Updates from Olympia + RSVP for Townhall on March 22nd

March 1, 2025

Dear friends and neighbors,  

Exciting news from the capitol: on Thursday the Mosquito Fleet Act was passed out of the Transportation Committee with a bipartisan 20-7 vote, meaning we’re one step closer to passing this bill out of the House and sailing it over to the Senate! I’m so grateful for folks across Puget Sound – from San Juans to Whidbey, Kitsap, Seattle, Vashon, Tacoma, and Olympia – for stepping up to advocate for reliable ferry service. It’s a true testament that by working together, we’ll Fix our Ferries.  

You can read more about the Mosquito Fleet Act and how Washington’s maritime history and heritage can guide us to a healthier, more connected future in this terrific Seattle Times article.

Fiscal cutoff 

Yesterday was the last day for bills to be heard in fiscal committees in their house of origin, meaning that if a House bill didn’t get passed out of the House Appropriations, Finance, or Transportation Committees last week, it will have to wait until next year. The only exceptions to that rule are for bills that are necessary to implement the biennial budget we have to pass this session. You can find out more about legislative milestones at https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/.

Bills 

Out of the six bills I introduced this session, three made it through the house of origin fiscal and policy cutoffs. The other three bills – funding student transportation to help school districts close the budget gap, expanding student vocational opportunities, and reforming training and reimbursement to improve mental health outcomes – didn’t make it, or “died in committee” as the locals say. Not to worry, they can come back around next year as even better bills. 

Here’s a roundup of the three bills that are still moving:  

The budget, briefly 

This year, budget writers in Olympia are grappling with a $12 billion shortfall in the state budget. Speaker Laurie Jinkins’ self-described “wonky take” on this issue highlights the unpredictability of revenue growth when balancing the budget over four years, as well as how Washington’s regressive tax structure places the heaviest burden on working families and low-income households. Listen to the scoop with Speaker Jinkins here. 

Upcoming 23rd LD Town Hall!

 

Bring your complaints, suggestions, and concerns and share them with your 23rd Legislative Delegation at one of our upcoming town halls on Saturday, March 22! I’ll be stopping by Bainbridge High School in the morning and the Bremerton Olympic College campus in the afternoon along with my seatmate Rep. Tara Simmons and Senator Drew Hansen. Click on the date you’d like to attend below to RSVP! 

Weekly wrap-up 

Thanks to Emma who served as our page this week! A curious and thoughtful Bainbridge High School student who loves dance, Emma was a wonderful addition to our office during cutoff week. Seeing local Kitsap students learn first-hand how state government works is so much fun, and I’m always amazed and inspired by what these young people end up teaching me. (Thanks Emma for giving me helpful perspective on youth mental health and how to better protect teens online).  

Cheers to the next generation of Puget Sound conservationists, ferry riders, and civic leaders!  

Last week we celebrated Children’s Day at the legislature, and I loved getting to meet so many kids from around our state, as well as getting to have my nieces help me pass a bill on the floor. 

My job is to represent YOU. Whether it’s transportation, housing, healthcare, education, or any issue that’s on your mind — I want to hear from you. Reply to this email, call my office, or reach out on social media. My inbox is always open: Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov. 

Alrighty, that’s all for now. As always, it’s an honor serving the Kitsap community that raised me.  

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