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 ...
Read MoreNews Releases
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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
Dear friends and neighbors, At noon today, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, who serves as President of the Senate, gaveled the Washington State Senate to order for the first time in 2023. The beginning of the 2023 Legislative session means the commencement of the two year cycle in which the odd-numbered years are 105 day “long” sessions when we create the two-year operating, ...
Read More
Happy New Year! The calendar turning to a new year also means a new Legislative session is upon us. The 2023 session begins on Monday, January 9th. My priorities going into session, as always, are to help build opportunity and prosperity for the people of Spokane and throughout our great state. Based on the needs in our community, my specific areas ...
Read More
I recently toured Frontier Behavior Health's 988 crisis hotline call center. I was pleased to have the two lead sponsors of the program, Sen. Manka Dhingra and Rep. Tina Orwall, join me along with 911 dispatchers, call center administrators, and other local legislators. In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed HB 1477 to implement the national 988 crisis hotline, which ...
Read More
A public meeting to explore how Washington can navigate the intersection of substance use disorder and the criminal justice system in light of the 2021 Blake decision is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Central Library in Spokane. Hosted by State Sen. Andy Billig of Spokane, the event will feature a panel of community leaders, including Superior Court ...
Read More