Dear friends & neighbors,
As you know my agenda this session has been focused on maintaining Washington’s economic health by expanding opportunities for the next generation. In addition to the legislation that I’ve introduced I have also secured money in the budgets that will accomplish this.
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The future of our Maritime Industry
I am proud to serve as Chair of the Maritime Caucus. This industry has been critical economic driver in our state since day one. Maintaining its health is a vital piece of our future.
My love of all things nautical stems from my time growing up in Seattle where I was a Sea Scout. This program granted me opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to me. It provides launching points for many in this important line of work and that’s why I’m thrilled to announce this budget includes $250,000 to replace the Sea Scout dock at Waterway 18 in Portage Bay.
Additionally, the budget allocates $200,000 for the Sailors Union of the Pacific for workforce grants for low-income sailors. This helps to remove barriers to jobs that pay a family sustaining wage.
Other major projects being funded to secure our maritime economy include…
- $3.1 million for improvements and updates to the port of Port Townsend.
- $855,000 for maritime workforce education
- $200,000 for maritime apprenticeship program at Bellingham Technical College
- $1.5 million for ferry replacement and electrification.
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Opening doors at Bumbershoot
Celebrating Seattle’s rich musical and artistic history makes for an amazing way to provide opportunities for our students. That’s why I was excited to see the annual Bumbershoot festival return to our district, with a renewed focus on local flavor and opportunities for local creatives to show their work and to expand their audience. It also provides space for our students to get real world experience in the creative economy thanks to the $150,000 included in this year’s budget.
The Bumbershoot Workforce internship program provides young people interested in creative careers with paid training in festival production and technical arts. I’m glad to be able to support Bumbershoot and the next generation of creative professionals in Washington State.
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As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you in Olympia and My door is always open, or you can reach me by phone at (360) 786-7814 or by email. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook for all the latest updates!
In service,
State Representative Julia Reed
36th Legislative District