Friends and neighbors,  

The 2023 legislative session has come to an end, but the work is not done yet!  

Much of our work over the past few months has been focused on our three budgets: operating, capital and transportation. Read on for more about how this money will be invested across the state, including right here in the 30th Legislative District.  

Operating Budget 

The Legislature passed a $69.3 billion operating budget that will fund critical services across the state. This includes funding for behavioral health, public schools, affordable housing and a historic investment to address the climate crisis.  

This two-year budget adds roughly $4.7 billion in new spending, leaves $3 billion in total reserves, and does not rely on any new general taxes or fees.  

Some of the highlights of this budget include: 

  • $417 million for special education students 
  • $85 million to expand access to free meals for students 
  • $95 million in food assistance programs 
  • $76 million in foundational public health services 
  • $80 million to increase rates for health care workers, targeting primary care and pediatricians 
  • $24 million for reproductive health services and security measures 
  • $406 million in Climate Commitment Act investments 

Capital Budget 

The capital budget includes $8.9 billion in funding for construction and infrastructure projects across the state. This budget makes investments in affordable housing, school construction, and more. 

Highlights in our district include:  

  • $1.9 million for Recovery Innovations Crisis Stabilization in Federal Way 
  • $1.2 million for the Auburn Valley YMCA Healthy Kids Campus 
  • $1.5 million for El Centro de la Raza Federal Way Campus in Federal Way 
  • $1 million for the Redondo Fishing Pier Replacement in Des Moines 
  • $820,000 for turf ball fields at Celebration Park 
  • $600,000 for the Algona Wetland Preserve Interpretive Trail 
  • $400,000 for the Pacific Interurban Trail War Memorials 
  • $168,000 for parking lot enhancements at the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club  

Transportation Budget 

The transportation budget makes investments with an emphasis on safety. Traffic fatalities are at a 30-year high, so this year’s budget increases safe routes to schools, improves busy intersections, and directs the Traffic Safety Commission to study and respond to alarming safety trends.  

This budget includes several investments in our communities over the next few years, including:  

  • $873 million for SR 167/SR 509, the Puget Sound Gateway project. 
  • $16 million for green transportation, including electrification for King County Metro. 
  • $13 million for congestion management on SR 167/SR 410 to SR 18. 
  • $700,000 for Mujer al Volante to expand driver education classes for immigrant and refugee women. 

These budgets will bring significant and meaningful improvements to our state and district. I hope you join me in my excitement for those great changes!  

All my best,