Hi neighbors,    

The legislature adjourned last week. Although this was a very challenging session, we were able to produce a balanced budget and make progress for the state. 

Notable legislation:  

We passed crucial legislation this session, including creating more safeguards for firearm purchases, improving public safety, expanding recycling across the state, ensuring Washington classrooms are both safe and welcoming, protecting reproductive care, and expanding behavioral health care.  

Investing in the 34th: 

Operating budget  

This year brought incredible challenges. We started out with a significant budget shortfall and had to make difficult decisions and worked to protect people and essential services. The final budget reflects careful adjustments and a balanced approach. We protected core services, like food assistance programs, local housing, support for refugees, and resources for crime victims. At the same time, we made investments in K-12 education, supported state employees and collective bargaining agreements, made careful reductions throughout the budget, and added thoughtful revenue to support our programs.   

Capital budget  

The capital budget covers the state’s school buildings, affordable housing, hospitals, parks, and public lands. 

Schools, Health & Community Facilities: School-based behavioral health clinics at Denny International Middle School/Chief Sealth High School ($175M); Vashon Community Pool funding ($70K); Voice of Vashon digital renovation ($167K); Sea Mar ($1.7M); Seattle International Public Market improvements ($1.3M); Seattle Public Schools Skills Center ($480K); Lower Duwamish Superfund funding ($9.7M); Tramp Harbor dock replacement on Vashon Island ($521K); Maury Island Aquatic Reserve armoring removal ($1.2M).  

We were sure to preserve funds for accessible health care and long-term care, especially as these systems are called into questions at the federal level.   

Arts & Culture: New Vashon Food Bank building ($1.3M); new Mini Mart City Park in Georgetown ($149K); new Rhapsody Project space in Pioneer Square ($200K); Red Eagle Soaring funding in Pioneer Square ($176K); Washington State Black Legacy Institute Funding ($878K); Totem Star Recording Studio at King Street Station ($253K); FIFA World Cup funding ($19.5M); Mukai Cold Process Fruit Barreling Plant funding on Vashon Island ($871K). 

Housing & Shelter: Hummingbird Village ($3M); Mary’s Place Emergency Shelter ($4.5M); The Willows supportive housing ($1M). 

Transportation budget 

The transportation budget preserves our current system while making our transportation infrastructure safer for everyone. The transportation budget includes a set-aside of $4 million for Washington State Ferries to dedicate to Kitsap and Vashon Water Taxi service. I fought hard for a fund swap that will send $10 million in flexible funding for King County to use on a range of services, including continued Water Taxi Service, and the budget reserves funds for ferry electrification so we can maintain our commitment to cleaner waters. 

Bills I sponsored: 

  • HB 1217 passed both chambers and is ready for Gov. Ferguson’s signature. This significant legislation will protect renters and manufactured homeowners from excessive rent increases, giving them more stability and predictability in their housing costs.  I am proud of this legislation and the real relief it will provide for working families and older adults in the 34th LD and across the state.  
  • SB 5498 will be law! Gov. Ferguson signed legislation that requires that insurance companies cover a full year of birth control when it is first prescribed, building on 2017 legislation that requires coverage of 12-month refills. 
  • SB 5595 is ready to sign. The shared streets bill allows cities to create pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly zones where all sorts of travelers can safely share streets.  
  • SB 5651 is also headed to the governor’s desk. This bill increases protections for people facing debt and bank garnishment so working families and older adults can have some resources protected when they face financial hardship.  
  • SB 5509 makes it easier to build child care centers by removing zoning barriers, helping meet the demand for high-quality child care across the state. Both the House and Senate passed the bill, and it’s headed to Governor Ferguson for final approval. 
  • SB 5463 improves access to benefits for injured workers, making sure that employers act in good faith and workers get the benefits they deserve so they can get healthy and return to work safely. This bill is also ready for the governor’s signature. 

Thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, or visited Olympia to share your opinions and priorities.  

Contact   

Starting Monday, May 5, I’m subject to election year limitations. This means I can’t send out email updates or social media posts from my office, but I’ll be in touch after the election results are certified in December.  You are still welcome to reach out to my office.  

There are many ways to stay in touch with me: 

Phone: 360.786.7667   

Telephone Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388 (TTY)   

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562-6000   

Email me at Emily.Alvarado@leg.wa.gov.    

 

Thank you for reading and trusting me in this new role.  

Sincerely,    

Emily