OLYMPIA – Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) received the 2025 ‘Legislator of the Year’ award this week from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) for his work in the Legislature to secure $8 million for the purchase of land to replace the Spokane Veterans Home.
“Our local veterans deserve quality health care and a stable, supportive living environment. I am proud to work in the Legislature on behalf of veterans, their families, and the dedicated workers who serve them,” Riccelli said. “Securing funding for the property provides a foundation for a new Spokane Veterans Home that will protect and eventually improve the care and benefits that our veterans need and deserve.”
Riccelli worked with Sen. Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) to lead bipartisan efforts to purchase the 42 acres near the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center for a new facility to improve care and expand capacity for local veterans who need specialized nursing care.
The annual awards from WDVA, in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, honor individuals and organizations across Washington who have gone above and beyond in serving and supporting the state’s veteran community.
Sen. Riccelli and Sen. Christian were both recognized for their work on the legislation that led to funding in the state capital budget.
