Emailed on Sept 13 from DOL – This increase was proposed for 2020 and the association and stakeholders pushed back on its timing due to the pandemic: “The Department of Licensing (DOL) has been working to update fee increases since the fall of 2019. These fees were initially intended to take effect in November 2020 but impacts due to the Covid-19 pandemic have caused delays. The last fee increases for the Cosmetology programs was in 2010. Under RCW 43.24.086, we must set fees “at a sufficient level to defray the costs of administering that program.” The current fees we charge won’t cover the costs of the Cosmetology programs. The proposed…

The Annual COWU Legislative Day will be on Monday January 30, 2023. (In Person) This day is an opportunity for you to meet your local legislators to address key points important to COWU and build relationships in Olympia.  To help make this event as successful as possible, you will need to be an ENROLLED ADVOCATE in order to Register by November 23rd, 2022.  We must schedule meeting with appointments early in order to get time in your district legislators’ calendars.  We will provide talking points and Capitol campus information, such as cafeteria locations and parking and your final meeting schedule 2 weeks prior to January 30th. We will also hold a virtual…

ANNUAL MEETING OCCURRED SEPT 19, 2022: COWU conducted its annual meeting virtually on behalf of the organization and enrolled Advocates. At that time- the Board elections were tallied and a new Board of Directors was initiated for 2022-2024. President- Raeana Rader Treasurer- Moriah Holmes Secretary- D’Arcy Harrison Moriah Holmes (pictured below) has been added as a new Board member. Bio for Moriah Holmes: “Moe is a licensed cosmetologist of 10 years. Her passion for her craft shows in the care she provides, mapping out a customized plan with her guest to achieve their individual hair needs and dreams, with the utmost respect and personalized communication given. She is well trained…

IF YOUR DEPT OF COSMETOLOGY LICENSE WAS EXPIRED OR CANCELLED after MAR 2020 – PLEASE REVIEW THIS. This COWU Personal Services trade association lobbied hard with Brooke Davies for this temporary law to support our industry- enroll with cosmetologistsofwashingtonunited.org so we can continue to work with a lobbyist! ***BELOW IS MESSAGING DIRECTLY from Dept of Licensing*** “Background: The Washington State legislature recently passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1930. This bill helps cosmetology licensees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensees renewing their license from June 9, 2022, until June 30, 2023, won’t pay a late fee or need to retake exams. This legislation applies to all cosmetology professional licenses, including: Cosmetologists.…