Friends and neighbors,
This year’s legislative session included several important new laws and investments for our community here in Spokane and across the state. I’ve had the opportunity to discuss some of these major developments over the last few weeks, and I want to share these links to news stories and television coverage where you can learn more:
Pictured above: Cutting the ribbon at Multicare’s new Internal Medicine Residency Clinic at Deaconess Hospital. I’m proud to have secured $500k in state capital funding during the 2025 legislative session to support the renovation of the clinical space.
- Read more about the opening of a Multicare’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic here.
- Watch a recap of the 2026 session I joined on KSPS PBS’s “At Issue” series here.
- Read about legislation I sponsored to boost our state’s tourism industry here.
- Watch an extended interview I did on the session with KREM 2 here.
- Read more about legislation I sponsored and passed to protect voter privacy here.
- Learn more about new expanded property tax exemptions for seniors and disabled veterans here.
- Read more about key legislative wins for the city and county here.
Thank you, Timm!
This week my friend and colleague Representative Timm Ormsby announced he won’t be seeking re-election. He has had a long, remarkable career representing the people of Spokane and I will miss working with him in the Legislature. As I told the Spokesman-Review, Timm has a heart for the most vulnerable, and was always looking out for all Washingtonians when we were making difficult decisions, and putting people first. I appreciate his partnership over the years and am proud to have worked with him to make meaningful progress for our community together over the last 14 years.
Town hall coming up April 23
Please save the date for a 3rd Legislative District Town Hall on Thursday, April 23, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Spokane Community College’s Lair Auditorium. I will join Representatives Timm Ormsby and Natasha Hill to provide a recap on the 2026 session and answer your questions. I hope to see you there!
Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Do you know a young person interested in learning more about policy and making a difference at the state level? If they’re between 7th and 10th grade, encourage them to apply for the Washington LYAC’s 2026-2028 cohort by April 30! The Legislative Youth Advisory Council is empowered by state law to ensure the interests and opinions of Washington’s young people are heard and considered by the Legislature. Learn more: https://walyac.org/apply
Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov.
It is an honor to serve you!
Sen. Marcus Riccelli
