Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are just wrapping up the first week of the 2025 legislative session in Olympia. On Monday I was officially sworn in and joined the Washington State Senate after 12 years in the House – and I’ve never been prouder to represent the people of Spokane. We’ve been fortunate to have strong leaders in my new seat for many years, and I’m excited to build on the progress made by my predecessors Andy Billig and Lisa Brown.

Universal Free School Meals

I’ve been working to expand access to free school meals for more than a decade and this year I am sponsoring legislation to make it universal across the state. Last week, I joined Gov. Bob Ferguson in Spokane to introduce the proposal and yesterday I officially dropped the bill with my colleague Sen. T’wina Nobles of Fircrest.

There is already enthusiastic bipartisan support for this plan because we all know our kids need access to nutritious food to grow, learn, and be healthy. We’ve made steady progress since we passed the “Breakfast After the Bell” bill in 2018 and today more than 70% of students are eligible for free meals in school. This is the year we can finish the job!

Directing Traffic on the Senate Floor

Before we started this year’s 105-day session, I was chosen by my new colleagues in the Senate to serve as the Senate Majority Floor Leader.

The floor leader opens the day’s proceedings, assigns bills to committees, and sets the agenda for debates on the Senate floor – ensuring that priority bills are debated and voted on. I will also serve on the Ways & Means Committee, Health & Long-Term Care Committee, State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, and the Rules Committee. I’ll be busy this year!

Stay In Touch

Getting involved with the Legislature is easier than ever with remote testimony and we want to hear your thoughts on hundreds of proposals and budget items that will be introduced this year. In November, a new website launched to make it easier to follow our state’s democracy in action.

I know people are facing unique challenges across Spokane and I look forward to working with you to find solutions. Often the best laws start with an idea from a constituent, and I hope you’ll reach out to me anytime at Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov.

It is my honor to serve you!

Sincerely,

 

 

Sen. Marcus Riccelli