Addressing Sound Transit car tab fees
I voted against Sound Transit 3 authorization because it was simply too much money for little benefit to our area. In the past year, we’ve seen just how much that cost would affect local families. The shockingly high car tab fees are hurting the middle class and I’m glad the Legislature is moving forward on bipartisan legislation I co-sponsored that addresses the problem.
When the Legislature passed the ST3 authorization and gas tax bill that I voted against, it told Sound Transit to use an older method of valuing vehicles which isn’t accurate. HB 2201, which is the bipartisan solution to fixing this problem, uses an updated valuation schedule that closely tracks to Kelley Blue Book values.
The House passed HB 2201 and it’s heading over to the Senate. While I’m sure there will be discussions and debate on amendments, I am hopeful the new Senate leadership will move this bill on to the Governor’s desk.
Visit with Idlewild students
It’s been a busy few weeks at the Legislature and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with students from Idlewild Elementary when they came to visit.
State construction budget passes
The state’s construction, or capital, budget finally passed last month. It includes billions in funding for school construction, community projects, building renovation and restoration, conservation, and more.
Locally, I was able to secure $2 million for the JBLM North Clear Zone and another $1 million for a new Traumatic Brain Injury center on base. In total, Pierce County is receiving $203 million for various projects. More of what I am excited about for our district is below:
$15 million for Western State improvements, maintenance, and repairs,- Nearly $4 million for the Military Department
- $3.4 million for renovations at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s Cascade Building,
- $500,000 to complete the Ponders Water Treatment plant for the Lakewood Water District,
- $60,000 to upgrade the Lakewood Playhouse lighting replacement and upgrades,
- $53,000 for DuPont Historical Museum renovations,
- $31,000 for the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association Storage Building, and
- $26,000 for the Anderson Island Historical Society Archival Building.
Update on legislation
Several more bills I sponsored have moved forward since my last email.
My legislation to help stop dangerous individuals from being released from Western State into our communities (HB 2289) passed out of the Appropriations committee this week. I’ll keep you updated as it progresses.
I’m also happy that my bill promoting employment for military spouses (HB 2456) passed out of committee with strong bipartisan support. Click the image below to watch a 28-second video on this military spouse employment legislation.
Town hall reminder!
Don’t forget to join me, along with Senator Steve O’Ban and Representative Dick Muri, for a community discussion about the issues we’re working on in Olympia on your behalf.
WHEN: Saturday, February 17, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and the program starts at 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette Street, Steilacoom, 98388
WHY: To update you on the work we’re doing on your behalf and hear from you on the issues important to our community.
Thanks,
Christine