In this edition:

Reaching Out to the Community

Our Students – Our Future

November Mobile Office

In Olympia:
327 John L. O’Brien
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504
(360)786-7888

In Spokane: 
25 West Main
Spokane, WA 99201
(509)456-2760

Visit my Website
Email:Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov

Legislative Assistant:
Michaela Williams
Michaela.Williams@leg.wa.gov

Reaching Out to the Community

Rep. Riccelli visiting children at the St. Anne’s Children and Family Center.

October has been a non-stop month, as we kick into gear in preparation for the next legislative session. Over the last few weeks, I have met with constituents to discuss issues such as health care, transportation, and higher education.

Governor Inslee joined us in Spokane to discuss the completion of the North Spokane Corridor, implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and proposals for a green economy. It was a privilege to have the Governor here in Spokane to hear the voices of real people in our community on what direction the state should be heading. I have had many other opportunities to talk with community members about our values and priorities: I met with construction workers, small business owners, union members, museum curators, child care providers, mental health professionals, accountants, local government officials, and people on the front lines of health care policy and practice.

These groups of people come from all different walks of life and from every policy angle, but we all have one thing in common: a desire to do what’s best for our community. I believe good public policy depends on active public engagement. It has been wonderful to tap into the insights that our community members bring to the table.

Our Students – Our Future

Spokane lost an honorable leader earlier this month with the passing of Former US House Speaker Tom Foley. He has left an indelible mark on our region and nation, and his legacy will live on. Click here to read my brief statement. When I reflect on the great leaders that have come before us, I am reminded of how important it is to prepare today’s youth for the leadership challenges of tomorrow. Over the past several weeks, I had the privilege of meeting with high school students at NEWTECH Skill Center and the Community School, as well as college students at WSU and Gonzaga, where I had the opportunity to hear their concerns and identify public policy solutions to our shared problems. Next week I will be meeting with students from Spokane Community College. I am excited to be working with students as we tackle issues such as college affordability and the student debt burden, as well as the job market of the 21st century. Whether technical, two-year or four-year, post-secondary education should be attainable by all who choose to pursue it. We must not price the next generation out of higher education.

ASWSU Director of Legislative Affairs Jansen VanderMeulen presents Representative Riccelli the Champion of Higher Education Award.

November Mobile Office

Senator Andy Billig, Representative Timm Ormsby and I held a festive mobile office at the South Perry Farmer’s Market earlier this month. It was perfect timing for the fall harvest. If you weren’t able to stop by, I hope you will be able to drop in on our next mobile office in Hillyard. Here are the details:

Wednesday, November 13, 3:30-5:00PM
Northeast Community Center
4001 North Cook Street
Spokane, WA 99207

I always enjoy hearing from you. I hope to see you there.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane