Community investments & a budget for all Washingtonians

Dear friends and neighbors, 

Thank you for your engagement during the 2023 legislative session. I am hopeful that many of the policies we passed this session will make a difference in the lives of Washingtonians. But our work does not end. Throughout the interim period, I will be sending out monthly updates about policy implementation, interim projects, and investments in our community. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at Beth.Doglio@leg.wa.gov with any questions, concerns, advocacy, or feedback. You can also contact my new legislative assistant, Sammi Payne, at Sammi.Payne@leg.wa.gov to schedule a meeting. 


Building a Resilient Washington – the 2023-2023 Operating Budget

As elected officials, it is our duty to fund public goods and services to ensure a better future for all Washingtonians. The Resilient Washington Biennial Operating budget is a $69.3 billion budget to fund critical state services and boosts funding for students, workers, behavioral health, housing, and climate action. The budget prioritizes equity considerations, relying on what communities have shared with lawmakers to guide decisions, considering racial equity with targeted investments while also weaving equity throughout the budget.  

The two-year operating budget adds roughly $4.7 billion in new spending, leaves $3 billion in total reserves, and does not rely on any new general taxes or fees. It also maintains the services expanded using federal funds during the pandemic that protected vulnerable Washingtonians. 

resilient wa

$1 billion 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.  

$397 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.  

$684 million 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.  

$519 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.  

$406 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.  

$2.2 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.  

$382 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.  

$1.8 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.  

$253 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.  

$590 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.  

$1.1 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. 

$800,000 for FESS (Family Education & Support Services): This funding supports the organization’s work in providing educational and supportive services to families and individuals, including parenting classes, child abuse prevention programs, and mental health support. 

$7 million for Deschutes Estuary: This investment will contribute to the restoration of the Deschutes estuary, which is crucial for the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem and its wildlife, as well as providing recreational opportunities for the community. 

$1.136 million for community solar money allocated to WSU: This funding will support the development of community solar projects in the state, enabling communities to access renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The investment will also support research and education at WSU in the area of renewable energy. 


Investing in our community

I’m proud to have advocated for investment in our community. Here is a list of various projects and programs in different areas that are scheduled to be implemented or improved between the years 2023-2025. The list includes projects related to education, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community development. These projects are important for the well-being and growth of the communities they serve, and they aim to address various needs and challenges that have been identified. 

  • Behavioral Health Community Capacity Grants: $6 million in funding for the Nisqually Health and Wellness Center Project in Olympia envisioned to provide holistic physical and mental health services to those with chemical dependency challenges. 
  • Building Communities Fund Grant Program: $100,000 in funding for the CYS Marina View Building Renovation project, creating a more welcoming and safe space for community youth and families. 
  • Youth Shelters and Housing: $200,000 in funding for Community Youth Services in Olympia to help provide shelter and housing for homeless youth, supporting vulnerable youth and addressing homelessness in the community. 
  • Local and Community Projects: $1.7 million in funding for various projects in the 22nd legislative district, including Capitol Land Trust Public Access Preconstruction, Greg Cuoio Park Accessibility Improvements, Harlequin Theater Renovation, Local Grain Conveyance & Storage System, and Tugboat Parthia Pavilion Construction, improving public access, community spaces, and supporting local industries. 
  • Remedial Action Grant Program: $2.2 million in funding for the Budd Inlet Sediment Site to support ecological remediation efforts, addressing environmental contamination and promoting the health of local ecosystems. 
  • North Thurston Public Schools: $1 million to support the development of affordable and accessible childcare services to families in the district, enabling parents to work or attend school while ensuring their children receive quality care and education. 
  • FESS (Family Education & Support Services): $800,000 to support the organization’s work in providing educational and supportive services to families and individuals, including parenting classes, child abuse prevention programs, and mental health support. 
  • Deschutes Estuary: $7 million will contribute to the restoration of the Deschutes estuary, which is crucial for the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem and its wildlife, as well as providing recreational opportunities for the community. 
  • Community solar money allocated to WSU: $1.1million will support the development of community solar projects in the state, enabling communities to access renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The investment will also support research and education at WSU in the area of renewable energy. 

Expanding Minds and Communities: Celebrating the Ribbon Cutting of West Olympia Timberland Library’s Capital Mall Branch

Attending the ribbon cutting for the expanded library in the Capital Mall was a wonderful experience. Libraries can open windows into so many new worlds, and they are unfortunately under relentless attack in other parts of the country. The opening was a reminder of the critical role they play in fostering a love of learning and an informed and engaged citizenry.  

library


Thank you for your continued support! I greatly look forward to connecting over the interim and working together to make positive changes in our community. 

Sincerely, 

Rep. Beth Doglio