The Washington State Legislature recently concluded a historic legislative session. As we all work together to create a robust and sustained recovery from the pandemic, we have never been prouder to represent the people of Spokane. (Click here to view the a PDF of the mailer sent to constituents of Spokane's 3rd Legislative District .
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Reflecting on session
In a recent op-ed featured in the Spokesman Review, Representatives Ormsby, Riccelli and I reflect on the historic 2021 legislative session, both it’s challenges and accomplishments. As we wrote in the article, “When a crisis bears down, you can panic, ignore it and hope for the best, or confront it head-on. We chose to confront the COVID-19 pandemic with every ...Read More
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 ...Read More
Intern takeover: meet Bailey White
Hello everyone! My name is Bailey White, and I have had the opportunity to work as Senator Billig’s legislative intern this session. I’m taking over the newsletter today to tell you a little bit about my experience and what I’m taking away from my time here. I did the math, and I’ve sat in on approximately 100 ...Read More
The path to Sine Die
We have just passed another major cutoff deadline: opposite house of origin cutoff. Sunday by 5 pm was the last day for House bills to pass through the Senate - except for budget related bills. While we have made significant progress in so many areas, including child care, small business support, racial justice, climate action, and ...Read MoreWorking Washington Small Business Grant applications open today!
In February, the legislature passed an early action COVID-19 relief and recovery bill that included $240 million for the fourth round of small business grants, along with rental assistance and public health funding. Starting today, March 29th, businesses can apply for grants of up to $25,000. Grants are intended to help businesses that have been ...Read MoreSenate budgets deliver for Spokane
Yesterday, the Senate released its proposed operating and capital budgets with historic investments in early learning and childcare, public health, and support for small businesses. These budgets will help Spokane and all of Washington build back even stronger after the COVID-19 pandemic and improve quality of life for generations to come. Here are some of ...Read More
Town Hall coming up March 31
Mark your calendars for our next virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 31 from 6:00-7:00pm I will be joined by my seatmates, Representatives Marcus Riccelli and Timm Ormsby. This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide an update on the legislative session, hear your feedback, and answer your questions. If you have questions you would ...Read More
Fair Start Act
Legislators deal with thousands of topics every session, but we are only policy experts in three or four. For me, early learning and childcare has been my area of focus. I prioritize early learning and childcare because the incontrovertible evidence shows it is vital for the success of children, families, employers, and pays a return to ...Read More
The 2021 Legislative session is approaching the half-way mark and we have just passed our committee “cutoff” date. All bills that have not passed out of committee by now are “dead” for the session, except for budget-related bills. The next step in the session is two weeks of long days on the Senate floor as we pass bills before the next ...
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