Dear friends and neighbors,

I’m so proud of the work from this session that will improve the lives of Washingtonians and make our communities safer, greener, and more equitable.

As we move forward, I encourage you to stay involved, stay informed, and continue advocating for the issues that matter to you. Stay tuned for information about opportunities to connect over the interim. I look forward to working together towards a brighter future for our state.

Building a Resilient Washington – the 2023-2023 Operating Budget

As elected officials, it is our duty to fund public goods and services to ensure a better future for all Washingtonians. The Resilient Washington Biennial Operating budget is a $69.3 billion budget to fund critical state services and boosts funding for students, workers, behavioral health, housing, and climate action. The budget prioritizes equity considerations, relying on what communities have shared with lawmakers to guide decisions, considering racial equity with targeted investments while also weaving equity throughout the budget.

The two-year operating budget adds roughly $4.7 billion in new spending, leaves $3 billion in total reserves, and does not rely on any new general taxes or fees. It also maintains the services expanded using federal funds during the pandemic that protected vulnerable Washingtonians.

$1 billion for public health and healthcare: these investments reflect the state’s commitment to equity, access to healthcare services, and the protection of public health during emergencies. By providing healthcare options for undocumented individuals, affordable healthcare for low-income families, and adequate compensation for healthcare providers, the state is working to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. Additionally, funding for foundational public health and reproductive care grants shows the state’s dedication to preventive care and women’s health.

$397 million for poverty reduction: we’re prioritizing the values of economic justice and equity by providing support for low-income working families through the Working Families Tax Credit, access to nutritious food through food assistance, financial assistance for families facing hardship, and comprehensive support through changes to TANF.

$684 million for natural resource protection: we’re investing in the values of environmental sustainability and stewardship by protecting and preserving biodiversity, promoting forest health and wildfire protection, and controlling invasive species to ensure the ecological and economic well-being of the state’s natural resources.

$519 million for housing and homelessness: everyone needs a home. We’re providing comprehensive support to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship through increased funding for homeless and housing service contracts, providing housing and essential needs, expanding encampment response, and supporting local government planning for housing, children, and youth homelessness.

$406 million for the Climate Commitment Act: this funding supports initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental justice, and renewable energy, which are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and promoting a healthy and sustainable future for all.

$2.2 billion for k-12 education: we’re providing fair and equal opportunities for all students, by ensuring educators are compensated and supported, supporting students with disabilities through special education funding, and providing free meals to help students focus and succeed.

$382 million for higher education and workforce development: we’re creating opportunities for individuals to improve their economic mobility and achieve their career goals, while also addressing important social issues such as mental health and healthcare access.

$1.8 billion for long-term care and developmental disabilities: we’re increasing rates for nursing home and home care workers, supporting adult family homes, and facilitating transitions out of acute care hospitals can help to ensure that individuals with disabilities and those in need of long-term care receive high-quality, compassionate care and support.

$253 million for community safety: we’re supporting a variety of programs, including increased criminal justice training, the establishment of an independent agency for investigating police misconduct, firearm safety and violence prevention, AMEND training, therapeutic courts, and support for legal representation. These investments will improve public safety, reduce crime, and promote fairness and justice in the criminal justice system, ultimately working towards creating safer and more equitable communities for all residents.

$590 million for childcare and early learning: we’re promoting equity and access to quality care for young children, particularly those from low-income families and those in kinship care. This investment supports ECEAP rates and slots, family care provider collective bargaining, and kinship caregivers, which can improve the availability and affordability of childcare, and help children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills crucial for their future success.

$1.1 billion investment for behavioral health: we’re supporting access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, including increased rates for providers and investments in behavioral health beds. This investment also prioritizes care for vulnerable populations, such as children with complex needs, and supports the workers who provide these critical services.

$800,000 for FESS (Family Education & Support Services): This funding supports the organization’s work in providing educational and supportive services to families and individuals, including parenting classes, child abuse prevention programs, and mental health support.

$7 million for Deschutes Estuary: This investment will contribute to the restoration of the Deschutes estuary, which is crucial for the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem and its wildlife, as well as providing recreational opportunities for the community.

$1.136 million for community solar money allocated to WSU: This funding will support the development of community solar projects in the state, enabling communities to access renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The investment will also support research and education at WSU in the area of renewable energy.

Investing in our community

I’m proud to have advocated for investment in our community. Here is a list of various projects and programs that have been scheduled for implementation or improvement between 2023 and 2025. These initiatives span across education, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community development, addressing crucial needs and challenges identified within our communities.

• Behavioral Health Community Capacity Grants: Providing $2,750,000 to the Lynnwood Community Recovery Center in Lynnwood, this funding will enable the center to offer crucial recovery services to individuals in need. By supporting their journey towards better mental health and well-being, we can uplift our community and create a more supportive environment for all.
• Local and Community Projects: Allocating $4,580,000 to projects in Lynnwood, such as the Latino Community Service Center, Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, and Scriber Place Housing for Homeless Students, we aim to foster inclusivity and provide vital resources to uplift our community. These projects will create safe spaces, offer support services, and ensure that every member of our community has access to the resources they need to thrive.
• Community/Technical College System: Investing $9,294,000 in various minor works projects, we are committed to improving the educational environment for students. These initiatives will focus on repairing facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing program offerings, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education and opportunities for success.
• Health: Through investments totaling $1,537,000, we will enhance the Public Health Laboratories. Upgrades such as new deionized water piping and LED lighting will provide a state-of-the-art environment for vital research and testing. By improving our public health infrastructure, we are better equipped to protect and promote the well-being of our community.
• Recreation and Conservation Office: The Washington Wildlife Recreation Program will invest $3,160,000 in projects that enhance our recreational areas. Initiatives like the LP Scriber Lake Park Boardwalk Trail, TR Scriber Creek Trail Phase 3, and WA Sprague’s Pond Park Addition will create inviting outdoor spaces for our community to enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends, and foster a deeper connection with our environment.
• Youth Athletics Facilities: With an allocation of $241,000 we will replace lights at LG Evergreen Playfield #5. This improvement ensures that our young athletes have a safe and well-lit space to pursue their passions, fostering physical health, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Social and Health Services: In support of the Fircrest School-Nursing Facilities project, we will invest $175,888,000 to provide a nurturing environment for individuals with special needs. Additionally, through minor works preservation, programmatic improvements, and a statewide communications systems condition assessment, totaling $8,594,000, we are dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of essential social and health services for our community.

By championing these capital budget requests, we prioritize the well-being and growth of our community. These investments address critical needs, foster inclusivity, promote educational excellence, enhance public health services, create vibrant recreational spaces, and ensure that our most vulnerable populations receive the support they deserve.

Thank you so much for reading! I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, advocacy, or feedback you may have. Your input and engagement are invaluable as we continue to work together in building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you once again for your support!

Sincerely,

Rep. Cindy Ryu