Dear neighbors,
What’s in the proposed state budgets–and how will those investments help families, schools, and local businesses here in the 1st District?
Both the House and Senate have released their budgets. There are three: the main operating budget, the construction budget, and the transportation budget.
In the next few weeks, I’ll tell you the most important parts of those budgets, including local projects being proposed by each chamber. The final project lists and budgets will happen on the last day of session.
Working together for local governments
I’m happy to say that we finished work in the Local Government Committee one week early. It’s my first year as chair of that committee, where we worked hard to listen to everyone with respect and work together on problems that affect all of our communities across the state.
Update on key issues
Here’s a quick update on the status of major bills I introduced this year.
Buy Clean, Buy Fair
What materials go into building a school or lecture hall? Right now, we don’t know. Buy Clean, Buy Fair policies like my legislation (House Bill 1282) shine the light of the truth on this issue and helps fight unfair competition to local U.S. producers from overseas manufacturers cutting corners with workers and the environment. It passed the House and had a public hearing on Tuesday, March 28 in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Better planning for climate change and natural disasters
I’m thrilled to say there’s $40.9 million in the proposed House budget to implement my legislation on to better plan for climate change and natural disasters (House Bill 1181). This bill passed the House and the first Senate committee and is now in Senate Ways & Means.
Faster permits for housing
My legislation to speed up housing permits (House Bill 1167) also is in Senate Ways & Means after passing the House and the first Senate policy committee.
On the housing front, there’s also a proposal to lift the lid on the real estate excise tax for the sale of the most expensive homes in order to fund affordable housing and local options for infrastructure. I’ll update you when there’s news on that issue, along with the funding for housing in the final operating and capital budgets.
Building a better Washington
The proposed House construction budget funds a number of local projects. Highlights include:
- $5.9 million for projects at UW-Bothell
- $5.1 million for Kenmore Supportive Housing
- $2.8 million in repairs for community college facilities
- $1.7 million for the Saint Edward State Park Arrowhead property
- $104,000 for Community Homes upgrades
Transportation budget: moving us forward
This is the first year we’re investing Climate Commitment Act funds, which is exciting news for our state. In the transportation budget, these dollars don’t go to traditional highway projects, but to finding ways of making our transportation system cleaner and greener.
This is a huge step toward the future, toward giving our kids a state with clean waters, green forests, and abundant wildlife. And I know that change is possible and healthy on a personal level – I’m much happier when I can ride my e-bike instead of fighting traffic.
Keep in touch
I appreciate everyone who attended our 1st District Town Hall, and to everyone who’s written, called, or emailed this session. Your ideas, stories, and comments are so important to me.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon!
