Dear friends and neighbors,
The fourth week of session is nearly over, and we’ve been busy! On Wednesday we passed more bills off the House floor, bringing our session total to 46. Great bills have been brought forward by both Democrats and Republicans to address priorities like affordable housing and education.
Families receiving child support and state benefits such as TANF need every dollar to meet their basic needs. The state should not take back $50 to $100 per month from the low–income families for reimbursement. House Democrats and Republicans agree. We should pass through 100% of the child support to the families. I sponsored HB 1652 to make sure child support payments get to the parents who need those funds to take care of their kids. You can learn more about HB 1652 by reading this article on Crosscut.
Clean energy for healthy communities
Planning for the health and safety of the Washington of tomorrow is important, which is why the Climate Commitment Act that passed in 2021 is so vital to our state and those who live here.
We know that breathing polluted air has an adverse effect on short- and long-term health and we also know that low-income and communities of color are at even higher risk. We’re facing an important decision: we invest in our future health now through CCA dollars or pay later with increased health issues and shortened lifespans.
One of those investments is a request from the city of Federal Way to install electric vehicle chargers at our local community center. I’ll be advocating to include funds for this project in the budget this session.
Let’s invest now in you and me and a healthier future
Here’s some ways you can use CCA and federal dollars to combat climate change and save money at the same time:
- Youth under 18 can ride transit for free with funding from the CCA. Contact your local transit agency to find out more. This includes ferries, light rail and all other public transit services.
- Save money on used electric vehicles or new electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles with the used Clean Vehicle Credit and the new Clean Vehicle Credit.
- Get a Federal tax credit when you add certain energy efficient improvements like heat pumps and weatherization. Low-income families can qualify for weatherization assistance programs through the Washington State Department of Commerce.
- Soon you’ll be able to get up to $1,200 in rebates on e-bike purchases.
A guide to legislative milestones
The legislative process can be confusing, especially during session. I’ve been doing this since 2021 and still learn new things all the time. This legislative milestones guide might come in handy if you’re following along during session.
You can always watch committee hearings, floor action, and other legislative content anytime at www.tvw.org.
Thank you for taking the time to follow my work. You can stay up-to-date by following my Facebook page, and please reach out to my office if you have any questions: Jamila.Taylor@leg.wa.gov.
