Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2024 legislative session adjourned Thursday, sine die, on the constitutional deadline. Unlike in recent years, we scored several victories for common sense thanks to the hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians who signed the citizen-backed initiatives.

Three down, three to go

Initiative 2113, restoring police pursuit; Initiative 2081 establishing a parental bill of rights; and Initiative 2111, banning personal income taxes, were passed by the Legislature and will become law 90 days after adjournment unless a valid referendum petition is filed in the next 90 days.

The approval of Initiative 2113, which restores police pursuit, is a crucial step in ensuring public safety and providing law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our neighborhoods.

Initiative 2081, establishing a parental bill of rights, will serve as a bulwark against those who would interfere with a parent’s right to guide the upbringing and education of their children.

Additionally, the passage of Initiative 2111 codifies our state’s longstanding tradition of not taxing personal income.

I commend my colleagues in the Legislature for approving these initiatives, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our community.

We have a long way to go before we address the many policy failures in our state, but today is a good day.

Sadly, the majority party chose to not move forward on three initiatives:

• Initiative 2124 would allow people to opt out of the new state-run, long-term-care program.
• Initiative 2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, the state’s new carbon tax program.
• Initiative 2109 would repeal the state’s new capital gains tax.  

The three initiatives that did not pass the Legislature will advance to the November ballot and Washington voters will decide if they pass or not.  

Helping our local economy

The Legislature on Wednesday unanimously approved a final 2024 supplemental capital budget.

As a member of the House Capital Budget Committee, I am proud of the investments we were able to secure for the 4th District. This bipartisan budget will help bring jobs to our region, boost the local economy, and build critical infrastructure.

• $4.7 million for the Kaiser Aluminum boiler replacement;
• $2 million for the Seven Nations Healing Lodge youth expansion to help improve behavioral healthcare;
• $1 million for Broadway Senior Housing, a 60-unit affordable senior housing complex;
• $975,000 for Spokane County Gray and Oregon Road forest fire recovery;
• $300,000 to design and implement accessibility for Scale House Market and Kitchen, including ADA parking accommodations and exterior lighting;
• $258,000 for a playground at Intersection Preschool and Daycare;
• $150,000 for the Spokane Valley Cross Country Course; and
• $32,000 for the W. Valley Centennial Middle School field, fences and dugout.

The $1.33 billion spending plan invests heavily in K-12 school construction, mental health facilities, housing, and early learning facilities.

About 10% ($130.5 million) of this supplemental budget is funded with general obligation bonds. Article VIII, Section I of the Washington State Constitution requires a three-fifths vote to contract debt, which was authorized during the 2023 session.

You can read more about the statewide highlights in my news release by clicking here.

My granddaughter served as a page

My granddaughter Brighton Rodriguez paged in the Washington State House of Representatives March 4-8. She’s a freshman at Midway High School in Waco, Texas, and was visiting during her spring break.

Brighton completed a 40-hour work week, which involved serving House members on the chamber floor, making deliveries throughout campus, supporting member offices, and attending Page School.

It made me proud to see her escorting the flags to the rostrum and taking a keen interest in the workings of state government.

Page School supplemented her hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the legislative process.

During the 60-day session, there are eight different weekly opportunities to be a page between Jan. 8 and March 7. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work.

Eligible students must be at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th birthday.

Pages earn a stipend of $65 per day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service.

Students interested in participating next year can find more information about the program at: Leg.Wa.Gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.

Applicants who need financial assistance for the expense of traveling and staying in Olympia may also apply for the Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship, which helps to offset expenses. Applications for the scholarship can be found at: https://leg.wa.gov/PageSchool/pages/ginagrantbullscholarship.aspx

It’s an honor to serve you

Don’t forget: I work for you all year round. Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments. I work for you and everyone in the 4th Legislative District.

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,