News Releases

OLYMPIA – Legislation to make it simpler for childcare workers to complete fingerprint-based background checks and join the childcare workforce was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5774, sponsored by Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane), improves the ability of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), to conduct fingerprint-based background checks for childcare employees and other ...

WHO: State Sen. Andy Billig, Reps. Timm Ormsby and Marcus Riccelli WHAT: Virtual Town Hall with Spokane’s 3rd District residents WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. WHERE: Streamed live on multiple platforms:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWceEzXzHlw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenateDemocrats
• Rep. Riccelli’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RepMarcusRiccelli
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WASenDemocrats

OLYMPIA – Budget leaders in the Washington State Senate responded to news that the state has maintained its historically high ratings from the nation’s top credit agencies. Reports from Moody’s (Aaa), S&P (AA+) and Fitch (AA+) cited the state’s strong governance practices, sound reserves, a broad and growing economy, and a commitment to fiscal balance. The agencies also highlighted Washington’s fiscal ...

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) released the statement below following Gov. Jay Inslee's announcement that he won't seek a fourth term: “Gov. Inslee has guided Washington on a path to achieve remarkable progress over the past decade. He will be the first to tell you there are many challenges that remain, and I look forward to continuing our ...

Legislation aimed at reducing the amount of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) entering Washington state waters passed the Senate today on a unanimous bipartisan vote. Under Senate Bill 5369, the state would petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lower the level of PCBs in consumer products and require the state Department of Ecology to make rules prohibiting paints and inks containing ...

OLYMPIA – A bill to address a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, spur job creation, and position Washington as a leader in an emerging industry, passed the Senate on a bipartisan 46-2 vote on Wednesday. Senate Bill 5447, sponsored by Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) would encourage the purchase and manufacture of aviation biofuels through tax incentives while positioning the ...

MEDIA ADVISORY: 3rd Legislative District town hall meeting on March 11 Who: Sen. Andy Billig and Reps. Timm Ormsby and Marcus Riccelli When: Saturday, March 11, 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Where: Spokane Central Library, Spokane Central Library, nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall Why: The Legislature is in the midst of a 105-day session scheduled to conclude on April 23. Legislators from the 3rd Legislative ...

Sen. Andy Billig and Reps. Timm Ormsby and Marcus Riccelli of Spokane’s 3rd Legislative District will give an update on the 2023 legislative session on Tuesday. Who: State Sen. Andy Billig, State Reps. Timm Ormsby and Marcus Riccelli What: Telephone town hall When: Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The live town hall discussion will focus on answering questions directly from constituents. Under ...