Dear friends and neighbors,
Legislative rules prohibit members from sending email newsletters at certain times of the year, so I wanted to send you one last update before the next ‘blackout’ period begins on Dec. 1. My regular legislative updates will resume again when session begins on Jan. 10, 2022. Until then, make sure to follow me on Facebook for all the latest news. And as always, never hesitate to reach out at liz.berry@leg.wa.gov if my office can be of assistance.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season surrounded by your families, friends, and loved ones. See you in 2022! 🥳
Federal Infrastructure Investments for Washington
Earlier this month, Congress passed a bipartisan infrastructure package that has nearly $8.6 billion for highways, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle chargers, high-speed internet, clean drinking water and more right here in Washington state.
Here’s a closer look at how the new law invests in our state:
- $4.7 billion for highways and $605 million for bridges
- $1.8 billion to improve public transportation options
- $71 million to expand the electric vehicle charging network
- $100 million to boost broadband internet access
- $882 million to improve drinking water infrastructure
You can read more about the bipartisan infrastructure package by clicking here.
These federal dollars are a much-needed investment in our state’s infrastructure, but there’s a lot of work left to do. As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I’ll be pushing for policies and investments in the next legislative session for a green, safe and equitable transportation network that maximizes these federal dollars. Stay tuned for more updates!
Infrastructure Investments Closer to Home
You may also remember that the Legislature invested in our infrastructure and communities last session in a big way. Here’s some of the bills I was proud to support:
- Clean drinking water: To help keep our kids healthy, we passed a bill that sets a deadline for the state Department of Health to test all faucets for lead at public schools used for drinking water and food preparation, notify parents if elevated levels are found and repair pipes and water fixtures leaching the toxin.
- Broadband access: At a time when education, business and even health care was conducted mainly online, we passed the much-needed Public Broadband Act to help make sure families and businesses have access to high-speed internet. We also invested $6.3 billion in construction projects with a $411 million push for broadband access.
- Economic recovery: At the height of the pandemic, we passed a budget that supports those hit hardest economically by offering utility assistance to struggling families, expanding food assistance programs, investing in child care and early learning and providing grants and tax relief to small businesses.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Boosters
The CDC recently announced that all adults age 18+ are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster – and I just got mine Monday!
| This welcome news comes shortly after the CDC also expanded eligibility for initial vaccinations for children 5-11 earlier this month.
With the holiday season approaching, please do your part to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors safe by getting vaccinated. Visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to find an appointment nearest you. |
It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime at liz.berry@leg.wa.gov. For more frequent updates, I invite you to follow my legislative Facebook page.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District