Legislative Update: Climate Resilience, Senior Meals, and Legislative Page Program

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As the legislative session rolls along, take a look as some of bills that I am supporting this year. The Legislative Page Program is also back after a two year absence. It provides a fantastic experience for teenagers to learn about the Legislature.

Planning Climate Resilient Communities

Climate resiliency graphic

In just the last few years, many of our communities have been devastated by wildfires, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events fueled by climate change. Climate change made worse by decades of suburban sprawl and poor land-use planning.

Where we live, how we build, and how far we have to drive all contribute to our impact on the environment — and we can do better. House Bill 1181 will help us build greener, safer, more walkable neighborhoods by adding climate change & resiliency to our state’s land-use planning framework.

This bill will increase housing capacity, limit greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution in historically impacted communities, and address the adverse impacts of extreme weather events. I’m proud to support it.

Lowering Costs for Washington Seniors

Senior receiving a meal

Older Washingtonians—including those living in senior living communities—often live on fixed incomes. Nearly 50 percent of people over the age of 65 rely just on social security payments alone to get by! As the cost of living continues to rise, our seniors are among the most affected.

I’m proud to support House Bill 1431 to provide some relief for Washington seniors by ensuring that meals provided by senior living communities are exempt from sales tax. This is just one step we can take to lower costs for those who need it most.

Legislative Page Program is Back!

Rep. Goodman talking to two pages

With the Legislature returning to in person session in Olympia, the legislative page program is back and accepting applications! The page program gives young Washington residents the chance to learn and participate in the legislative process by attending page school, assisting offices, delivering messages and working on the House & Senate floors.

This unique opportunity is open to Washington residents who are at least 14 years old but have not reached their 17th birthday. We’re making a one-time exception this session to allow 17 & 18-year-olds to participate during two specific weeks since the program was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit the page program’s website by clicking here.

As always, please reach out if you have questions, comments, or ideas. Look forward to another legislative update from me soon.

All best wishes,

Roger Goodman
Representative, 45th District
Washington State Legislature