Dear neighbors,
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who joined us for the informative and engaging town hall meeting on February 16th with Rep. Cortes and myself. Hearing your diverse perspectives on the issues impacting Washington was invaluable and truly insightful.
As the Vice-Chair of the Labor and Workplace Standards Committee, I was particularly pleased that we could dedicate a portion of the discussion to critically important labor issues such as worker protections and worker rights. The historic Everett Labor Temple served as the perfect backdrop for this conversation, reminding us of the long and proud history of organized labor in our district and state, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality in the workplace.
Legislative Update
In the final stretch of the legislative session, with just nine days remaining, my colleagues and I have achieved significant progress. We’ve passed a remarkable 287 bills, with an impressive 214 garnering strong bipartisan support exceeding 80 votes. This level of cooperation across the aisle underscores the power of finding common ground and working collaboratively for the betterment of Washington.
This year, we’ve made significant strides on critical issues. We’ve empowered survivors of childhood sexual abuse by eliminating the statute of limitations, granting them the opportunity to seek justice. We’re actively working to end child marriage within our state. Our efforts are also focused on investing in a high-quality education system, encompassing both K-12 and postsecondary institutions. Additionally, we’re expanding access to affordable housing and economic programs that support Washington residents. Addressing the fentanyl and opioid crisis, which continues to devastate our communities, also remains a top priority.
These crucial issues unite legislators from all corners of our state, driven by a shared vision of building a Washington that thrives for everyone.
Funding For Our Community
Last week, the Washington House of Representatives unveiled and passed a $1.3 billion construction budget proposal. Addressing crucial needs, it allocates $160 million to combat homelessness and improve affordable housing options. Recognizing the importance of early education, $50 million will establish new learning centers for young children. Mental health receives a $84 million boost with expanded facilities, ensuring better access to treatment.
A major emphasis of the budget is its focus on inclusivity and collaboration. Partnerships with tribal facilities offering care beyond their communities showcases this commitment. Diversified funding streams, including the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), underline the budget’s concern for both people and the environment. Funds from the CCA support clean energy, building efficiency upgrades, and environmental initiatives like salmon recovery.
In addition to these investments, I’m seeking funding for various projects across the three supplemental budgets (capital/construction, operating, and transportation). Here are a few of those:
- $2.36 million to improve funding and access to childcare providers who offer nonstandard hours for working families.
- $275,000 to conduct a study of the employment and workforce education needs of the electrical transmission industry in our state. Washington needs to build substantial new transmission capacity in the coming years to help bring our clean energy goals to fruition, and this workgroup will ensure that our workforce is prepared.
- $3.6 million in distressed school funding for the Marysville School District to address dire building conditions exasperated by budget shortfalls, post-pandemic enrollment declines, expiration of federal funds, increased student needs, and extreme weather. Ensuring our students have a safe and healthy leaning environment is a priority.
- $750,000 from the Climate Commitment Act to advance Washington’s role in the Offshore wind supply chain. The growing offshore wind industry presents an opportunity for Washington, including our district, to create jobs and boost the economy. With our skilled workforce and strong manufacturing base, we can build wind turbines and components right here. Funding will support studies on infrastructure needs and collaboration with industry leaders to position Washington as a key player in the offshore wind supply chain.
This budget acknowledges the interconnectedness of our state’s challenges. By investing in solutions for working families, individuals seeking mental health resources, the environment, and economic opportunities, we’re building a stronger, healthier Washington for all.
Video Update
In my most recent video update, I discuss two bills I’m working on this session. The firstwould provide striking workers with unemployment insurance benefits. Currently, when workers make the difficult decision to go on strike, they are often forced to choose between feeding their families and the roof over their heads, and the safe working conditions or benefits they are fighting for. This bill will provide for a fairer playing field for workers if, even though rare, a strike lasts longer than a couple of weeks.
The second bill is House Bill 2114. Last year the legislature took action to increase our housing supply, which means we’re building more homes in Washington state. This is a critical part of solving our housing crisis, but we still need to create some immediate relief for tenants while housing supply catches up to demand. Rent stabilization gives tenants and landlords a steady and predictable plan.
Unfortunately, just two days ago, the Senate Ways and Means Committee failed to move forward this bill against the hopes of renters and manufactured homeowners who have demanded relief after years of excessive and unfair rental increases.
Today, my thoughts are with the thousands of renters and our neighbors who lost big. We must come back stronger next year and accomplish this work once and for all. This is an emergency we cannot ignore.
Looking Ahead
As we close out the session, the next nine days will be pivotal. We’ll finalize the 2024 supplemental budgets and collaborate with the Senate to reach consensus on remaining legislation. I look forward to providing you with an update soon!
In Service,
State Representative Mary Fosse