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OLYMPIA – Budget leaders in both chambers unveiled an agreed-to budget that puts Washington’s families and students first. The supplemental budget, which builds on last year’s biennial budget, also makes the state’s biggest commitment ever in combating substance use disorder in our communities – a priority for Democrats in both chambers. Supplemental budgets traditionally roll out to lower fanfare and often address minor tweaks and adjustments where necessary. But Democrats identified needs in communities across the state and directed funding to ensure no one is left behind as the state continues to support families and individuals recovering from ...

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2024. Billig, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will finish his current term and continue to serve as majority leader until a new leader is selected in November. He was elected majority leader in late 2018 and has served in that role since the 2019 legislative session. “Part of being a good leader is knowing when it is time to step aside and let others lead,” said Billig. “I have been incredibly lucky to have served Spokane in ...

OLYMPIA – Legislation to block unscrupulous lenders who are partnering with out-of-state banks to evade Washington’s limits on interest rates has now passed both the Senate and the House unanimously. SB 6025, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), makes any attempt to evade the provisions of Washington’s Consumer Loan Act a violation of the act. “Our state’s Consumer Loan Act does a good job of protecting consumers and making sure there is clarity for lenders and borrowers,” said Stanford. “But some companies are partnering with out-of-state banks and using structures that allow them to get around the act. ...

Update March 19, 2024: The bill as described below has been signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. TVW coverage available here. OLYMPIA — People who commit crimes on tribal lands would not be able to escape justice by fleeing into Washington state lands, under legislation passed unanimously by the House Wednesday. SB 6146 would authorize Washington state law enforcement officers to enforce warrants issued by Washington’s 29 federally recognized tribes and empower them to transport people to tribal lands for prosecution. “This law will help keep communities in Washington and on tribal lands safe, while respecting the ...

OLYMPIA — On Tuesday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias unveiled the 2024 supplemental transportation budget, Senate Bill 5947, a $14.6 billion proposal which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.  “Our transportation system is the lifeblood of our economy, and this year’s budget makes critical investments in ferries, traffic safety, and improving mobility statewide,” Liias (D-Edmonds) said.  The supplemental budget proposal puts $150 million additional dollars into the preservation of roads, bridges and more statewide. An additional $31 million is invested in ...

OLYMPIA — Washington State Senate budget leaders unveiled a $71.7 billion supplemental operating budget plan Monday that increases support for behavioral health and public schools.  The budget adds roughly $1.9 billion in new spending to the two-year budget passed by lawmakers in April 2023.  “Many hours and conversations went into shaping our supplemental budget proposal, and I’m very proud of the result,” said Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee. “It continues to showcase our values and priorities by making smart, targeted investments that give our neighbors and children the ...

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins announced Friday that public hearings will be held on Initiative 2113 (police pursuits), I-2111 (state income tax) and I-2081 (parental rights). The lawmakers also confirmed I-2117, a repeal of the Climate Commitment Act, I-2109, a repeal of the capital gains tax and I-2124, an opt-out of Washington’s long-term care retirement program that would effectively end the program, will not receive hearings or floor action, and will go directly to the November ballot. The House and Senate will hold ...

A Department of Revenue analysis of Initiative 2109 found that its passage would result in the loss of more than $5.6 billion in funding for early learning, childcare and K-12 education programs across Washington by 2029. Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig issued the statement below in response: “That figure is even worse than we thought. The initiative would reduce K-12 funding and devastate early learning and childcare programs relied on by families across Washington. “For many parents, these programs are essential in order for them to have a family and a career. For businesses, these programs are essential ...

OLYMPIA — A bill to create more affordable homeownership opportunities passed the Senate on a 48-1 vote Friday.  Senate Bill 6173, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), aims to expand the production of affordable housing by enabling local municipalities to support organizations in creating homeownership opportunities for households earning up to 80% of area median income.  It also seeks to address the significant gap between median incomes and home prices in areas where homeownership is largely unattainable for those earning less than the median income, particularly among communities of ...

OLYMPIA — Legislation to allow students to receive state financial aid for the same amount of time they can receive federal aid passed the Senate on a 34-14 vote Friday.  Senate Bill 5904, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would align the maximum eligibility time frames for the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, and Passport to Careers programs with that of the federal Pell Grant at 150% — the equivalent of 18 full-time academic quarters.   More than 6,800 Washington students in the 2023–24 academic year are on track to complete their ...