July legislative update from Rep. Alex Ramel

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. ALEX RAMEL |||

After two remote legislative sessions, we were back in Olympia in 2023 to address the issues that matter most. We heard from the community and worked hard to create legislative solutions to the issues you care about – such as protecting reproductive rights, reducing gun violence, and addressing our housing crisis. We also passed our 2023-25 operating, capital, and transportation budgets to fund critical state services and invest in the programs, projects, and infrastructure that support our neighborhoods, environment, and economy. 

Rep. Ramel and stakeholders at a bill signing with Governor Jay Inslee

The work we accomplished this session can’t fit in one e-newsletter; however, I’ve highlighted some of the most meaningful updates below.

Legislative Review

Housing: We worked across the aisle and across the rotunda on proposals aimed at addressing the 3 S’: Supplying more units to increase a diversity of home options; Support seniors and those facing disability or other challenges for whom market rate housing will never be affordable; and Stabilize rents for those facing displacement and unfair costs and evictions. We made real progress on the first two of these priorities, but we need to come back next year and build upon these successes to provide more housing options near transit and to stabilize rising rents for tenants.

Climate Change: Last session, we took action to bolster community resiliency and protect our environment by partnering with cities and counties in planning for the impacts of climate change, while addressing critical housing and transportation needs. This helped us undo historic harms and create a blueprint for livable and walkable neighborhoods. We’ve laid the groundwork for deeper investment in clean energy deployment – energy efficiency, renewables, electrification and much more.  This will mean great jobs for thousands of Washingtonians, reduced energy costs over time, and better air quality in neighborhoods that have been on the front lines of pollution for far too long.  

Investing in Our Community: Our state budgets are living documents that put our money where our priorities are. In addition to record investments in training locally for high-demand fields such as maritime, nursing, behavioral health, and law enforcement, we were proud to bring home critical funds to support the people and environment of San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. Looking ahead, many of our school districts in the 40th have been impacted by the state’s levy formula, leaving them with deep budget deficits. We’ll keep fighting for our schools to achieve funding parity.

Blake Decision: Last month in a one-day special session, we passed a bipartisan compromise to address the “Blake” decision on drug possession. My priority has always been helping people recover from substance abuse and reducing recidivism. The bill we passed creates a statewide system for treatment and recovery while providing avenues for accountability. This bill also prevents a patchwork of laws would have led to confusion and discriminatory outcomes, especially for lower-income people or people of color. We all have been touched by a friend or family member who is struggling with addiction. There is more work to be done, but this is a good step. That’s why I voted yes on this legislation.

Meeting With You

Rep. Ramel and legislative colleagues meet with the Chambers of Commerce across Skagit County.

Since the adjournment of the 2023 legislative session, I have been out in our community discussing the legislature’s work with our counties, cities, and local business leaders. I’ve attended a listening session with constituents around assisted living facilities regarding health care related needs, have toured multiple renewable energy sites, and visited with the Governor at the Port of Bellingham.

With other legislators from the surrounding districts, I shared our wins from the recent session at the Skagit Chamber Alliance Legislative Roundup Program on May 25^th and have given updates to our Skagit County Commissioners, the Bellingham City Council, and the Mount Vernon City Council. I’m further proud to have been able to speak with the Citizen’s Climate Lobby about legislation focused on reducing our carbon emissions, the results of our first cap-and-trade auction, and what our next steps should be to reach our clean energy goals.

One group of individuals who left a large imprint on me were the team at the Anacortes Boys & Girls club. We had a great discussion about improving after school and summer school programs for youth and teenagers. This group is part of the critical net of service providers in our community that provide food, enrichment activities, and opportunities for engagement with youth in our district.

Preparing for the 2024 Legislative Session

2023 Class of House Democratic Caucus Lawmakers

There is no question that the 2023 legislative session was historic, addressed issues facing many of our communities, and put people first with record investments in critical services. But the reality remains that families continue to need relief from housing instability, climate change continues to threaten our resiliency as a state through extreme droughts and wildfires, our ferry system is still not at a level that meets the needs of much of our San Juan Island residents, and many are living paycheck to paycheck. I plan to continue to focus on these issues, listen to our neighbors about what matters most to them, and come back to Olympia next January ready to pass bold and meaningful solutions.

Already, I’ve had great discussions about decarbonizing buildings with a statewide navigator for building efficiency improvements, solar net metering, housing and rent stabilization, supporting behavioral health needs, and improving ferry service and reliability. I am energized to work with you this interim to address these issues and more!

Do you qualify?

In 2021, the Legislature established the Working Families Tax Credit. With it, individuals and families can receive rebates up to $1,200, and it is estimated to help over 400,000 Washingtonians this year. Check if you qualify at https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

What to know about the end of pandemic-era Medicaid coverage

During the pandemic, the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients but due to federal action, that extension is ending. If you use Apple Health for health care, you should log on to Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org to ensure your contact and income information is up to date.

If you are still eligible, you will be re-enrolled in Apple Health. If you no longer qualify, you can select a new health plan on the Healthplanfinder within 60 days to prevent a gap in your coverage. Most people who will lose Apple Health coverage can get a Cascade Care plan for less than $10 a month. Find out if you qualify or switch to a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan at wahealthplanfinder.org.

For enrollment assistance, there are experts in many areas across the state. Find one near you at wahealthplanfinder.org or the WAPlanfinder app. You can also call customer support at 1-855-923-4633.

Stay In Touch

Our district is fortunate to have engaged citizens who actively participate in the public process. Please continue to stay in touch by following my facebook page or by sending me an email.  Thank you for all you do!