Celebrating Our Children

Good afternoon!

This has been an exciting week in Olympia, both for me as a person and for our community. On Monday, I was honored to have my son Brayden join me on the House Floor as I spoke on the resolution I sponsored for Children’s Day. In case you’re interested, you can watch my speech here, and read the resolution here.

 

Children’s Day is a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives. We ask our children to join us as we recognize the special place children hold in our communities and reaffirm a commitment to keep children at the heart of our work. To me, this means advancing policies that ensure every child has an opportunity to succeed.

We’re not there yet. Last year, over 27,000 students in Washington were reported as homeless. And almost 58% of kids in Spokane Public Schools are on reduced or free lunches. How can we expect academic success from a child who is hungry, or doing homework from the dome light of a car? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Children’s Day really captured the reasons I came to Olympia, and the values I am working for each day: to provide a better future for our children with opportunity for all.

Student Advisory Committees

Yesterday, I crossed an important milestone as a legislator – my first bill was voted on in the House and passed to the Senate. Throughout the session, I have heard from dozens of students from our community that are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of higher ed. The bill I sponsored would give students a stronger voice in the important discussions about the costs of their education a time when tuition rates are skyrocketing and state support for higher ed is lagging after four years of cuts.

For four-year universities, our state has gone from subsidizing two-thirds of a student’s tuition to subsidizing just over one-third. The difference is made up by the student, generally in the form of educational debt. Students are paying off their education for many years, even decades, after graduation. Taking on that kind of financial responsibility, I believe, means these students deserve a place at the table when tuition costs are being considered. I’m optimistic the Senate will also support giving our students this additional tool for engagement.

You can read my statement on the bill here, or the text of the bill here. You can also watch the video of my speech on the House Floor. (The House has a long tradition of “hazing” the newest members when their first bill passes, be prepared for a little comic relief in the following speeches.) This legislation was a truly collaborative effort with students. It has been inspiring to see such sharp and active young people getting involved in public policy.

 

Connecting Washington, Strengthening Communities

I was proud to join my colleagues on Wednesday to announce the Connecting Washington transportation package, which will create jobs, reduce gridlock, and improve safety and freight mobility throughout Washington state. I serve on the cabinet laying the groundwork for this package, so I am using this opportunity to advocate for transportation investments that will help families, businesses and growers in Eastern Washington. The proposal released on Wednesday is just a starting point. If you have thoughts or concerns about this issue, I hope you’ll share them with me.

Spotlight on the Arts

I’m always struck by the outstanding artistic talent we have back home. I was recently visited by several Spokane Arts Commissioners who came to Olympia to advocate on the importance of preserving funding for the arts in our community.

The commissioners offered to display some local artistic talent in my Olympia office. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to spotlight our community’s talent and creativity.

Kathryn Taylor Swehla is the first artist featured in what will become a revolving showcase of local artwork. Her vibrant and original photography draws compliments from people of all walks of life that pass through my office.

We get thousands of visitors on the campus each week, and I always do my best to meet with folks that come all the way from the 3rd Legislative District. Some people come to rally or protest, some are here to testify in committee or visit their representatives, and some come just to see their Capitol.

Here is some information about visiting the legislature. If you make plans to be here, please let us know. We’d love to see you!

Best Regards,

Rep. Marcus Riccelli