The 2020 Legislative session ends tomorrow

It’s been a short, but busy 60-day session. Legislators have debated hundreds of bills, refining them as they move through the legislative process. With budget negotiations on track to be finalized, this short session should come to an end tomorrow.

In even-numbered years, such as this one, the Legislature adjusts the two-year state budget passed in odd-numbered years. Investments made in these supplemental budget years are generally more modest but are important to ensure the most critical needs across our state are addressed.

Although by the time you read this there will be a final agreement, budget negotiations continue until the last days of session. It’s clear from both the House and Senate budget proposals that we agree on where state investment could make the most difference for Washingtonians. Both budgets propose significant investments to increase access to affordable housing and reduce homelessness, make childcare more affordable and ensure access to health care. These investments are priorities for us all because families, businesses and communities across Washington, including those in the Skagit Valley, need help dealing with these issues right now.

You’ve likely heard that Washington is facing an affordable housing and homelessness crisis in every county and every community. We simply don’t have adequate housing options across income levels and specialized needs in order to keep Washingtonians housed. That’s why lawmakers are committed to providing additional funding for the Housing Trust Fund. Those dollars go toward new affordable housing projects, homeless shelters, and programs that maintain affordable housing and provide housing stability for those most at risk of homelessness. In short, we’re making investments to put and keep roofs over people’s heads.

Childcare is more expensive than college and families are struggling with the rising costs. Increased funding for programs like Working Connections Child Care and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program will help make childcare more affordable and accessible. However, there’s also a lack of providers. For example, Anacortes has over 1,500 children under age five, but not enough childcare programs for them all. In addition to operating budget investments, my 40th District seatmate, Rep. Alex Ramel, and I are bringing home capital budget money to support childcare, early learning and youth housing programs in Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Bellingham.

Both the House and Senate budgets also address the rising costs of health care through targeted investments, including increased Medicaid rates for primary care and nursing homes, more support for rural health clinics and investments in public health. That will include $100 million to support coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response. The money comes from the state’s “Rainy Day Fund” and will fund necessary resources for state and local public health agencies. Grants will also be available to local governments and schools, and due to my amendment, to federally recognized tribes.

A budget reflects our values, and I feel confident that legislators will come together to pass final budgets that align with the values and needs of our community and those across the state.

Rep. Debra Lekanoff represents the 40th Legislative District, which includes San Juan County and parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, and lives in Bow.

Have questions or need advice about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak? Washington residents can call the Department of Health hotline: 1-800-525-0127, press #.