Our Representatives Report: Jeff Morris Updates

— from Washington State Representative Jeff Morris —

Here we are almost two-thirds of the way through this short (60-day) session in Olympia. I’m honored to serve you as one of two representatives from the 40th Legislative District, and I wanted to give you an update on what’s happening here and what I’m working on for you.

Despite all the hoopla you might have seen and heard in the news this session, I’m staying focused on the issues:

• A better education system
• Critical road, ferry and clean water projects
• Sound energy and technology policies
• Family-wage jobs to strengthen the middle-class

Key transportation investments last year paying dividends now

Last session we passed an historic transportation package that will create more than 100,000 jobs over the next 16 years. A good share of that will be spent on key projects in the 40th.

After fighting to bring the 144-car ferries to the San Juans since they were first approved in 2003, I was able to secure funding for the third and fourth vessels through a unique policy that had bipartisan support.

My seatmate, Rep. Kris Lytton, and I also secured funding to finish the Tommy Thompson Trail from March’s Point to the state ferry terminal.

We were also able to fund the old Highway 99 bridge by Cook Road that is dangerously dilapidated, and secured $21.1 million to revamp the I-5 Slater Road interchange and $13.1 million to reduce congestion along I-5.

Technology, timber meld to create job opportunities

I’m working with Rep. Steve Tharinger of Port Angeles this session on a promising new way to use wood instead of cement in construction projects. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is layers of large lumber (such as 2X8s), glued together with other layers stacked in alternating directions.

CLT is lighter than cement, easier to handle, and strong. For our state it also means jobs because CLT can use small trees, making thinning jobs profitable while reducing the danger of wildfires.

I’m working on ideas and legislation to jump-start this new technology in our state, so our workers get those jobs. It also lowers our carbon footprint, brings in more money for school construction, and creates affordable structures for classrooms.
Making solar power accessible and affordable

One of my biggest priorities in Olympia this year is continuing to modernize our energy regulations. Incentivizing clean, cutting-edge technology is one of the best methods we have for reducing our carbon impact.

I’ve introduced legislation (House Bill 2346) – which just passed the House with strong bipartisan support – that would change Washington’s solar incentive rate structure and eligibility requirements. The current incentives largely benefit existing users, but make it cost-prohibitive to expand the program. The reforms will make the system easier to understand and manage while expanding access to local solar energy for more Washingtonians.

I’m proud of the bipartisan support for this bill, and the work of my Republican colleagues to make it a stronger piece of legislation.

Encouraging local consumers to use solar energy is not just good for the environment. It also provides local, family-wage jobs in an emerging industry. It’s past time we updated our laws to make local solar power accessible and affordable for everyone, not just the people who are benefiting now from a limited number of incentives.

In Memoriam: Harriet Spanel
Harriet Spanel was a unique public servant in that she fiercely advocated for the environment and other progressive issues yet was beloved by all because of her kind nature. She never had to speak loudly, bring attention to herself or put others down to make her point.

Being younger when I was first elected I really could not have had two better examples of what it meant to represent the people than Harriet Spanel and Dave Quall. Harriet’s legacy to our community is rich in character and accomplishment. She will be dearly missed.

Wolf Bauer
Wolf Bauer’s passing was deeply saddening. The legendary mountaineer and conservationist from Anacortes was a trailblazer for outdoor sports in Washington state. Perhaps his proudest achievement was his work with State Parks. In 2009, State Parks renamed the lodge at Flaming Geyser in Wolf’s honor. Wolf’s love for the rivers and shorelines, the mountains and trails of Washington have inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Committees

• Technology & Economic Development (Chair)
• General Government & Information Technology
• Transportation

Contact Me in-person or by mail:
LEG 436A
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Email and call:
Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
Olympia Office: (360) 786-7970; Toll-free Hotline 1-800-562-6000
1-800-635-9993 (TTY)