Friends and neighbors,
We just wrapped up the 2023 legislative session. Future newsletters will update you on legislative successes and victories in the three state budgets. For now, I wanted to report on some of my priorities this session.
I am proud to have sent pair of bills to the governor’s desk. Both bills are, in a sense, part of my ongoing efforts to improve personal and statewide resiliency.
Office of Resiliency
We all know resiliency is not just about how we respond to a crisis. It is also about proactively providing communities and individuals the support they need to be resilient.
That is why I am proud to have sponsored House Bill 1728, which creates a statewide resilience program directing the Washington Military Department to develop methods of tracking statewide resilience efforts, coordinating funds from federal and state entities, enhancing interagency collaboration and filling in resiliency program gaps where they exist. This means that communities across the state will be better prepared for all types of hazards and disasters.
Helping displaced manufactured home residents
To help support the resiliency of manufactured home residents, I also sponsored House Bill 1771. This legislation improves access to the Manufactured Home Relocation Assistance Fund, giving tenants more time to move their homes and remain eligible for assistance and removing provisions that prohibit tenants from receiving further support when forced to relocate.
I believe that this bill is about resiliency, but it is about so much more. It is about justice and protecting people from homelessness. The residents that live in these communities are often forced to move because of site closure. They have done nothing wrong, yet they shoulder the heaviest financial burden associated with relocating.
These sudden, unexpected costs put residents at risk of financial catastrophe and homelessness. Providing increased access to relocation support means these residents can more resiliently weather a very difficult time while keeping a roof over their heads. I believe it is simply the right thing to do.
I am proud to say both pieces of legislation have been signed by the Governor and go into effect in July, 90 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.
Sincerely,
Rep. Brandy Donaghy