Dear friends and neighbors,
The Senate released its proposal this week for the state’s capital budget, which funds construction projects across the state – mostly buildings, but many other things too. This year’s supplemental budget proposal includes major funding increases in K-12 school construction, behavioral health facilities, affordable housing and more. I’m happy to report that the Senate budget proposal funds important projects I requested to help our district.
Medical Equipment Bank building
The Medical Equipment Bank is an invaluable asset to Thurston County. It collects new and used donated medical equipment that can be reused for free by those in need, including older adults, adults with disabilities, unpaid family caregivers and low-income families. The program, run by the Thurston County Council on Aging, helps people live healthier, safer and more active lives.
The nonprofit is currently renting space at Lily Road and Martin Way in Olympia. While the current property owner has given the Medical Equipment Bank a generous deal on rent over many years, the owner plans to redevelop the property and the lease ends in August.
I’m happy to report that the Senate’s capital budget proposal includes $250,000 that would help the Medical Equipment Bank purchase a new home on Pacific Ave. in Olympia.
City of Lacey Regional Public Safety Training Center
Every year we make critical investments to support law enforcement and public safety.
The capital budget proposal also includes $50,000 for a new regional public safety training center in Lacey that would help ensure peace officers and mental health professionals have a facility to train and learn new skills like de-escalation tactics and safety techniques.
Tumwater Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat and Restoration
The City of Tumwater and the Port of Olympia are developing a habitat conservation plan that protects the federally endangered Mazama Pocket Gopher and its prairie habitat, while still allowing current and future development to continue.
The Senate’s capital budget proposal includes $2 million to help the City of Tumwater purchase 25 acres of land that will be restored to native prairie and sequester carbon.
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.
If you have questions about the budget or anything else related to the Legislature, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 360-786-7642 or Sam.Hunt@leg.wa.gov. Your feedback is so important and helps me better serve you. You can also follow my official Facebook page for legislative updates throughout the year.
Sincerely,
