A legislative update from Representative Mike Steele

information released

Dear Friends and Neighbors: The 2024 legislative session has come to a close, and what a whirlwind it’s been! We had a jam-packed 60 days with more than 1,600 bills introduced between the House and Senate. As we wrapped up, lawmakers focused on finalizing budgets and reconciling differences between bills from each chamber.

In this update, I’ll be sharing highlights from the state’s three supplemental budgets: operating, transportation, and capital. I’ll also delve into the construction allocations for our district that I actively pushed through, along with a key bipartisan bill I sponsored.

Let’s begin with some good news!

My bill, ESHB 2306, received overwhelming bipartisan support this session. This week, the governor signed it into law. Here’s what you need to know about it:

This bill is all about supporting the Main Street Program, which does incredible work in more than 70 communities across the state. It’s focused on the Main Street Tax Credit, which helps communities develop programs aimed at boosting economic vitality and preserving the historic charm of downtown areas. It’s a great way to ensure our communities thrive and maintain their unique character.

In the past, there’s been a cap on how much credit each program can receive. But as participation in the program has grown, some communities were hitting their cap before the end of the year, leaving unused credits on the table. That’s where my bill comes in. It allows Main Street programs to exceed their cap in the fourth quarter of the year and claim any remaining credits under the statewide cap of $5 million.

Now, let’s talk about the state’s three main budgets

I’d like to start with the best of the state’s three spending plans. The supplemental capital budget is truly impressive. With $1.33 billion allocated for construction and infrastructure spending, it makes significant investments across our state. Thanks to strong bipartisan teamwork, these funds have been strategically distributed throughout Washington to address important issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, K-12 school construction, and early learning facilities.

I am deeply honored to have played a key role in negotiating this budget. For the 12th District, this budget is a game-changer. Not only does it enhance employment opportunities, it also fosters community growth that will benefit our region for years to come.

Approved projects for the 12th District include:

  • Chelan Municipal Airport Extension: $1 million
  • Crail Cottages: $248,000
  • Leavenworth Affordable Workforce Rental Housing (Leavenworth): $1.3 million
  • Sky Valley Youth Center: $1.53 million
  • Alatheia Capacity building capital project: $150,000
  • Chelan County Hazard Mitigation: $98,000
  • Manson Grange Hall Improvement Project: $193,000
  • Old Swim Hole Revitalization Project: $206,000
  • Regional Sports Complex-Site Evaluation and Pre-Design: $300,000
  • Town of Index Safety and ADA Access Improvements: $25,000
  • Wenatchee Valley College: Softball Facilities: $462,000
  • Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center: $14.463 million
  • Eagle Creek Barrier Design and Replacement: $354,000
  • Peoples Creek Fish Passage: $380,000
  • Middle Fork Snoqualmie: $835,000
  • Morning Star: $3.5 million
  • CBPS SBCTC Statewide: Utility Submeters for Clean Buildings Act: $147,000

Public Schools:

  • PG Skykomish: $27,000
  • SD Skykomish: $1.234 million

For a complete list of 12th District projects included in the capital budget, click here.
To review budget documents, click here.

Operating budget

The supplemental operating budget passed in the House along party lines, and unfortunately, House Republicans weren’t part of the negotiations. That’s disappointing. The minority party should have a seat at the table during all budget discussions. It’s essential that all voices, regardless of party affiliation, are heard to ensure fair representation for our communities.

You might be wondering why I voted against it. My primary concern is taxpayer spending. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a more than twofold increase in overall state spending, which is deeply concerning to me.

While it’s commendable that there are no new taxes in this plan, the absence of tax relief for struggling Washingtonians is a missed opportunity and a big disappointment. Despite several chances over the past few budget cycles, state lawmakers have once again failed to pass meaningful tax relief.

To illustrate why this budget fell short, I’d like to share insights from several floor speeches delivered by members of the House Appropriations Committee. They effectively articulated several concerns, emphasizing that the budget inadequately addresses the crises facing our state, including affordability, public safety, and substance abuse.

Transportation budget

Moving on to the transportation budget, I voted “yes.” The supplemental transportation budget allocates an additional $1.1 billion on top of last year’s $13.5 billion. It prioritizes maintenance and preservation investments, focuses on enhancing highway safety, and addresses the recruitment and retention of Washington State Patrol officers.

Unlike the operating budget, this plan included considerable bipartisan collaboration. The budget discussions were subject to significant pressures, including revenue constraints, project demands, and other challenges. As a result, it required several hard choices and bipartisan agreements.

  • Read more about the transportation budget here.

Initiatives

In January, six initiatives were brought before the Legislature by the people, addressing several important policy issues affecting our state. In this session, the people won a significant victory with the approval of three of those initiatives, which are:

  • I-2113: Restoring vehicular police pursuits
  • I-2111: Prohibiting state and local personal income taxes
  • I-2081: Establishing a Parents’ Bill of Rights

Under Washington state statute, when a voter initiative is approved by the Legislature, it is enacted without requiring approval from the governor. The remaining three will go before voters in November:

  • I-2117: Repealing the carbon tax
  • I-2124: Opting out of the state LTC program/payroll tax
  • I-2109: Repealing the capital gains tax

Learn more about all six initiatives.

Apple Blossom Royalty

One of the best parts of being your state representative is meeting people from all walks of life. During the 60-day session, we had numerous visitors. Some came to testify, others to share their perspectives on bills and events at the state capitol.

And let’s not forget the visitors who simply came to represent our region, like the Apple Blossom Festival Royalty. A couple of weeks before the conclusion of the session, my seatmate, Rep. Keith Goehner, and I had the pleasure of meeting Princess Lexie Fennell, Queen Ella Stimmel, and Princess Jenissa Hepton. They truly embody community spirit!

Your participation shapes our region’s future!

I want to take a moment to give a big shout-out to all of you. Your support, whether by reaching out, stopping by, or sharing your thoughts on legislation, means the world to me. A special thank you to those who joined our 12th District virtual town hall, signed up for my e-newsletters, tuned in to TVW, or sent in written testimony. Your voices truly make a difference, and I’m incredibly grateful for your involvement in shaping our state government.

Although I’m happy to be back home in Chelan, I want to remind you that the legislative session may have ended, but I remain your state representative year-round. Feel free to reach out via phone or email (though email is easiest for me) anytime you have questions or need assistance. I’m here to help and always happy to hear from you.

Keep an eye out for my next update. I’ll be sharing more about the good and not-so-good bills passed this session.

Thanks for the honor of serving and representing the 12th District!

Sincerely,

Mike Steele

 

State Representative Mike Steele
12th Legislative District
RepresentativeMikeSteele.com
335A Legislative Building | P.O. Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
mike.steele@leg.wa.gov
360-786-7832 | Toll-free: (800) 562-6000