WA Governor Newsroom

$55.8M Early Learning Grants Create 2,056 Child Care Seats

Governor Bob Ferguson announced $55.8 million in early learning grants through the state Department of Commerce and Department of Children, Youth, and Families to 74 providers, creating 2,056 new child care spaces across 40 cities and 17 counties in Washington State. The grants are funded through Commerce's Early Learning Facilities program and will support new construction, renovation, and expansion of early learning facilities statewide. Commerce received 325 applications requesting $277 million, demonstrating significant unmet demand for child care capacity.

Governor Ferguson Invests $500K Strategic Reserve Funds for IonQ Quantum Computing Expansion in Bothell

Governor Bob Ferguson directed $500,000 from the Governor's Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund to support IonQ's quantum computing manufacturing facility expansion in Bothell, Washington. The funds were awarded to the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County for building upgrades and workforce expenses. IonQ matched the state investment with more than $14 million in private capital. The expansion is expected to create 1,200 to 2,000 jobs over five years, including approximately 100 engineering positions with an average salary of $177,000.

Tenaya Scheinman Appointed to King County Superior Court

Governor Bob Ferguson appointed attorney Tenaya Scheinman to the King County Superior Court, effective May 1, 2026. Scheinman succeeds Judge Jim Rogers upon his retirement. She brings over 20 years of litigation experience, including work as a public defender in King County for 16 years and as an attorney at the King County Inquest Program since 2024.

Governor Ferguson Appoints Andrew Howell Superior Court Judge for Benton & Franklin Counties

Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Commissioner Andrew Howell as Superior Court Judge for Benton & Franklin Counties, effective June 1, 2026. Howell will fill the vacancy created by Judge Diana Ruff's resignation. He previously served as Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court Commissioner since 2022 and spent over a decade at the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, including six years as Juvenile Division's Chief Deputy.