Press Releases – Greg Nance

MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Nance to Hold Fix our Ferries Townhalls Next Four Saturdays

Please join Rep. Greg Nance at an upcoming Fix our Ferries townhall events to share complaints and offer suggestions for how the legislature can restore reliable ferry service to Kitsap neighbors across the 23rd district. Local elected officials will be joining Rep. Nance at each event.

WHO: Rep. Greg Nance

WHAT: Fix our Ferries townhall meeting

WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, January 18 at Bremerton Norm Dicks from 1-3PM
Saturday, January 25 at Kingston Village Green from 1-3PM
Saturday, February 1 at Bainbridge City Hall from 1-3PM
Saturday, February 8 at Poulsbo City Hall from 1-3PM

Fix our Ferries: a preview of the 2025 legislative session with Rep. Nance

Dear friends and neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session is a few short days away, kicking off Monday, January 13. I am honored to have another opportunity to represent our Kitsap community and deliver policies and investments that make our state more affordable, grow the economy, protect Puget Sound, and make sure folks have access to excellent healthcare, childcare, and education.

We know that this is going to be a tough budget year. Our state budget is how we support the people of Washington and the services that individuals and families depend on, like education, behavioral health, and public safety. There is no easy path forward, but as we tackle tough questions, I will be laser-focused on delivering for Kitsap’s working families, like the one I grew up in.

I’m here to work for you – which is why I need to hear from you.

What do you need from the State? What can we do better? Click here to take a short survey to share your ideas, priorities, and suggestions to help shape a Washington that works for you.

I also invite you to join me at one of my upcoming Fix our Ferries town halls in Bremerton, Kingston, Bainbridge, or Poulsbo. I’m eager to hear your questions, complaints and suggestions, and to share our game plan for getting boats in the water and restoring reliable service.

What does a guy have to do to get some kelp around here?

People in the Pacific Northwest and around the world watched last week as southern resident orca Tahlequah J35 pushed her dead calf hundreds of miles in a display of grief akin to a funeral procession.

It was a demonstration of heartache and loss we usually associate with humans, not ocean-dwelling mammals. It is also a message, and a warning. When populations of top predators like killer whales steadily decline year over year, it’s not just trouble for orcas – it’s a sign that the entire ecosystem is starting to fail and food is in short supply up and down the chain.

Inspired by the work of the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribes and Puget Sound Restoration Fund, this session I’m sponsoring legislation that protects Puget Sound, starting with kelp: an often overlooked but hugely important part of the marine ecosystem and food chain. Kelp used to be abundant on shorelines all along the WA coast, but climate change and industrialization have depleted much of it. By designating kelp as our state marine forest, we can draw attention to the importance of kelp as a food source and shelter for salmon and other aquatic life and energize young people to champion the welfare of this important resource.

Get involved in the the 2025 legislative session

You have the power! Our democracy is designed to put the power in the hands of the people it represents, but that only works if folks actively participate.

There’s lots of ways you can make your voice heard and let your lawmakers know what is important to you. Join one of my townhalls around Kitsap, or call, email, or visit me at the capitol in Olympia to discuss bills you care about. Not sure how to learn about bills? Visit www.leg.wa.gov to search for a bill by topic, bill number, or sponsor.

The major milestones of session. The legislature meets yearly, but alternates between a short, 60-day session and a long 105-day session. The long sessions happen on odd-numbered years like this one. Here’s a quick look at some of the important dates during the next few months:

I want to close with a thank you. Though we face immense challenges, I’m grateful for neighbors across the peninsula coming together to support one another. Together, we’ll work through these challenges.

I’m honored to represent the Kitsap community that raised me. All the best,

Working for working families in WA: An update from Rep. Greg Nance

Dear friends and neighbors,

As we head into the final weeks of 2024, I’ve been doing what many of you are likely doing as well: reflecting on the highs and lows of the year, and wondering how time flew by so quickly. This was my first full year serving our Kitsap community as State Rep., and I’m honored and grateful to be heading back to Olympia in January to continue working for my Kitsap neighbors.

Here’s some highlights from the last few months, and a preview of what I’ll be working on during the 2025 session that starts on January 13.

Protecting Puget Sound

Protecting Puget Sound isn’t just a fancy tagline – for the people of Kitsap it’s an endeavor that impacts all of us. I got plugged in on Puget Sound recovery after joining a Suquamish Elder during a beach cleanup in 1st grade, a life-changing experiencing I’ve had the joy paying forward by supporting the next generation of young conservationists. Recently I got to join students from Ordway Elementary for a beach cleanup along the shores of Eagle Harbor.

