Dear friends and neighbors, 

We have just two weeks left in the 2024 legislative session! As we conclude week seven, I’m eager to share more details on our three supplemental budget proposals, what’s still to come, and some helpful resources.   

Investing in your priorities 

OPERATING

On Friday, the Senate passed our 2024 supplemental operating budget, which we unveiled and had a public hearing on earlier in the week. Many hours and conversations went into shaping our proposal, and I’m very proud of the result. It continues to showcase our values and priorities by making smart, targeted investments that give our neighbors and children the support and resources they need to thrive in Washington state. 

Some specific investments in public education and behavioral health I’m thrilled to see include:  

  • $36 million from the opioid settlement agreements for substance use disorder treatment 
  • $135.9 million to operate 72 beds at Olympic Heritage Behavioral Health  
  • $20 million for the University of Washington Behavioral Health teaching hospital  
  • $49.6 million for paraeducators  
  • $13.5 million for special education  
  • $19 million to establish a psychiatric residential treatment facility in Lake Burien for youth, aged 12-18, with complex needs

CAPITAL

The supplemental capital budget proposal invests over $3.2 million in the 38th. I am excited to share six of the district-wide projects that I advocated for included in this budget: 

  • $150,000 for the Marysville Early Learning Center 
  • $244,000 for Everett High School’s School-Based Health Center 
  • $244,000 for Cascade High School’s School-based Health Center 
  • $300,000 for Community Health Center of Snohomish County’s Dental Clinic 
  • $274,000 for the Everett Museum elevator installation 
  • $309,000 for the Marysville Riverwalk Sports Complex 

TRANSPORTATION

Our supplemental transportation budget will continue to fund important projects in the 38th, like: 

  • I-5/NB Marine View Dr. to SR 529 corridor and interchange  
  • I-5/116th St. NE, 88th St. NE and SR 528/Marine Dr. interchange  
  • The future rebuild of the US 2 trestle 
  • SR 526 corridor 
  • North Broadway Pedestrian Bridge 

A look ahead  

Both the House and Senate have presented their three budget proposals and passed most out of their respective chamber. This means we will soon start negotiating our final joint budget before the Legislature adjourns March 7. Gov. Jay Inslee will then review the final budget, decide on any vetoes, and sign it into law. 

Working Families Tax Credit 

In early 2023, we launched the Working Families Tax Credit. Since then, it has provided over $116 million in refunds to 163,000 Washington households, with an average refund of $714 per household. I am happy to say that 249,000 kids have been positively impacted by this program. 

Applications for the 2024 cycle open on Feb. 1 and are available through the end of the calendar year. To check if you are eligible for the rebate of up to $1,255, click here. 

Washington College Grant 

Washington College Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program. For example, if your family of four makes: 

  • $73,000 or less, your college or career training could be free. 
  • Up to $112,500, you could get some money for college or training. 

Students and families can use the financial aid calculator to estimate their potential WA Grant award, but the only way to know whether you for sure qualify is to apply for financial aid. Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now open.   

Stay in touch

Our office continues to be as available to you as ever. Send me an email at June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7674.  

I’d love to hear from you and look forward to learning more about your priorities. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.  

Sincerely,  

June Robinson