Dear neighbors,
With only a few weeks left in the 2022 session, I wanted to give you a quick update.
This e-newsletter includes what’s happening to legislation I introduced, the new state budget, the House-Senate transportation package, and the proposed construction budget from House Democrats.
Update on legislation that I introduced
Helping those with dementia
With more than 100,000 Washingtonians aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the work of the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) is imperative to our state.
House Bill 1646 protects the work of this collaborative and will make a real difference for those with dementia and their families. The bill is now being considered by the Senate after receiving a unanimous vote in the House.
Improving group insurance
House Bill 1052 protects policyholders in group insurance contracts. It requires performance standards in group insurance contracts to be explained in the contract and filed with the Insurance Commissioner. This bill also passed the House and is now being heard in the Senate.
Home dialysis
House Bill 1675 Enables patients to have dialysis treatment in the comfort of their own homes. It requires pharmacies and drug regulations to allow the delivery of dialysis devices and drugs directly to home dialysis patients. It also allows more physicians to prescribe dialysis devices and drugs. This bill passed the House and is in the Senate.
Middle housing
As you may have already heard, my middle housing bill (House Bill 1782) did not pass. Although I am very disappointed, I am grateful to everyone who advocated for #Homes4WA. You made a huge impact and helped move the issue of housing availability to the forefront. I believe the coalition we’ve started is the foundation for an even stronger policy proposal next year.
I am committed to fighting for more housing across the state and creating a future where everyone can afford to live in the place they call home. Thank you.
A state budget that puts people first
House Democrats proposed a new state budget that helps working families, reduces the cost of college, and invests in public health and COVID recovery.
You can get details from the non-partisan House Office of Program Research here: leap.leg.wa.gov
And you can see the press conference about the budget proposal on TVW.
Construction budget means jobs and progress
The $1.26 billion construction budget (House Bill 1738) proposed by House Democrats would make massive new investments in affordable housing, access to broadband, early learning, and other vital infrastructure.
This is a highly unusual supplemental capital budget, as most years there is perhaps a few hundred million dollars in new projects in spending. This year is different due to one-time infusions from the state general fund ($737 million) and aid from the federal government ($264 million). The remainder is funded via state bonds ($290 million).
I’m particularly happy about a transfer of $500 million from the operating budget to addressing housing needs.
You can find more details about the budget here.
Transforming our transportation system
House Democrats have unveiled a $16 billion transportation package, Move Ahead Washington, to modernize and transform our transportation system so it’s cleaner, more sustainable, and more accessible.
Move Ahead Washington delivers historic investments to preserve our roads, reduce carbon emissions, and provide safe, accessible, and affordable options to get around.
House Democrats hosted over 90 listening sessions to hear the top transportation priorities from communities across the state. The plans takes bold action to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. It also puts billions toward mass transit and other alternatives to driving alone on the highway.
This proposal does not include a gas tax. Instead, we are meeting our state’s needs with a one-time transfer from the state’s general fund, federal dollars from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and investments from the Climate Commitment Act.
Keep in touch
Thank you for reading this, and thanks to all who’ve called, emailed, and met with me this session.
Please contact me with any questions or comments!
