Dear friends and neighbors, 

The Senate just released its proposal for the state’s capital budget (the budget that builds things—hospitals, schools, drug treatment centers, etc.). I’m happy to report that the Senate budget proposal funds significant projects I requested to help Kitsap County with homelessness as well as the fentanyl and opioid crisis.   

Funding to allow St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton to house more people 

We need many more options for people without homes—affordable housing, short-term shelter beds, permanent supportive housing, and more. St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton is working on a significant mixed-use affordable housing and community services project. The Senate’s capital budget proposal would provide $1 million to complete predevelopment of a project that will eventually add 57 permanent and transitional housing units and 10 shelter beds. The project will also provide services for the folks staying there to help them get back on their feet quicker. 

Funding to expand Kitsap Mental Health Services’ treatment capacity 

We also need more options for treating people struggling with substance use or behavioral health issues.

The Senate’s capital budget proposal would provide $750,000 to help Kitsap Mental Health Services purchase land in Bremerton to expand its behavioral health campus to increase capacity for mental health and substance use treatment services at a multi-service facility.  

Funding for the Suquamish Tribe 

The Suquamish Tribe’s Health Division currently runs a community primary care clinic, community wellness center offering mental health and victim services, and community nutrition programs, among other things.  

The Tribe is considering additional services its Health Division could offer to meet the current and future needs of the community. Potential ideas include offering medications for opioid use disorder, a place to securely detox, inpatient or outpatient services or other treatment services.  

With $4.5 million in the Senate’s proposed capital budget, the Tribe can begin assessing feasibility, project planning, transportation needs, housing constraints, as well as potential environmental impacts of a health treatment or other service center so we make sure that future projects address the needs of the community.  

On a separate note: 

Photo courtesy: Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

I was also able to secure funding for an important priority in our community: a water line to make sure we have adequate water service to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Many of you have visited the memorial already, I’m sure—if you haven’t, you should—it’s an extraordinary and moving experience. You can learn more here. I am deeply honored that the memorial supporters asked me to help them secure funding for this important part of the project, and I look forward to supporting the memorial for many years to come. 

So, what’s next?   

With both the House and Senate releasing their proposals for the capital, operating and transportation budgets in the coming days, the next step is to get together and negotiate our differences and come to a final agreement that works for the people of Washington. We’ve got until the end of session, March 7, to get this work done. I am strongly committed to fighting for these important investments in our district so we can make more progress on homelessness as well as our fentanyl and opioid crisis. 

If you have questions about the budget or anything else related to the Legislature, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 360-786-7644, or Sen.Drew.Hansen@leg.wa.gov. Your feedback is so important and helps me better serve you. You can also follow my official Facebook and Instagram pages for legislative updates throughout the year.    

Sincerely, 

Drew Hansen