Well, this is IRONIC! I also live in Western WA. My husband is a Building Inspector for the City of Kirkland.

I left my job in 2018 from a School District where I worked for 16 years. The last 5 years I was union president for everyone who wasn't a teacher. I started taking care of my in-laws in 2016 and originally asked for a 1 year leave of absence to get their medical issues figured out. Admin countered and asked if I would be willing to take on a new role and work 1 day per week, and continue as union president. I agreed and did that for 2 years. Ultimately, their needs took up my time and I formally resigned. We currently have my mother-in-law in a facility in Marysville and I spend time with her regularly as she is on hospice for cancer. I fully intend to run for school board in my area this year as my next step after she passes.

Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave was not in existence until 2020(ish) so it is still a new state program with bugs to work out. Just like WA State Labor & Industries (L&I), it will go through growing pains and people will abuse it. And just like L&I they will collect the premiums but scrutinize all payouts.

I fully understand now your frustration wasn't towards your employer for denying your 12 week leave request, it was with the State of WA for denying your Paid Family Leave, requiring you to resubmit with additional documentation.