House debating state budgets

My greatest priorities for the 2021 legislative session are to support economic development and recovery in rural communities, promote sustainable environmental and economic health and support families and those hit hardest by the pandemic and recession.

The House recently released its operating, capital and transportation budgets. I am proud to have fought for local projects and programs that will go a long way to support these priorities.

Economic Recovery

Washington’s recovery begins with community, which is why House Democrats built a plan to support families, small businesses and those who have suffered disproportionate impacts during the pandemic. The budget includes key investments in healthcare, childcare, COVID-19 response and supporting families and helping those hit hardest by the recession. The budgets prioritize building broadband infrastructure and includes $155 million to improve broadband access in rural communities. The operating budget also provides $850 million to assist with small business recovery.

Healthy Communities

Quality of life begins with healthy communities, which is why I am proud to support funding for the Didgwalic Wellness Center. Substance use disorder treatment and mental health services are desperately needed in our community. I am truly impressed with the holistic approach taken by the Swinomish Tribe to address these critical issues. The Center’s next step of improving transitional housing is greatly needed so that clients – both tribal and nontribal – can recover in a safe and supportive environment. The positive impacts of this project will not only benefit individuals suffering from substance use disorder, but also strengthen our entire community.

Quality of Life

I am proud to also have supported cultural and environmental projects to sustain a thriving community. For example, the House budget includes funding for the Museum of Northwestern Art. The MONA features Northwest artists, contributing to local cultural heritage and boosting the tourism economy in La Conner.

Conservation efforts are central to a sustained quality of life. I have heard from so many about the importance of protecting our salmon runs and saving our resident orcas and I have sponsored funding for a riparian buffer program to help reduce water temperatures and improve salmon habitat on the Skagit River.

Transportation

The proposed 2021-23 transportation budget continues the work of building a transportation system for the future. We need a system that is cleaner, more sustainable and gives people more options to get where they need to go. Our budget invests in ferries, green transportation, mass transit and fish passages. I am especially happy to report our proposed transportation budget includes $152.5 million to continue work on the state’s first hybrid-electric ferry.

There is also $12 million for electric vehicle charging grants and alternative fuel refueling infrastructure and $15 million for green transportation capital grants to help transit agencies fund the projects needed to reduce carbon emissions and switch to electric vehicles or other zero-emission options.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and priorities with me. These budgets are a testament to your feedback and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Legislature to prioritize these investments. Thank you and it is an honor to serve as your representative.

-Dave Paul, Representative