Tag Archives: Washington

Washington Senate Asked to Vote on Reproductive Parity Act

In Washington, a bill called the Reproductive Parity Act is going through Congress. If passed it would ensure that insurance plans that are included in the exchange would continue to cover abortion, (as they do right now). Governor Inslee called for the Washington State Senate to vote on the bill. The Reproductive Parity Act is the name given to bills that would, if passed into law, help women in Washington to maintain their current health insurance coverage when the state health insurance exchange opens in October of 2013. Washington already includes coverage for abortion in health plans that include coverage … Continue reading →

Cheap Presidents’ Day Travel Destinations

Presidents’ Day is just a few hours away.  Where will you be spending the holiday? If you are lucky, you won’t be working on the Congress-concocted celebration marking the birth of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and the other former leaders of the free world.  Consequently, you have the opportunity to explore the home base of our current president. Washington, D.C. is a frugal traveler’s dream destination.  Our nation’s capital is filled with free and cheap attractions that will keep family members of all ages entertained. Many of the area’s museums, monuments and other noteworthy attractions are run by the federal … Continue reading →

Washington Considers Reproductive Parity Act Bill

There are two bills that have been introduced to the legislature in the state of Washington. Together, the two are called the Reproductive Parity Act. The purpose of the bills is to help women maintain their current health insurance coverage when the state health insurance exchange opens in October of 2013. First, a little history. An earlier version of the bills that are collectively being called the Reproductive Parity Act passed the Washington House of Representatives in early 2012. The bill was called HB2330. The Washington Senate decided to vote against the possibility of hearing about, and then officially voting … Continue reading →

Travel to a Hands-On History Lesson

Looking to take a trip of a lifetime? Then, consider jetting off to see history in the making at the 57th Presidential inauguration. Washington, D.C. is buzzing with excitement as it gets set to host Inauguration 2013.  On Monday, January 21st, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in and officially begin their second term in office Surprisingly, there are still some hotel rooms available for visitors traveling to D.C. for the big event.  Of course, not all of them come with price tags fit for frugal travelers.  In fact, some Presidential inauguration travel packages are … Continue reading →

Washington Genealogy Resources

The state of Washington is known as “The Evergreen State”. Are you searching for more information about your ancestors who once lived in Washington? There are plenty of resources out there that can help you. Start by checking out some of the ones that are in this blog. GeneaLinks has a search engine at the top of their page. Put the first name, and the last name, of your ancestor into it. Choose which record type you want to search: vital, birth, death, marriage, divorce, or “Genealogy”. GeneaLinks also has helpful information for genealogists who are new to Washington genealogy. … Continue reading →

Six States have Insurance Exchanges Approved

A total of thirteen states (and the District of Columbia), have been working on creating a state-based health insurance exchange. This week, the Obama Administration gave conditional approval to the exchanges of six states. This is excellent news for the uninsured people living in those states. Part of the Affordable Care Act requires each and every state (and the District of Columbia) to have a health insurance exchange. The exchanges will be used by individuals and small businesses who are uninsured or who are seeking a more affordable health insurance plan. The exchanges will make it clear if a person … Continue reading →

Climate Rally in D.C. on April 25th

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, there will be a Climate Rally in Washington, D.C. on April 25th. The rally, to be held at the National Mall, is sponsored by the Earth Day Network. The organizers hope the rally will cause Congress to pass stronger environmental legislation. There will be entertainment including Sting, John Legend, The Roots, Passion Pit, Bob Weir, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Q-Tip, Jimmy Cliff, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, Willie Colon, Honor Society, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and Booker T. There will also be speeches given by Jesse Jackson, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Olympian Billy Demong, producer … Continue reading →

Zip Into Spring Break

Yesterday was the first day of spring break for kids in our area. Some of my daughter’s classmates are headed for Florida, while others plan to spend their week off from class closer to home. A number of resorts in our state are offering spring break packages, as are dozens of other tourist attractions across the nation. If I had my wish we’d be spending spring break at the following: Catalina Zipline Eco-Tour: The new zipline propels visitors over breathtaking canyons at speeds up to 40 mph. For $89 you get to zip along nearly 3,700 feet in five segments … Continue reading →

More Fun Spring Festivals for Families

Ready for a spring fling? With the economy in the dumpster most families have a tight grip on their budgets. However, this doesn’t mean you have to skip out on a much-needed spring break. Rather than jet off to an overpriced resort, consider sticking closer to home and visiting one of the dozens of unique spring festivals being offered from coast-to-coast, most of which are free or exceedingly affordable: WASHINGTON Who says you have to fly thousands of miles to view flowering tulips this spring? Instead of jetting off to the Netherlands, consider traveling to Skagit Valley, Washington. Located between … Continue reading →

Spring Fun in D.C.

It’s that time of year again… time to get lost among the cherry blossoms in President Barack Obama’s backyard. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. kicks off in just a couple of weeks and this year organizers are predicting record crowds. Each spring millions of tourists from around the world flock to D.C. to witness the explosion of pale pink blossoms. The flowers, which were originally a gift from Japan in 1912 to symbolize its friendship with the United States, flank the city’s Tidal Basin near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Festival organizers say the cherry blossoms should reach … Continue reading →