An Update from Representative Marcus Riccelli

February 27, 2014

Town Hall Take-Aways

 

Community members from the 3rd Legislative District turned out to our Town Hall at the Museum of Arts & Culture on Saturday.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who took time out of their Saturday to make our Town Hall a success. Town Halls are a two-way bridge. For the community, it is an opportunity to see how well your elected officials are representing your priorities and values. For legislators, it is an opportunity to hear firsthand what matters to the people we are elected to serve.

Senator Andy Billig and I were greeted by a full house at the Museum of Arts & Culture auditorium. We heard from constituents on a variety of issues including workplace protections, mental health services, transportation revenue, water conservation, education, and cost of living adjustments for educators. I am working around the clock to ensure our community’s values are well-represented in Olympia.

Students’ Legislator of the Year

 
Steven M. HerppichI was honored to be formally recognized as the Washington Student Association’s 2013 Legislator of the Year for my work last session. I am committed to bringing this energetic group to the table and treating them like the investors they are.

I believe we need to make the opportunity of higher education more available to people by reigning in tuition and by increasing funding and eligibility for the state need grant. But I also think we need to take a long, hard look at the real drivers of inequality that are dividing our communities and that keep so many of our young people from considering college in the first place.

House Budget Proposal

 
Too many people in our community are struggling. The opportunity gap is eating away at kids’ prospects for the future before they even start kindergarten. We must do better.

The 2014-2015 house supplemental budget proposal released yesterday would close tax loopholes to make a $100 million investment in our kids, while supporting other core services that keep our community strong. Here are some highlights:

  • $5 million for the State Need Grant
  • $60 million for basic education
  • $51.2 million to restore teacher COLAs
  • $16.5 million to fund the Early Start Act, which promotes high quality early learning opportunities for at-risk kids

Our proposal would also dedicate $10.4 million to improve community mental health services. This is critical for the 3rd District. People in our community consistently reach out to me with concerns because they have a loved one that isn’t getting the help they need. Mental health services are an essential part of the health care safety net, and I am committed to ensuring that the service providers in our community have the resources they need to take care of our most vulnerable.

Suhyoon Cho
Advocates from Spokane and across the state gathered on the Capitol steps to remind legislators to invest in kids.

With only two weeks left of the legislative session, things are moving very quickly. I am working hard to stay ahead of the curve and keep our community’s priorities at the table. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts and feedback. It is an honor to serve you.

Best Regards,

Representative Marcus Riccelli
3rd Legislative District – Spokane