This year I’ll be serving on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee which has jurisdiction over Puget Sound recovery. My journey to learn more about the issues that might come before the committee took me to the Kelp Symposium hosted by the Suquamish Tribe and Puget Sound Restoration Fund where I learned about the remarkable impact of kelp in salmon and orca recovery. I also joined Port Gamble S’Klallam for a morning of salmon spawning. This November, the hardworking PGST hatchery team led by Mike Jones spawned over 1 million chum salmon eggs! Their team is building an impressive blueprint for Hood Canal salmon recovery.

Enjoying a beach cleanup day with students from Ordway Elementary

Fix our Ferries

We must restore reliable ferry service so neighbors across Kitsap can get to work, get to school, and get to the doctor. As the Vice Chair of the Maritime Caucus, I hosted representatives from across the state to tour Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and hear directly from the engineers and technicians who repair our ferries.

Our delegation also toured MITAGS, the institute in Seattle that trains maritime professionals including our ferry workforce. It was a great opportunity to see how investments are creating a stronger talent pipeline for WSF.

At the “Fix our Ferries summit” in November, I met with community leaders from the San Juans, Whidbey, Port Townsend, Kitsap, and Vashon to talk about finding and securing funding for reliable ferry service. One of the key takeaways is to introduce the “Mosquito Fleet Act 2025” for passenger-only fast ferries to help communities hit hard by reduced WSF service, like Kingston and Bremerton. I’m eager to lead this legislation.

Despite the State’s financial challenges and fiscal headwinds, we are building strong support across Washington for ferry investments. You can help make it happen. Stay tuned for our next round of Fix our Ferries Townhalls and an Olympia advocacy day by following my Facebook page or sharing this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors.

Pictured with Chris Draper, expert WSF machinist who helps lead repairs at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

Working for Working Families

Times are tough. I grew up in Kitsap and as someone who is deeply rooted and invested in this community, I hate seeing my neighbors across the Peninsula getting crushed by rising costs. I am heading to Olympia this session with laser-focus on passing policies that give everyone and every family access to affordable childcare, affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and affordable education.

Over the last few months I had the pleasure of visiting folks from organizations across the district and around the Sound on my search for solutions:

Joined the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance to discuss strategies and partnership opportunities to expand childcare. Thank you to KEDA board members for the discussion and sharp strategies.

Met with the terrific team at Olympic College and Kitsap Mental Health Services to explore building more healthcare pathways programs so we can train a stronger workforce of nurses, techs, and clinicians to better serve Kitsap.

Toured the Port Angeles Puget Sound Pilots station to better understand the role of cargo ships, public ports, and maritime infrastructure in our supply chain. 90% of everything we buy comes off a ship so investing in our maritime supply chain is key to stabilizing the cost of groceries, gas, and medicine.

On Puget Sound with the Puget Sound Pilots in Port Angeles.

Supporting Students and Public Schools

Every child deserves a great public education. I am the proud product of Kitsap K-12 public schools, and will continue to make funding public education a priority. One of the best parts of my role as State Rep is connecting with Kitsap youth to demystify government and remind young people their voices and energy are needed. Here are a few highlights over these past months:

Attended high school graduations at Kingston, Olympic, Bainbridge, and Bremerton, along with graduations at Olympic College, PSNS Shipyard Apprentices, and Kitsap Fire Academy to celebrate the hard work and achievement of grads.

Handed out back-to-school class schedules for Cougars at Central Kitsap High School

Spoke to Bainbridge High before the Homecoming football game (pep talk didn’t work, congrats North Kitsap on the rivalry win!)

Spoke to Vinland Elementary, Island School, and Woodward Middle School on ways to get involved and make a difference

Was honored to speak to Kingston Middle School students at the annual Veterans Day Assembly to salute Kitsap’s veterans. I shared lessons from my Grandpa Charlie (Marines) and Grandpa Kick (Navy Seabees) that still guide me today

Hosted Bremerton High AP Gov class at the capitol and heard smart suggestions to boost youth mental health and expand Safe Routes to School

At the Capitol building in Olympia with the Bremerton High School AP Government class.

Share your thoughts

How can we improve ferry service despite budget cuts and what should we do to protect our clean waters and wildlife?

