Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2022 legislative session has gotten off to a swift start. In the first week of the new session, my legislation to make sure Vancouver continues to benefit from the state’s Main Street Program cleared the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee and is now available to be called to the floor for a vote of the full Senate.
The longtime efforts of the Vancouver Downtown Association have been key to the success of our downtown core, just as Executive Director Michael Walker was instrumental in helping advance this legislation that will amplify the valuable work of the Downtown Association.
Due to its rising population, Vancouver was on course to exceed an eligibility threshold for critical assistance to maintain its thriving downtown core. SB 5617 will ensure that Vancouver businesses retain this important access to business-and-occupation tax credits that help them stay strong, a need that has been heightened by nearly two years of pandemic conditions.
Our city has worked diligently over many, many years to revitalize and strengthen our core with the help of the Main Street Program. Now more than ever, in the face of the ongoing pandemic, our small businesses need all the help and tools we can give them. And we all know how a thriving downtown core helps create jobs and support existing jobs across the city.
In the days to come, I’ll share updates on my other legislative priorities this session such as continued progress in replacing the I-5 bridge, enabling more effective investigations of child abuse, and providing additional support for our health care workers during these intense and stressful times.
I encourage you to continue to contact my office with any questions or ideas. As always, my ongoing efforts to fight for our community’s most important needs is a partnership that depends on our constant communication.
