{"id":2874,"date":"2023-04-07T16:37:20","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T23:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/kauffman\/?p=2874"},"modified":"2023-04-07T16:53:58","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T23:53:58","slug":"in-the-final-stretch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/kauffman\/2023\/04\/07\/in-the-final-stretch\/","title":{"rendered":"In the final stretch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear friends and neighbors,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are officially in the final month of the 2023 session!<\/span><\/b> This means we have about two weeks to finish our business in Olympia. As we conclude week 13, I\u2019m eager to share details my recent resolution, progress on\u00a0our bills and what\u2019s still to come.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Honoring our Special Olympians<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

I had the privilege of sponsoring a resolution in honor of the<\/span> Special Olympics<\/span><\/b><\/a> and the many Washingtonians who have competed and participated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, I\u2019m immensely passionate about creating a more equitable Washington, where all our neighbors with disabilities can thrive and lead full, independent lives \u2014 the\u00a0very goal of the Special Olympics, which emphasizes inclusivity, health and fitness, empowerment, community building, and awareness and advocacy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It started as a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual and physical disabilities and is now a global movement, which provides year-round training and activities to more than 3.7 million participants worldwide.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2022, 98 Washingtonians participated and competed in the Special Olympic Games, 65 of whom were athletes, earning medals in various competitions, from competitive cheer and volleyball to flag football and many more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of these remarkable individuals were in the Senate gallery when we unanimously adopted the resolution, making the moment even more incredible!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Transportation budget<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On Wednesday, we passed our 2023-25 transportation budget \u2014 a $12.9 billion proposal focused on traffic safety, workforce expansion in the state patrol and ferry system, electrification, transit and other green investments, and keeps work on schedule for transportation projects big and small throughout Washington.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few highlights I\u2019m excited to share for our district and state\u00a0include:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n