Dear neighbors,
This e-newsletter is a way to keep you informed about issues important to all of our families in the 24th District.
This week, I’d like to update you about rural jobs, help for small school districts, long-term care, and new ways you can participate in the 2022 legislative session.
Rural jobs
I’m working with lawmakers from both parties and around the state on ways to strengthen rural communities.
One of the first bills the House of Representatives voted on was a measure I wrote that will help build fund public facilities in rural counties here in the 24th District and across the state.
House Bill 1333 extends a program used by rural counties that used a dedicated .09 percent portion of the sales tax for badly needed infrastructure. Counties can issue bonds against this revenue to build projects they ordinarily could never afford.
I’m proud that this legislation passed the House 93-3. If the Senate passes it and the governor signs it into law, this program will be extended through Dec. 31, 2054 – which gives rural counties the certainty they need to issue more bonds and invest in their communities.
Helping small schools
Every student needs a great education—and that can be tough for a small school district with limited funding.
I am happy to support legislation that could help. House Bill 1775 would create a grant program for capital projects at school districts with 1,000 students or less.
This bill comes from a Republican lawmaker in a rural community and a number of Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors. The legislation would require that school districts receiving grants put some skin in the game—30 percent of the total cost.
It’s also aimed at helping retrofit schools to make them better able to survive earthquakes. As chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, I’ve worked for years on this issue, so it’s great to see bills like this help move the ball toward safer schools in every district. You can read more about the earthquake issue in our schools in the School Seismic Safety Project Legislative Report.
A recent KING 5 story also explains this issue well.
I’ll keep you updated on this bill and other measures to invest in our local schools, including my proposed capital budget this year to build a better Washington.
Free COVID tests!
At home COVID-19 testing is an important way to stop the spread of COVID and to protect your friends, co-workers, and family.
The Washington Department of Health is distributing FREE rapid, at home COVID-19 test kits upon request! All you have to do is fill out this 30 second form and the tests will be shipped to your home.
You can order the tests here: https://www.sayyescovidhometest.org/
Refining the WA Cares program
No matter how old you are today, someday you will probably need some long-term care or changes to your home to age in place.
I voted for two bills (House Bill 1732 and House Bill 1733) to refine the WA Cares program. Among the changes: a delay in collecting revenues while we work through issues, giving near-retirees a chance to qualify for the fund, and exemptions for specific groups (military spouses, disabled veterans, and border-state workers).
I also support budget plans to determine how to make the WA Cares fund portable for individuals who move out of state .
Participating in your democracy
There are new ways that you can get informed and involved during the 2022 session of the Legislature.
- Learn—The whole legislative process, from start to finish, is explained at leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/Overview.aspx
- Watch—Go to TVW.org for broadcasts of debates, votes, committee meetings, and other events in the House and Senate. There’s also an extensive archive of past events, if you couldn’t watch it live.
- Research—To look up legislation by lawmaker or topic, visit app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
- Testify—The 2021 Legislative Session proved that remote testimony is a great way for everyone to have a chance to share their voice. The remote committee testimony system will continue to be in use for all testimony for all bills.
A more comprehensive guide is available from the non-partisan legislative website available here.
Keep in touch
If you have ideas, questions, or comments, please get in touch with my office.
Thank you for taking the time to read this—and I hope to hear from you soon!
