What a Week! Your 2024 Legislative Session Update with Rep. Greg Nance
Dear neighbors,
This week Governor Inslee delivered his State of the State address. Washington is strong and resilient, but we face big challenges, including rising cost of living that especially hammers our working-class neighbors.
The Gov highlighted soaring childcare costs and lack of access for too many working families. He’s right. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach in Kitsap and across the state. I want what you want – a Washington that works as hard as you do. That’s why one of the first bills I sponsored as a lawmaker makes it easier for working families to know if they qualify for childcare subsidies.
HB 2111 – Working Connections Child Care
I was honored to present my first bill, Working Connections Child Care (HB 2111), that clarifies eligibility for existing state and federal subsidized childcare. Every working family who qualifies should be able to access childcare aid easily and quickly.
Childcare is an issue that doesn’t follow party lines – it affects families all across Washington. That’s why House Democrats and Republicans are coming together to find common ground and work together because we’ve got to deliver for Washington’s hard-working families.
This bill was passed out of committee unanimously. The next step is to hear the bill on the House floor so members can vote to pass the bill to the Senate.
Survey on Childcare
Has the childcare shortage impacted you or a family you know? Sharing your experiences not only helps me understand better how we can tackle the problem, it provides real-life examples that I can highlight in floor speeches and during committee hearings to make the case for change. Take a few minutes to fill out this short, four-question survey to share your experiences. Click here to take the survey.
You work hard. So should your government.
A lot of folks have shared with me that they’re frustrated by how complicated processes can be when trying to navigate permitting, or even high school graduation. I get it, which is why I’m working with my colleagues here in the legislature to try and simplify and speed up processes for things like habitat restoration project permitting (HB 2085) and getting a high school diploma (HB 2110).
We also know that affordable housing isn’t just a big city problem, yet often rural areas are left out of the conversation. HB 2353 would give unincorporated areas in counties the opportunity to create affordable housing even when the proximity requirements for transit and higher education aren’t met.
Keep an eye on my Facebook page to see when any of these bills are up for a committee hearing, or visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ to find more information on a specific bill.
Catch me on the Capitol Ideas Podcast, available for listening now
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Frizzell for his Capitol Ideas podcast last week, and that episode is now available to stream! We covered a wide range of topics, including what inspired me to become a State Rep., and some of the things I hope to achieve this session. You can give it a listen here: Capitol Ideas Podcast.
Engage with your democracy, and come see me in Olympia
Getting involved in the legislative process is easy and is the best way to ensure that your government represents you. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Stay up to date on which bills are being passed this session (https://app.leg.wa.gov/bi/)
- Attend committee hearings and testify to make your voice heard (https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi)
- Participate in various activities on the Capitol campus (https://apps.des.wa.gov/CampusEvents/default.aspx)
- Email or call my office to schedule a visit next time you’re in Olympia (Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov)
You’re always welcome to reach out to my office by email or phone, and if you are in Olympia please come and see me!
I’m honored to serve you.
Roadmap to Fix our Ferries
Hello friends and neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are ready for the new year.
I’m writing to share an update ahead of the 2024 legislative session in Olympia.
Thank you to everyone who took a few minutes to participate in the transportation survey in the last e-news. More than 220 of you responded and provided feedback. It’s obvious neighbors across Kitsap are frustrated with WSF and the unacceptable state of our ferries.
Hearing your concerns and suggestions is the key first step towards better policy.
This legislative session in Olympia, I’ll be working to:
- Invest in a 21st century ferry fleet to reduce fuel costs and boost reliability
- Recruit and train a 21st century ferry workforce
- Demand increased transparency and accountability from WSF and state leadership
I need your help to make this roadmap happen. Please take a few moments to read my Kitsap Sun editorial A Roadmap to Fix our Ferries that digs into each policy and shares how you can help.
My core point is that we need you and your voice to bring change to WSF. Please follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/RepGregNance and comment on my recent post to share how ferry disruptions have impacted you and your family. (Facebook is also a good way to stay updated and provide ongoing suggestions). You can always email our office too: Greg.Nance@leg.wa.gov.
My job as State Rep is to amplify your voice in Olympia; this is how we drive better policy and real change. Together, we’ll fix our ferries.
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2024.
Greg
December Update and Transportation Survey
Hello,
The legislative session starts January 8th, and amid the flurry of the holidays I’ve been preparing for my first session as a lawmaker in a few different ways.
First – listening. From sports and community events to visiting schools, small businesses, chambers of commerce, tribal hatcheries, homeless shelters, affordable housing developments, fire stations, and non-profits, I’ve had great conversations with neighbors across Kitsap about what issues matter most and our priorities for our community.
One of the most frequent topics is transportation – Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit, our state highways, walkable and bikeable communities – and how we can make sure all our systems work together safely and reliably. In fact, if you have a minute, I’d love to hear from you right now with a two-question survey on transportation. Click here to access the survey. Your answers will help me understand how I can better advocate for our district as a lawmaker.
The second way I prep is coffee. Lots of coffee. If you haven’t had a chance to join me at one of my coffee chats over the last few weeks, there’s still a chance before session starts! I invite you to join me in your neck of the woods at any of the dates below to chat about the issues facing our community, and your thoughts and suggestions for making things better.
