Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re just a few weeks away from the end of the Legislative Session, and we’re back in fulltime floor action! I would like to provide you with an update on some important developments in the current House budgets. The Senate and House are currently in negotiations to finalize the Capital, Transportation and Operating budgets.
Chair confers with Vice Chair Sharlett Mena
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Revenues from the Climate Commitment Act
The House passed the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), landmark legislation to reduce carbon emissions and set Washington on a path to meet its statutory goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, in 2021. The new law establishes a cap and invest system that will steadily reduce carbon emissions and air pollution from Washington’s largest emitting sources and industries while investing in green infrastructure, multimodal transportation, and environmental justice.
For those unfamiliar, a cap and invest system sets an overall cap on greenhouse gas emissions with specific limits for individual businesses who must purchase credits for their allowed emissions, which they can then buy and sell. Businesses that emit fewer greenhouse gasses than their allotted credits can sell their credits to businesses that have not been able to reduce their emissions as quickly, allowing the economy to dynamically adapt while meeting the state’s overall carbon reduction goals. The overall pool of allowances will be steadily reduced to meet the state’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. As the pool of allowances is reduced over time, businesses will compete to buy allowances at auctions, generating revenue for the state.
The first Climate Commitment Act auction was held in February. The state sold more than 6 million allowances, with a total of around $300 million in revenues. Those funds are invested in carbon reduction programs like heat pump retrofit, forest protection, weatherization, zero emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles and charging as well as utility bill assistance, and air quality monitoring.
Learn more about the Climate Commitment Act from the Department of Ecology.
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Building a Resilient Washington
The Resilient Washington operating budget is proposing significant investments to support equity, improve access to vital services, protect the environment, reduce poverty and homelessness, promote public safety, and ensure that individuals and families have the support they need to thrive. Here’s a look at our 2023-2025 investments:
$991 million for public health and healthcare: these investments reflect the state’s commitment to equity, access to healthcare services, and the protection of public health during emergencies. By providing healthcare options for undocumented individuals, affordable healthcare for low-income families, and adequate compensation for healthcare providers, the state is working to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. Additionally, funding for foundational public health and reproductive care grants shows the state’s dedication to preventive care and women’s health.
$491 million for poverty reduction: we’re prioritizing the values of economic justice and equity by providing support for low-income working families through the Working Families Tax Credit, access to nutritious food through food assistance, financial assistance for families facing hardship, and comprehensive support through changes to TANF.
$1.8 billion for natural resource protection: we’re investing in the values of environmental sustainability and stewardship by protecting and preserving biodiversity, promoting forest health and wildfire protection, and controlling invasive species to ensure the ecological and economic well-being of the state’s natural resources.
$528 million for housing and homelessness: everyone needs a home. We’re providing comprehensive support to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship through increased funding for homeless and housing service contracts, providing housing and essential needs, expanding encampment response, and supporting local government planning for housing, children, and youth homelessness.
$316 million for the Climate Commitment Act: this funding supports initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental justice, and renewable energy, which are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and promoting a healthy and sustainable future for all.
$1.9 billion for k-12 education: we’re providing fair and equal opportunities for all students, by ensuring educators are compensated and supported, supporting students with disabilities through special education funding, and providing free meals to help students focus and succeed.
$356 million for higher education and workforce development: we’re creating opportunities for individuals to improve their economic mobility and achieve their career goals, while also addressing important social issues such as mental health and healthcare access.
$1.9 billion for long-term care and developmental disabilities: we’re increasing rates for nursing home and home care workers, supporting adult family homes, and facilitating transitions out of acute care hospitals can help to ensure that individuals with disabilities and those in need of long-term care receive high-quality, compassionate care and support.
$226 million for community safety: we’re supporting a variety of programs, including increased criminal justice training, the establishment of an independent agency for investigating police misconduct, firearm safety and violence prevention, AMEND training, therapeutic courts, and support for legal representation. These investments will improve public safety, reduce crime, and promote fairness and justice in the criminal justice system, ultimately working towards creating safer and more equitable communities for all residents.
$608 million for childcare and early learning: we’re promoting equity and access to quality care for young children, particularly those from low-income families and those in kinship care. This investment supports ECEAP rates and slots, family care provider collective bargaining, and kinship caregivers, which can improve the availability and affordability of childcare, and help children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills crucial for their future success.
$1.3 billion investment for behavioral health: we’re supporting access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, including increased rates for providers and investments in behavioral health beds. This investment also prioritizes care for vulnerable populations, such as children with complex needs, and supports the workers who provide these critical services.
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Time flies! As we approach the final stretch, I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to be in-person with my colleagues and for the face-to-face conversations I have had with so many of you.
Thank you again for your participation and engagement. It is an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Beth Doglio