Friends, neighbors –

Our state’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation – even after a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that upended our communities and our workforce. That’s because we saved money by investing in healthy families, public services, a strong social safety net – instead of making cuts to vital services and supports, which costs all of us more in the long run.

INVESTMENTS IN HEALTHY FAMILIES & STRONG COMMUNITIES

Here are just a few budget highlights! This year, we invested:

  • $250,000 to support Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank & Community Services – making sure families in our region have the food, tools, and transportation that they need to lead healthy lives.
  • $100,000 for Lakebay Marina Acquisition and Preservation – protecting our beautiful natural environment and maritime history and culture for generations to come.
  • $51,000 for the Roxy Bremerton Foundation – maintaining an accessible community space and keeping its doors open to all of our neighbors, for the arts, public policy, nonprofit projects, community engagement, and more.
  • $1,236,000 for the South Kitsap Community Events Center in Port Orchard – where our community can gather, celebrate, and learn together in both an indoor and outdoor space.

INVESTMENTS IN SMALL BUSINESSES & A HEALTHY ECONOMY

Rebuilding our strong regional economy and helping small businesses stay afloat during a tough year was a huge priority. That’s why we passed $1.7 billion in unemployment insurance relief for local businesses, making sure our Main Street shops and the folks they employ got prompt support. We also invested $240 million to fund 12,000 grants for small businesses right at the beginning of 2021, and then another $138 million in additional funding at the end of the legislative session. That ended up being over $28 million just in Working Washington small business grants in Kitsap and Pierce counties!

INVESTMENTS IN OUR FUTURE

We didn’t just focus on equity in spending this year. We also took a hard look at how state revenue is raised, and we’re keeping up the work to make that more equitable too.

That’s why I hope you’ll join me in attending the Tax Structure Work Group’s Tax Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 13, to offer your thoughts and feedback.

Why is your voice so important in this process?

Your input, your story, helps legislators make the strategic investments and reforms today that ensure a better, healthier tomorrow. That’s how – when led by community – last session we invested:

  • $430 million for the Fair Start for Kids Act – helping provide access to childcare for families who might otherwise be unable to afford it, and expanding and strengthening the childcare industry. For example, a family of three making under 60% of the state median income ($4,317/mo) are now eligible for affordable co-payments – a huge improvement over the previous eligibility requirements.
  • $261 million for the Working Families Tax Credit – like a Washington-state-version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, it puts between $500 to $950 directly into the pockets of nearly 500,000 taxpayers, helping to balance our state’s upside-down tax code.
  • $512 million for 28 projects at community and technical colleges around our state – building up learning opportunities for Washington students pursuing their dream careers.

As always, I am eager to answer your questions and hear from you about your priorities so I can bring your thoughts and concerns with me to Olympia. Easy ways to reach me include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – where you can shoot me a message and follow along to see what we’re up to. You can also reach out anytime at 360-786-7650 or Emily.Randall@leg.wa.gov.

All the best,