Week 3 Highlights

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since my last message. We’ve seen a lot of media coverage about some of my priority legislation, including opinion pieces on the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program and my proposal to increase the size of the county commission. There’s also been a lot of work in the House on education, including passing our plan to fully fund education and providing Breakfast After the Bell to hungry kids. And I have several bills that are being heard in committee this week. I hope you find this informative.

Healthy families starts with healthy kids

As you know, I have focused a lot of my time and effort in Olympia on making sure our families and our kids have the opportunity to be healthy from the day they’re born until their twilight years. We have passed bills on improving newborn screenings, creating a new WSU medical school based in Spokane, and increased opportunities for healthier foods in schools. But we still face an obesity and diabetes epidemic that is slating this generation of kids to be the first ever to not outlive their parents.

We must do more. That is why I introduced legislation that would extend our physical education requirements to kindergarten students and phasing in increased PE time requirements for K-8 students. School districts will have to submit reports on their compliance and we’ll also be providing grants to schools who increase their compliance with these requirements. The goal is to teach our children that getting up and moving is an important requisite for a happy and healthy life.

Remembering Sheena Henderson

I know you all remember the story of Sheena Henderson, who lost her life in July 2014 at the hands of her husband, Chris, who took his own life shortly after. Sheena’s father, Gary, and her best friend, Kristin, worked with me last year to pass legislation that would create a new tool for law enforcement to report people as potential risks to themselves or others, and to get them the right treatment from a mental health professional.

Unfortunately that legislation didn’t make it past the state senate, but I’ve brought it back this year and hope we can get this done. The House Judiciary committee voted to send it forward. It has to make it through the Appropriations committee and then a floor vote, which is a lot to do in a short session, but I’m hopeful that this is the year this legislation becomes law. Law enforcement need this tool to prevent future tragedies like Sheena’s.

In the news with important legislation

You might have already seen these, but in case you missed it, we’ve gotten some attention on a few of my priority bills and long-term goals this year. Take a look!

• Spokesman Review opinion piece authored by myself and Sen. Michael Baumgartner: Motion Picture Competitiveness Program a smash hit
• Spokesman Review editorial: Bill to expand Spokane County Commission deserves support
• KXLY News Radio 920: On proposal to increase county commission
• State of Reform Video: What They’re Watching: Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-3)

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions or concerns or just want to share your opinion. It is an honor to serve you.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane