2021 Session concludes on-time with record participation and major investments for Spokane

A few minutes ago, the final gavel came down and the 2021 legislative session adjourned Sine Die.

My goal at the beginning of this partially remote session was to ensure that the Legislature was transparent, inclusive of public participation, safe, and productive. I am proud that we saw record participation in the legislative process with over 67,000 Washington residents signing into remote committee hearings to make their voices heard.

I am also thankful that not one staffer or legislator contracted COVID-19 through their work at the Capitol. Throughout these months, we’ve acted responsibly and followed the public health guidance to complete the people’s business while keeping our friends, families, and communities safe from this pandemic.

Though this session brought significant challenges, it also brought many successes for the people of Washington.

Policy and operating budget highlights from this legislative session:

  • COVID-19 relief for workers and small businesses
  • Expanded childcare access and affordability
  • Helped to fix our upside-down tax code with the Working Families Tax Credit
  • Completed full funding for the WSU Medical School
  • Reduced costs for those buying healthcare on the exchange
  • Passed major criminal justice reforms
  • Advanced equity and racial justice measures
  • Invested in broadband expansion and reliability
  • Provided vital support for tenants and landlords
  • Passed major climate legislation
  • Continued funding the Spokane River Toxics Taskforce
  • Invested in school counselors and nurses

Capital budget delivers for Spokane

The capital budget is our jobs budget. It creates construction jobs now, and helps build the infrastructure of our economy for the future.

In addition to the many statewide investments in affordable housing, education, broadband, and more, numerous Spokane projects were included in the budget. Here’s a partial list:

  • WSU Spokane Health Sciences Building phase 2
  • Joya Child & Family Development Center (formerly the Guild School)
  • NATIVE Project Youth Behavioral Health Services Building
  • MLK Community Center
  • Feast World Kitchen
  • Felts Field Gateway Project
  • New EWU science building
  • Museum of Arts and Culture

Stay in Touch

Stay safe and take care. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.

Onward!

Andy