Friends and neighbors,
Today, the legislative session comes to an end, but our work to recover from the pandemic together continues. I’m so honored to have served you and our community in these difficult times and I’m excited to tell you in the coming weeks more about what we accomplished in virtual Olympia. Here are just a few quick announcements.
Construction and jobs in our community
The final capital budget secured one million dollars MORE than the initial budget for construction projects in our community. I’m so excited for the jobs and joy these projects will bring to our district:
- Affordable housing through the Housing Trust Fund
- Crisis stability center to support people experiencing homelessness
- Funding for the Millworks project to revitalize the Bellingham waterfront
- Sidewalks in Sumas
- Skate park in Ferndale
- A park in Everson
- A trail in Lynden
- A sports facilities in Kendall
- Funding for Lummi schools
- Downtown revitalization in Blaine
- Childcare facilities in Bellingham and Mt. Vernon
- Integrated public safety radio system
- Eagle Haven Cottage Village
And there’s more! For a full list of the projects please see here.
Support for our small businesses
Small businesses, especially in rural parts of Washington, are hurting and I was proud to vote for bills and budgets that will support their immediate and long-term needs. Earlier this session, I voted for the small business grants and unemployment insurance rate relief passed. I introduced and worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass HB 1279 expanding the Main Street Program, which helps revitalize downtowns and support local small businesses. Since 2011, this program has helped generate more than $550 million in sales for Main Street businesses across Washington state, supporting over 6,400 jobs. I’ll also be voting for $500 million for unemployment insurance tax rate cuts to lessen that burden on businesses and $50 million in small business grants for art and heritage businesses and non-profits, and small businesses in counties that moved back to Phase 2.
We have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure that businesses can actually access all of the programs. We know all the applications can get confusing and burdensome! My office is here to help and I’ll pass along helpful information that comes my way.
Thank you
There’s much more I want to share but for now, please accept my gratitude for being able to serve you and our community in the Legislature. It was an honor to wake up every day and recommit to representing the 42nd legislative district. I have learned so much by getting to listen to you and I’m looking forward to more conversations in the coming weeks and months. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Alicia Rule