Dear friends & Neighbors,
April 23 officially marked the end of the end of the 2023 legislative session! My colleagues and I accomplished a lot this year and while there’s work left to be done, we took major steps to address the major issues facing our state and district.
Housing: Increasing supply, stability, and security
HB 1355– My bill expands qualification for the senior citizen, disabled individuals, and qualifying veterans tax relief program by increasing the calculation of income thresholds. It also makes adjustments to property tax relief programs every three years. Increasing property taxes are often why these vulnerable groups are forced to relocate. Seniors deserve to age in place. Those with disabilities should be able to remain in the homes they’ve suited to their specific needs. Veterans deserve stable housing as they return to civilian life. This bill makes all these things possible.
HB 1110– I was a proud cosponsor of this bill which passed the House with bipartisan support 75-21 and has passed two Senate policy committees. Washington needs to build roughly 140,000 houses to addresses our growing crisis. Under the bill, development and permitting review for middle housing options cannot be more restrictive than for single-family homes; though, regulations related to tree canopy, set-backs, environmental review, master shoreline programs, and others would still apply. The bill also makes changes to parking requirements based on lot size and proximity to major transit.
Stronger communities
In addition to helping people become stable in their housing situation the new Capital Budget makes significant investments across our district to strengthen our communities. This includes programs to for those dealing with mental health issues to improvements to our community spaces.
Highlights include…
- $2.5 million for the CRMHS Satellite Building Project
- $412,000 for Vancouver Boys & Girls Club seismic upgrade and roof replacement
- $685,000 for the Marshall Park Inclusive Community Playground
- $5.1 million for facility improvements to the Community and Technical College system
See what other projects received funding here.
Funding for the I-5 bridge
The I-5 Bridge is a major thoroughfare that our community depends on. The bridge, built in 1917, is not seismically sound and needs major improvements to withstand an earthquake. SB 5765 implements tolling to fund the construction, maintenance and operations of the bridge maintaining the connection between Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. Tolls won’t be collected until federal, state and local funding has been secured.
Join us for a post session town hall
My seatmates and I will host a post-session, in-person town hall this Saturday, May 6, 10 AM, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St., Vancouver WA
