Community Front and Center

 

We are now past the halfway point of the sixty-day session, and deadlines are approaching in rapid succession. I have been working hard to ensure that smart public policy moves through the process without missing any key cutoff periods. But the most important part of my time here is the opportunity to check in with the thoughtful, committed advocates that come to Olympia to make their voices heard.

In the past month, I have met with dozens of community groups and concerned citizens that came across the pass to make their voices heard: parents, educators and child care providers; doctors, nurses and patients seeking care; landlords, realtors and housing advocates; students, human service providers, and people in a tough spot. I am doing what I can to keep these perspectives front and center throughout the legislative process.

 

The Dance of Legislation – Cutoff Week

 

In a short legislative session, it seems like we are constantly rowing against the current to move bills through the process and stay ahead of the cutoff deadlines. Fortunately, many of the bills I drafted are still moving, including health care bills related to newborn screenings, basic health, and child nutrition, as well as workplace protection legislation to ensure caregivers have access to sanitary equipment and to prevent workers from being unfairly misclassified and excluded from on-the-job protections that are already law.

 

3rd District Town Hall

 
I am working hard to promote policies that will help our community, and I would love to hear what you think. If you can’t make it to Olympia, be sure to stop by our upcoming Town Hall in Spokane. (Details are on the right-hand side of this message.)

Together, we can continue to move Spokane and our state forward. It is an honor to serve you.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane