State Rep. Marcus Riccelli praises capital budget allocations for local community
As the age wave hits our local community, state, and nation, more and more people are facing hardship. From covering the cost of medication to simply getting around, today’s seniors face serious challenges to their daily lives. Even the a local facility specifically for seniors, Corbin Senior Activity Center, could be difficult for some seniors who have mobility challenges. With an elevator, the senior center simply wasn’t accessible to some local residents. State Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) joined by State Senator Andy Billig (D-Spokane) gathered to celebrate the passage of the state capital budget which included a $300,000 allocation to install an elevator at Corbin.
“Investing in the brick and mortar of our community, by prioritizing the programs and services offered by people like the staff here at Corbin Senior Activity Center, is why government exists,” said Riccelli. “When I learned that Corbin didn’t have an elevator, I knew this was the right thing to do. This space is a good investment for our tax dollars.”
“I was in such shock that I didn’t believe it”, said Christa Richardson, Executive Director of the Corbin Senior Activity Center, upon hearing that funding had been approved. “How lucky can you get?”
“Our capital budget was good to Spokane and will also provide jobs in Spokane. Along with the Corbin Senior Center elevator, we’re investing in the NEWTECH Skill Center, the Women & Children’s Free Restaurant, the Children’s Theater, the MLK Jr. Family Outreach Center, and more. These projects are just a drop in the bucket when you look at what we’re spending in the state budgets. But they make a real difference in the lives of thousands in our community,” Riccelli added.
In addition to the elevator at the Corbin Senior Activity Center, the capital budget included:
- NEWTECH Skill Center: $8.15 million
- Women & Children’s Free Restaurant: $300,000
- Spokane County Women’s Club: $300,000
- MLK Jr. Family Outreach Center: $85,000
- Spokane Children’s Theater: $18,000