State Senator Karen Keiser (D-33) at Progressive States conference

[eridani]

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/06/state_progress.html

Even though the states are a continent apart, Washington State Senator Karen Keiser (D-33) noted the similarities between Washington and Maryland—two states working to be “not just a Petri dish, but a leader” in implementing a progressive agenda.

Washington was the second state—following California—to require that companies provide paid family leave to parents with new children. State-based advocacy groups, such as “Moms Rising,” were instrumental in passing the social programs. And thanks to progressive action, Washington can now boast virtually universal health care for children under 18. Keiser emphasized that they are trying to provide “health care, not just health insurance.”

http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2007/06/progressive_reform.html