We are fast approaching another important legislative milestone. After 5pm today, any bill that hasn’t been passed out of their chamber of origin (House or Senate) will not continue to move forward this session, unless it is necessary to implement the budget.
Here’s an update on some of the bills I have been focused on this session.
Full funding of basic education
Senate Bill 6195, which was created as a result of the governor’s bipartisan education funding task force that I served on, is a plan to meet our constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education. This bill passed out of the Senate yesterday.
Campaign Finance and Expanded Voter Access
Last week, Senate Bill 5153, which would add additional transparency to political donations, was brought one step closer to a vote in the Senate when it was pulled from the Rules Committee to the Senate floor calendar.
We are also trying to make progress to expand voting access. House Bill 1294, which would allow young citizens to pre-register to vote starting when they turn 16, passed out of the House. So did House Bill 2682, which would allow automatic voter registration.
I am a sponsor of the Senate version of both of these voter access bills. The Senate versions did not move forward but I am hopeful the Senate will take action on the House bills before the end of session.
College Savings
Senate Bill 6601 would authorize the creation of the Washington College Savings Plan account, which will help families save for college. SB 6601 was passed out of the Senate yesterday. It now heads to the House.
Homelessness
To combat the rising homeless crisis in our state, I have co-sponsored Senate Bill 6298 and Senate Bill 6647. SB 6647 would implement and expand a variety of proven tools to address homelessness while SB 6298 specifically targets student homelessness. Both bills are stuck in the Senate Ways & Means Committee but may still have a chance to pass as they are connected to the budget.
Spokane Town Hall
With the legislative session flying by, the other 3rd District legislators and I will hold a Spokane town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. This meeting is a perfect opportunity for constituents to provide feedback and get their questions answered on a variety of topics including education funding, job creation, health and wellness, transportation improvements, etc.
Town Hall Meeting Details:
- Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Northeast Community Center— 4001 N. Cook, Spokane
Keeping in Touch
If you have a comment, idea or question, please let me know. I would love to hear from you!
You can email me at andy.billig@leg.wa.gov or call me at 360-786-7604.
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Onward!
Andy