I’d love to hear from you. You can email Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov, write, or call.

This is a divisive time in politics, and we are facing a tough budget year. These challenges are an opportunity to come together and work across the aisle to deliver for the hardworking people of Washington.

If you’ve taken the time to write to our office, send me a Facebook message, attend a townhall, or say hello in the community – thank you! Hearing your concerns, your stories, and your suggestions is how I learn about the issues that matter most to you. Please reach out if you need help, or have any questions or suggestions.

As always, it’s an honor to represent our Kitsap community.

All the best,

Greg

Take a survey to help Rep. Nance Fix our Ferries and a spring update

Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying spring sunshine and rain showers. Time has flown by since the legislative session ended on March 7, and I’m back in Kitsap meeting neighbors, touring the shipyard and visiting schools, hosting town halls, and talking to folks across the district about what we can do to make Kitsap a better place to live, work, and play.

I grew up in Kitsap so it’s a special honor representing our community as State Rep. Since taking office, I’ve heard your concerns – the lack of affordable childcare, healthcare workforce shortages, unsafe roads – and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in Olympia.

I sponsored legislation to clarify and streamline eligibility for Working Connections Child Care (HB 2110) so more hardworking families can get the affordable childcare they need.
My bill to cut red tape so we can more efficiently certify our healthcare workforce passed unanimously (HB 2355) and I helped deliver $204,000 for Olympic College Healthcare Pathways to support students pursuing healthcare degrees. Working with Senator Hansen and Rep. Simmons, we also secured $4.5 million for the Suquamish Health Center.
As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I helped secure $5.9 million for “Safe Routes to School” at View Ridge Elementary and $1.6 million for the Warren Avenue Bridge. Both projects will help kids and neighbors walk and bike safely, better connecting our community.

But the biggest concern I hear is unreliable ferry service, which led to 3,500 cancelled sailings last year. My top priority in Olympia has been building a bipartisan coalition to Fix our Ferries. The ferry legislation I sponsored had 27 co-sponsors, including leadership from both parties. We worked across the aisle to secure $80 million in new ferry funding ($1.3 billion total) for vessel construction, maintenance, and workforce expansion.

What’s the path ahead? You can read my Seattle Times editorial that details how we can restore reliable service.

Take this survey to help Rep. Nance Fix our Ferries!

I’m grateful to the folks who shared suggestions at one of the 7 Fix our Ferries town halls around Kitsap. I’d love to hear from you too – please take this short survey to offer your ideas on how we can turn the tide and Fix our Ferries!

Election year communications restrictions

There are certain restrictions on legislator communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes every election year. These restrictions include a freeze on my legislative Facebook account and my legislative webpage beginning Monday, May 6, 2024, until after the general election in November.

However, our office is still here to help you! Even during the election year freeze, you can still reach out to my Legislative Assistant Shelby Williams or email me if there’s anything I can do to assist you or your family. You’ll also be able to find loads of information and access to state & local resources on my website → housedemocrats.wa.gov/nance

It’s truly an honor to serve Kitsap… look forward to seeing you around the peninsula soon!

Join your 23rd District lawmakers for a town hall tomorrow!

Dear friends and neighbors,

I’m proud to work alongside Senator Hansen and Rep. Simmons to deliver for our Kitsap community. Tomorrow we’re hosting two town halls in Poulsbo (10AM) and Bremerton (1PM). We want to hear about your priorities and concerns for the district, and answer any questions you have about what happened during this year’s legislative session and what we are going to be working on during the interim.

Your voice is important to me and I hope you’ll join us at one of tomorrow’s town halls with your 23rd District delegation. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions: Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov.

10am Poulsbo campus, Olympic College
1pm Bremerton campus, Olympic College

First bills signed into law + Fix our Ferries townhalls this weekend

Dear friends and neighbors,

Great news — Governor Inslee has signed three of my bills into law:

Working Connections Child Care (HB 2111) clarifies eligibility for subsidized childcare to better support Washington’s working families.
High School Graduation Standards (HB 2110) streamlines graduation requirements to reduce confusion for students, parents, and teachers.
Healthcare Workforce Expansion (HB 2355) cuts unnecessary red tape to certify more radiological technologists and provide early detection to save lives.

