Construction budget passes with a record $1 billion to build schools
The new $4.18 billion capital budget, which has now been signed into law, will create thousands of jobs in every corner of the state—and it includes a record $1 billion to build public schools and $800 million to build colleges and universities.
Key projects in the 45th District funded in the capital budget include:
- $3 million in repair and maintenance work at Lake Washington Institute of Technology;
- Nearly $2 million in improvements to Northshore Athletic Fields and the Willows Road Regional Trail;
- $2 million for improvements at the aging 12-bed Woodinville Community Facility; and
- $200,000 in repairs and maintenance at several Department of Wildlife sites throughout the district.
Details about the statewide impact include:
- A record $1 billion to build new public schools, which would help satisfy the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision to fully fund our schools—you can’t hire new teachers without building new classrooms for our state’s 1.1 million school kids;
- $800 million in construction projects at our colleges and universities;
- Local construction projects in every corner of the state;
- Affordable housing funding as the housing crisis is reaching its peak;
- Projects to bring safe, clean water to communities throughout Washington; and
- 75,000 jobs in construction, engineering and natural resources over the life of the $4.18 billion in projects (an estimated 19,000 jobs per year).
To learn more about statewide investments check out the Capital Budget Highlights.
Expanding Early Childhood Education
One of the best ways to make sure that all children are ready to learn when they enter kindergarten is to create more opportunities for high-quality early childhood education. Children who attend high-quality early learning programs are better prepared for kindergarten, and these advantages persist throughout their academic careers. Putting money into early childhood education also increases the potential earnings for Washingtonians and lowers costs in K-12 education, the criminal justice system, and health care.
In order to expand early childhood education opportunities for low-income children in Washington, I’ve introduced House Bill 2659, which will expand eligibility for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
Learn more about the benefits of early childhood education and how the expansion of ECEAP will help close the opportunity gap in this week’s GoodMinute.
Equal Pay heads to the Senate
Last week we passed the Equal Pay Opportunity Act on a 69-28 vote! This is the fourth year in a row that the House has sent an equal pay bill to the Senate.
If it becomes law, this historic measure would update the Washington State Equal Pay Act for the first time since its passage in 1943.
You’ve probably heard that, on average, a woman makes around 80 cents to a man’s dollar for the same work. Women are taking home smaller paychecks and often are not even aware. Many don’t even have the freedom to discuss their own pay, let alone ask for equal pay.
The Equal Pay Opportunity Act would bring our equal pay protections up to pace with dozens of other states by banning pay secrecy policies, allowing discussion of wages and prohibiting retaliation against workers for discussing their pay, or for asking for equal pay and opportunities.
I am confident the Senate will give this bill its support and send it to Governor Inslee for his signature soon!
Look for more updates coming soon and please, feel free to reach out if you have questions, comments, or ideas.
All best wishes,
Roger Goodman
Representative, 45th District
Washington State Legislature