Washington Student Association Legislator of the Year

 

Happy Labor Day Weekend! There’s a chill in the morning air, Pig Out in the Park is here, and children are preparing to head back to school as summer fades into fall. Since I last updated you, I have been meeting regularly with community members and other stakeholders in preparation for the next legislative session. I have also been attending many great community events. Highlights include the grand re-opening of the newly remodeled CHAS community health clinic on Maple and Garland, the groundbreaking for the Convention Center completion project, the Greater Hillyard Business Association’s forum on reducing property crime, and Spokane Public Schools’ night at the Spokane Indians’ ballpark.

I was honored to be awarded this year’s Legislator of the Year by the Washington Student Association for my work to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all. Their award statement reads:

“From the very first bill Representative Riccelli introduced to the legislature, he has really made it clear that he’s got the students’ back,” said E.B. Vodde, President of the Washington Student Association. Riccelli’s first piece of legislation soared through both chambers, empowering student governments to form advisory committees. “Representative Riccelli’s student-oriented work continued throughout the session. He was always available to work with students. And I don’t think it’s just that he understands the future of Washington’s economy rests on the back of today’s students, although he certainly does. We believe that he recognizes the students of Washington State as an interest group with the most fundamental of interests in Washington: that of an education, and he’s willing to prioritize us.”

If we expect our students to take on a greater share of the cost of their education, we should also give them a place at the table when tuition-setting discussions take place. I was pleased to work closely with committed and talented student leaders to give them an additional tool on their campuses for a stronger voice.

North Spokane Corridor Progress

 

 

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of introducing my colleague, Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, to community stakeholders, and I was able to showcase several of our legislative priorities. Representative Fitzgibbon, who is a leader in the state on transportation and environmental issues, accompanied me to meetings covering issues from mass transit to toxic clean-up sites.

One of the highlights was a tour to see the progress on the North Spokane Corridor. For me, this tour was not only a reminder of the long-term economic benefits the corridor will bring to the region, but of the tangible economic impact it is having in people’s lives right now. For the men and women in hard-hats that are laying the foundation of our transportation infrastructure, this project means a steady paycheck to keep food on the table and a roof overhead for their families. To area businesses, it means more money in the pockets of potential customers.

I strongly support this project, but unfortunately Representative Ormsby and I were the only House legislators in our region to vote in support of the transportation package that passed out of the House. Senator Billig has been an outspoken proponent in his chamber, but the Senate Majority Coalition never even gave the package a vote. Once again, I call on my Spokane-area colleagues in the House and Senate to join together to move a transportation package forward. It is time to put the needs of our state ahead of politics.

Honoring Workers and the Legacy of Dr. King

In appreciation of workers’ contributions to the North Spokane Corridor and other projects in our community, I wish you a Happy Labor Day Weekend. Labor Day is our national holiday to recognize the accomplishments of America’s workers. It is remarkable to look around Spokane and think of the hard labor and coordinated effort that was put forth to build our beautiful city from the ground up and keep it running every day. I am lucky to be often reminded of the literal foundation that our workers have laid by my seatmate, Representative Ormsby. On many of our visits in the community, he will tell me about when he personally poured the concrete years ago in the very building we are touring.

This year, Labor Day comes just days after the national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington. Wednesday’s events highlighted the progress that we have made toward racial equality, but also called out the economic inequalities that continue to keep America’s promise out of reach for so many. In the 50 years since Dr. King’s famous speech, racial economic disparities have gotten worse, while people of every race are finding it harder to make ends meet.

So this Labor Day, I am not only reminded of America’s workers, but of the many hardworking people that are trying desperately to provide food for their families, yet are coming home to an empty table and a crushing stack of bills past due. To truly honor the legacies of workers and of Dr. King, we need to work toward a world where no one has to wonder where the next paycheck is coming from, or how they will meet their families’ basic needs. This can be a reality in our country and in our state, but it will take courage and determination from citizens and policy-makers alike. I am confident that with your help, together we can continue to advance our shared vision for Spokane, our state, and our nation.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane