Dear friends and neighbors,

A few minutes ago, the final gavel came down and the 2023 Legislature adjourned Sine Die. While we usually end floor sessions with an announcement about the time we will convene the next day, this Latin phrase “Sine Die” means “without day” and signifies that the Legislature does not intend to return until the next legislative session.

This has been an extremely productive legislative session. We have made significant progress on all of our priorities: housing, childcare, climate action, reproductive health freedom, behavioral health, and public safety.

 

Budgets That Deliver for Spokane

The Legislature has passed balanced and responsible transportation, operating, and capital budgets. Here are some highlights of the investments for our state and local community:

  • Over $1 billion invested for housing across the state
  • $563 million to support access to affordable high quality child care programs
  • Over $1 billion in new K-12 investments, including $400 million for special education services
  • Major investments to expand and bolster mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment services
  • Continued funding for construction and completion of the North Spokane Corridor
  • Over $700 million for statewide road maintenance and preservation
  • Ongoing funding for the Division Street Bus Rapid Transit project
  • $7 million for the WSU Spokane Team Health Education Building
  • Continuing capital improvements for the Carl Maxey Center
  • $2 million for Volunteers of America Crosswalk Teen Shelter
  • $1 million for the American Indian Community Center
  • $5.5 million for Maddie’s Place, a recovery nursery for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure
  • $1.7 million for Spokane International Airport Transload Center Rail Extension

 

Billig’s Bills

As Majority Leader, I prime-sponsor a limited number of bills each session. This year, I prime-sponsored two significant bills.

One of which is SB 5447, promoting the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in our state. This bill will make Washington a leader in sustainable aviation fuels, protect our planet, and spur economic development. You can read more about the bill in this piece by the Spokesman-Review, here.

In the 2014 session, I prime-sponsored SB 6086 to prioritize state purchasing on products and packaging that do not contain PCBs. Building on that progress, this session I sponsored SB 5369 to improve polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) standards statewide and petition the federal government to lower the allowable level of these harmful chemicals in paints, inks, and other products. Reducing PCBs is crucial for our efforts to protect the Spokane River and waterways throughout the state.

 

Stay in Touch

I  always welcome your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.

Onward!

Andy