Fix our Ferries townhalls continue tomorrow Saturday, March 16th

Hope to see you at one (or both!) of tomorrow’s events:

10am Kingston Village Green
1pm Poulsbo City Hall

We had a great turnout last Saturday in Bremerton and Bainbridge… you can read the KUOW recap. Join us tomorrow and bring your questions, complaints, and suggestions!

As always, it’s an honor to represent Kitsap as your State Rep.

Take care,

MEDIA ADVISORY – Rep. Greg Nance to host two Fix our Ferries town halls next two Saturdays (March 9 & 16)

MEDIA ADVISORY – Rep. Greg Nance to host two Fix our Ferries town halls next two Saturdays (March 9 & 16)

WHO: Rep. Greg Nance

WHAT: Rep. Greg Nance will host morning and afternoon town halls across Kitsap over the next two Saturdays to share ferry funding budget updates, take suggestions from constituents, and answer tough question about work he’s doing in the legislature to Fix our Ferries.

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10AM-12PM Bremerton Norm Dicks
Saturday, March 9, 1PM-3PM, Bainbridge Senior Center
Saturday, March 16, 10AM-12PM, Kingston Village Green
Saturday, March 16, 1PM-3PM, Poulsbo City Hall

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Fix our Ferries townhalls begin this weekend

Dear friends and neighbors,

We’re in the homestretch of our 60-day legislative session. With just a few days left, both the House and the Senate have been busy going through the concurrence process to finalize bills and get them to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Fix our Ferries Town Halls

Please join us at an upcoming Fix our Ferries townhall in your neck of the woods:

I’ll share highlights from the State’s Transportation Budget along with a progress report on our roadmap to fix our ferries… I’m also eager to hear your questions and suggestions.

Please join us – and share with your friends and family as it will take all of us working together to fix our ferries.

Concurrence, Dispute, and Conference

When either chamber amends a bill from the opposite chamber, the amendment must be approved by the chamber of origin. Here’s what that process looks like:

The House or Senate can choose to concur with the changes and move the bill forward
The House or Senate can dispute the changes and ask the other chamber to recede from their amendments and move the bill forward in same form it was in when it was voted out of the House
The House or Senate can request a conference. If differences can’t be resolved, a committee with members from both chambers meet to try and reach agreement. If they can’t, the bill does not move forward.

2024 Supplemental Budget

In Washington the legislature passes biennial budgets in odd-numbered years. In 2023 we passed the budget that covers 2024 and 2025. In even-numbered years like this one, we have a chance to revisit the biennial budget to make sure the numbers still compute. It also gives the legislature the opportunity to add funding for needs we may not have foreseen.

My top priority has been working to fix our ferries. I’m proud of the bipartisan coalition we’ve built that voted to fully fund our ferries by passing the House Transportation Budget on a 93-2 vote.

The proposed transportation budget includes more than $80M of new funding to help Fix our Ferries. Here’s a few highlights:

Investing in ferries and local infrastructure

$1.3B for reliable ferry service including $80M in new funding for vessel maintenance and preservation, and staff recruitment and training
$5M for Kitsap Transit Bremerton-Seattle fast ferry
$51M for Kitsap highways and $14M for Kitsap infrastructure upgrades

Investing in children, youth, and families

This supplemental budget includes investments in K-12 and higher education, including $150M for children, youth & families.

Combatting the fentanyl and opioid crisis

We also proposed making significant investments in the fentanyl and opioid response. This includes HB 2112 that I sponsored to make sure students and staff at higher education institutions in WA get awareness and prevention training and have access to lifesaving overdose reversal drugs.

If you have any questions about the budget, bills, or anything else please email me at Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov or reach out to my office any time. I’m proud to serve Kitsap.

Take care,

House Transportation Budget helps Fix our Ferries and fund Kitsap infrastructure

Dear friends and neighbors,

The House just released its proposal for the state’s supplemental Transportation Budget (think ferries, roads, bridges, and buses). I’m delighted to share that several key priorities for Kitsap made it into the budget, including $500,000 for the WSF 75 Commission I proposed in HB 2497 to evaluate funding sources and gather key data for federal funding we can use to fix our ferries.

Transportation budget highlights:

Washington State Ferries

More than $80 million for ferry support bringing the ‘23-’25 biennial budget to over $1.3 billion for WSF funding, including:

- $2.5 million in Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility improvements so our hardworking WSF crew has the advanced tools, resources, and training to maintain and preserve our fleet.
- $44 million in terminal preservation and improvements to equip Kingston ($18M), Bremerton ($8M), and Bainbridge ($18M) terminals with needed infrastructure upgrades so they can reliably serve passengers long into the future.
- $153 million for hybrid-electric vessel construction, vessel conversions, and terminal electrification.