Finally, I’ve been doing a lot of reviewing and researching. I’ve been diving into the State Transportation Budget to better understand how state dollars get spent, how projects are prioritized, and how we maintain our transit infrastructure. I’ve read through Washington State Ferries and Kitsap Transit long-range plans to better understand needed state investments and opportunities to leverage federal funding.
This year is a short session meaning we only have 60 days to pass legislation before the Governor adjourns (called Sine Die). During short sessions, lawmakers tend to revisit bills that didn’t pass during last year’s long session (105 days). I’ve been reviewing bills that will probably come to the floor this year, and researching what legislation will be most impactful for Kitsap. I’ll make sure to keep you posted on legislative updates as session gets underway.
I hope you’re enjoying your holidays. As always, I’m honored to serve as your State Rep., and look forward to seeing you in the community.
Greg
First 50 Days with Rep. Nance
Hello,
It’s nice to meet you! I’m Greg Nance, your new Washington State Representative for the 23rd Legislative District. I was appointed by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners in September after former Representative Drew Hansen was chosen to fill the vacant Senate seat earlier this year.
A Kitsap native and Bainbridge High School grad, I grew up in a strong union household. I’m proud to call the 23rd LD my home and am excited to represent our community in Olympia. As a non-profit leader, I’ve devoted my career to expanding education access and mental health care, especially for students and educators. I’ve been a conservationist since 1st grade when I was inspired by a Suquamish Elder during a shoreline cleanup and have a lifelong commitment to protecting Puget Sound.
As your State Rep, I will continue working to strengthen our schools, bolster our workforce, grow mental health resources, and preserve our environment.
First 50 Days
Since I was sworn into office on September 18th, I’ve been pounding the pavement (figuratively and literally – I’m a long-distance runner!) to hear from neighbors across the district and learn what matters most to our community. Folks have told me that affordable housing, transportation, and education are all top priorities. I’m going to keep connecting with you in the weeks leading up to session so I can truly be a voice for Kitsap in Olympia – and get things done!
Coffee Chats
Chatting over a cup of coffee is one of my favorite ways to connect with folks, which is why I’ve been hosting coffee chats across the 23rd LD. I’d love to meet you at one of these upcoming events. You can find a list of upcoming chats below, but if you don’t see anything scheduled in your area, please reach out and let me know so we can make it happen!
- Saturday, Nov 18 | 11AM to 1PM | Bainbridge Lynwood Marketplace 4738 Lynwood Center Rd.
- Saturday, Nov 18 | 2PM to 4PM | Bremerton Café Corvo 629 N Callow Ave.
- Sunday, Nov 19 | 12PM to 2PM | Kingston Over the Moon Roasters 11229 NE State Hwy 104
- Sunday, Nov 19 | 3PM to 5PM | Poulsbo ChocMo 19225 8th Ave NE #101
- Tuesday, Nov 21 | 8AM to 10AM | Bremerton Café Corvo 629 N Callow Ave.
Education, Workforce, Transportation – and hearing from you!
The House Committee assignments are finalized, and I’m excited to report that I have been assigned to the House Education Committee, the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, and the House Transportation Committee.
Education, workforce, and transportation are top priorities for me, and three issues I hear about frequently from neighbors across the district. I am eager to serve on these committees and work with my colleagues in Olympia to create positive change for Washington’s future.
I am honored to represent Kitsap in Olympia. Please reach out to me with your questions, concerns or suggestions – or just to say hello! You can always find me at greg.nance@leg.wa.gov.
Representative Greg Nance Appointed to Education, Transportation Committees
OLYMPIA—Rep. Greg Nance (D-23rd District) has been appointed to the House Education Committee, the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, and the House Transportation Committee.
The House Education Committee considers issues relating to K-12 education, and the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee addresses higher education including technical training, apprenticeships, workforce development, and removing barriers to employment.
“I am honored to represent Kitsap, and I look forward to serving with my colleagues on these important committees,” said Nance. “Ensuring our kids have the resources to thrive into adulthood, and supporting mental health for students and educators is paramount to strengthening our education system. This is an all hands on-deck opportunity to work together and give our kids the bright future they deserve.”
“I am eager to support working families and Washington’s workforce by expanding pathway programs and apprenticeships for great 21st century careers.”
The House Transportation Committee is responsible for state laws governing transportation infrastructure and considering transportation revenue and policy such as carbon-reduction programs.
“We need reliable, clean transportation, including electric ferries and more public transit options that serve all of our communities,” Nance said. “Providing safe, dependable transportation infrastructure is essential to supporting residents in Kitsap and across the state.
“From local transportation projects to transformative investments in Washington State Ferries, I’ll work to secure a holistic transportation system that can thrive long into the future.
December Update and Transportation Survey
Hello, The legislative session starts January 8th, and amid the flurry of the holidays I’ve been preparing for my first session as a lawmaker in a few different ways. First...
First 50 Days with Rep. Nance
Hello, It’s nice to meet you! I’m Greg Nance, your new Washington State Representative for the 23rd Legislative District. I was appointed by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners in...
Representative Greg Nance Appointed to Education, Transportation Committees
OLYMPIA—Rep. Greg Nance (D-23rd District) has been appointed to the House Education Committee, the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, and the House Transportation Committee. The House Education Committee considers...