Dear neighbors,
Earlier this month, Congress passed a bipartisan infrastructure package that has nearly $8.6 billion for highways, bridges, public transit, electric vehicle chargers, high-speed internet, clean drinking water and more right here in Washington state. This bill is great news for our region — even as state investments, especially targeted at the I-405 corridor, are also critical!
Here’s a closer look at how the new law invests in our state:
- $4.7 billion for highways and $605 million for bridges
- $1.8 billion to improve public transportation options
- $71 million to expand the electric vehicle charging network
- $100 million to boost broadband internet access
- $882 million to improve drinking water infrastructure
These federal dollars (you can read more here) are a much-needed investment in our state’s infrastructure, but there’s a lot of work left to do. As we look ahead to the 2022 Legislative Session, which kicks off in January, I’ll be pushing for policies and investments in a greener, faster and more sustainable transportation network that maximizes the federal dollars and takes advantage of the synergy of construction projects. Stay tuned for more updates!
You may also remember that the Legislature invested in our infrastructure and communities last session in a big way. Here’s some of the bills I was proud to vote for:
- Clean drinking water: To help keep our kids healthy, we passed a bill that sets a deadline for the state Department of Health to test all faucets for lead at public schools used for drinking water and food preparation, notify parents if elevated levels are found and repair pipes and water fixtures leaching the toxin.
- Broadband access: At a time when education, business and even health care was conducted mainly online, we passed the much-needed Public Broadband Act to help make sure families and businesses have access to high-speed internet. We also invested $6.3 billion in construction projects with a $411 million push for broadband access.
- Economic recovery: At the height of the pandemic, we passed a budget that supports those hit hardest economically by offering utility assistance to struggling families, expanding food assistance programs, investing in child care and early learning and providing grants and tax relief to small businesses.
Before I sign off, I want to wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving and a safe holiday season. And to all those celebrating Hanukkah, Chag Sameach, from my family to yours!
Thanks for reading! You can also follow me on Facebook for the latest.
Tana Senn