $100,000 to $415,000.
Sound Transit ridership still below pre-pandemic levels despite new services

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – Although it has been several years since the state-imposed lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 virus in Washington state, Sound Transit’s ridership and revenue have remained below pre-pandemic levels despite the expansion of services since then.
WA bill signed into law adds oversight to private utility wildfire protection plans

2 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed into law a bill that adds more oversight over how private electrical utilities mitigate wildfire risks on their properties. Sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, House Bill 1522 requires that private electrical utility companies must file wildfire mitigation plans with the state Utilities and Transportation Commission, which the UTC can accept or reject.
Sound Transit taxes have generated more than $20 billion in almost 30 years

3 weeks ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – In 1996, voters within the Sound Transit District voted to approve "Sound Move," which imposed a variety of local taxes to fund the construction of public transit such as bus lines, commuter trains and light rail. In the years to follow, voters would then approve ST2 in 2008 that added additional taxes or tax increases, followed by voter-approved ST3 in 2016, both of which expand or seek to expand on existing services.
Washington police use of force database faces more apparent setbacks

1 month ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) - A statewide police use of force database project funded by the state Legislature was originally intended to go live by April 2023. The database would allow the public to view and download data regarding incidents involving police use of force, which would be reported to the database managers by law enforcement agencies on a regular basis.
WA Senate passes bill regulating presence of out-of-state National Guard

1 month ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Senate has passed a bill previously approved by the House of Representatives that would prohibit governors of other states from sending their National Guard into Washington without permission from the governor, a policy that has had some critics scratching their heads as to its relevance. “There's no reason for this bill because I believe that federal law already preamps this,” Sen.
Critics warn Washington state bill could raise gas prices by 40 cents by 2031 - The Daily Chronicle

1 month ago | chronline.com | TJ Martinell |Carleen Johnson

Posted 4/9/25 The state Senate Ways & Means Committee voted to advance a bill revising Washington state’s Clean Fuel Standard law amid concerns among critics who warn that the expedited schedule could … Unlock unlimited access for just $1 for your first month Click here to start a digital subscription E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a...