More than $16M for safe, walkable, bikeable Kitsap communities

$5 million for the Kitsap Transit passenger-only vessels and funding to bolster our Bremerton-Seattle passenger-only run.*
$1.62 million for final design work on Warren Avenue Bridge for pedestrian and bike access. Warren Avenue Bridge SR 303 is a vital connection between Bremerton and the peninsula.*
$5.9 million for View Ridge Elementary Safe Routes to Schools so kids and families can safely walk and bike to school each day including continuous sidewalks and curb ramps at intersections.*

$14M for Kitsap Infrastructure Upgrades:

$2 million for Port of Bremerton electrification.*
$8 million to Kitsap Transit for SR 305 Day Road Park and Ride improvements on Bainbridge and inductive charging infrastructure for smoother, clean energy rides for all of Kitsap.
$4 million for Kitsap Transit design & shore power including design work for electric hydrofoil boats. *

$51.9M for Kitsap highways

$4.9 million for SR 104 Realignment for Ferry Traffic to promote steady flow and reduce blockage of driveways and small business storefronts for our neighbors in Kingston. An additional $13 million is allocated in the next biennium to see this vital project through.
$16 million for SR 3 Gorst Widening to reduce traffic jams and keep commuters moving.
$31 million for SR 305 construction, including improvements at Suquamish Way Access Road.

*indicates that this project was full or partially funded through the Climate Commitment Act

You can help get funding for WSF and Kitsap!

The Senate also released their supplemental transportation, capital, and operating budgets this week. Now lawmakers from both chambers work to combine these proposals into a package that the Governor can sign.

Alongside my seatmates Rep. Tarra Simmons and Sen. Drew Hansen, we’re proud of the work we’ve done as your 23rd Legislative District delegation. We’ll keep advocating for Kitsap all the way to the finish line. You can help us make it happen.

Please share your support for WSF and Kitsap investments by following my Facebook page and using the hashtag #FixOurFerries.

Your voice and advocacy matter. Together, we’ll Fix our Ferries.

Ps: please join one of our upcoming Fix our Ferries townhalls to make your voice heard:

Bremerton: Saturday, March 9th 10am-noon at Norm Dicks Center
Bainbridge: Saturday, March 9th 1pm-3pm at Senior Community Center
Kingston: Saturday, March 16th 10am-noon at Village Green
Poulsbo: Saturday, March 16^th 1-3pm at Poulsbo City Council

You can help fix our ferries! Find out how.

My top priority in Olympia is sponsoring legislation and building a coalition to Fix our Ferries.

Our ferry system is on pace for over 3,000 cancelled sailings this year. Every service disruption means neighbors miss work, miss school, and miss medical appointments.

I’m writing with good news: the legislation I’m sponsoring to Fix our Ferries, HB 2497, now has a bipartisan coalition of 27 co-sponsors including the House Majority Leader and House Transportation Chair.

Early momentum has helped us earn a hearing tomorrow 4p.m. with the House Transportation Committee but we need your help today:

Please register your support in the Legislative Record by signing-in PRO on HB 2497.

Together, we’ll Fix our Ferries.

What does a guy have to do to get some kelp around here?

Get involved in the the 2025 legislative session

Protecting Puget Sound

Fix our Ferries

Working for Working Families

Supporting Students and Public Schools

Share your thoughts

Fix our Ferries Town Halls

Concurrence, Dispute, and Conference

2024 Supplemental Budget

My top priority in Olympia is sponsoring legislation and building a coalition to Fix our Ferries.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. Nance to Hold Fix our Ferries Townhalls Next Four Saturdays

Fix our Ferries: a preview of the 2025 legislative session with Rep. Nance

Working for working families in WA: An update from Rep. Greg Nance

Take a survey to help Rep. Nance Fix our Ferries and a spring update

Join your 23rd District lawmakers for a town hall tomorrow!

MEDIA ADVISORY – Rep. Greg Nance to host two Fix our Ferries town halls next two Saturdays (March 9 & 16)

Fix our Ferries townhalls begin this weekend

House Transportation Budget helps Fix our Ferries and fund Kitsap infrastructure

You can help fix our ferries! Find out how.

Nance bill to reduce healthcare workforce barriers passes House