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35th District lawmakers release statements on 2022 supplemental capital and transportation budgets

The $1.5 billion 2022 supplemental capital budget approved by the Legislature this session is set to make further investments in housing, infrastructure, mental health facilities, broadband, and school seismic safety.

In addition to the more than $25 million in local project funding 35th District Reps. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, secured in the 2021-23 capital budget, they were able to secure another $5.3 million in this year’s budget.

Some of the investments for the district include:

  • $3.25 million to upgrade the headworks at the Shelton Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), which provide screening for the removal of debris and grit to protect pumps and membranes used in downstream treatment processes. Completion of this project will eventually allow the City of Shelton to end discharges into Oakland Bay, decrease negative impacts to our local shellfish industry, and improve overall water quality in the area.
  • $1.28 million for the design and construction of modular buildings and the creation of office space and confidential mental health screening booths for incarcerated individuals at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) in Shelton.
  • $550,000 for Rustlewood Water System upgrades, which will provide much-needed water system reliability improvements and help reduce downstream risk of potential damage to lower elevation properties.
  • $400,000 for improvements to water systems being operated by the Port of Allyn.
  • $300,000 toward the new Allyn Community Center.
  • $250,000 to upgrade the HVAC system at the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton.
  • $206,000 to provide secure parking for the Shelton Police Department and Municipal Court in order to improve overall safety for officers and employees.

The lawmakers released the following statement on the 2022 supplemental capital budget:

“While bipartisan collaboration and agreement on the state’s operating budget remains elusive, that isn’t the case when it comes to the state’s capital budget. The budget we passed this year is one all lawmakers can be proud of, as it builds on the critical investments we made last year in schools, mental and behavioral health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, affordable housing, our environment, and more. Locally, we were able to secure additional funding for important projects that will result in stronger infrastructure, a cleaner environment, and safer communities. We’re excited about these much-needed investments in our district and look forward to seeing construction get underway.”

The capital budget was approved 49-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House. It is currently on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

The 2022 supplemental transportation budget approved by the Legislature this session will provide $11.6 billion for the 2021-23 transportation budget. Funds are allocated for the maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

In both budgets, MacEwen and Griffey retained funding for all existing Connecting Washington transportation projects in the 35th District. The lawmakers also worked to ensure several items, including those listed below, were incorporated into the budget. For a complete list of projects, click here.

  • $12 million for the Highway 3 Freight Corridor, also known as the Belfair Bypass.
  • $2.6 million for US 101/Lynch Road intersection improvements.
  • $2.54 million in funding for Mason Transit Park and Ride development.
  • $2.3 million in additional funding for the future Silverdale Transit Center.
  • $650,000 for Wallace Kneeland Boulevard and Shelton Springs Road intersection improvements.

For years, MacEwen has pushed for a change in how the transportation budget is funded, calling on lawmakers to forego tax increases and shift funding from the abundance in the general fund to pay for transportation projects. This concept appeared in multiple pieces of transportation policy this session, including the new Move Ahead Washington transportation plan that contains more than $2 billion in general fund transfers.  

For his part, Griffey championed two bipartisan bills this session that were included in the supplemental transportation budget. One directs WSDOT to ensure rest areas are open for the use of the traveling public, while the other directs WSDOT to install informational posters in rest areas that provide an opportunity for trafficked victims to memorize a phone number and get help.

In addition, both lawmakers voted in favor of Senate Bill 5488, which will allocate more state funding for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge account. With this new infusion of funding, the Washington State Transportation Commission is expected to be able to reduce tolls on the bridge.

MacEwen and Griffey released the following statement on the 2022 supplemental transportation budget:

“After last year’s big hit to the transportation budget as a result of the pandemic, we came into session this year with much higher hopes for the future of transportation in Washington. The supplemental budget the Legislature approved will help fund critical projects throughout the state, including many here in the 35th District.

“Taking care of our growing transportation needs remains one of our top priorities. We are backing up the promises we have made to our constituents by ensuring work on State Route 3 and on other projects continues without interruption. These improvements are vital to the progress of our district.”

The 2022 supplemental transportation budget was approved 45-4 in the Senate and 93-5 in the House. It, too, is on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

Stokesbary, MacEwen introduce bill that would require all state agencies to divest public funds from Russia

House Republican Reps. Drew Stokesbary and Drew MacEwen have introduced a bill that would require all state agencies in Washington to cancel their outstanding contracts with Russian companies, and require the State Investment Board to divest from its pension and other investments in Russian companies.

“At a time when much of the conversation about state government revolves around what divides us, this bill provides an opportunity for us to come together in support of the Ukrainian people as they fight back against a brutal autocrat,” said Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “When we write a budget or manage pension funds, Washingtonians are trusting us with their hard-earned money. Keeping this trust requires managing that money in a way that aligns with our shared values. Washington stands firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and strongly condemns Russia’s military actions against Ukraine. Thus, we must step up and declare that we will not do business with countries that show blatant disregard for the sovereignty of free people. The governor and the Legislature have an obligation to stand against tyranny and keep taxpayer dollars out of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime.”

“Like the rest of the world, I am appalled by the actions of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Invading Ukraine under false pretenses is an affront to human rights, attacks the principle of self-governance, and threatens the very existence of a free Ukraine. Washington state must immediately divest from Russia to the greatest extent possible. While we work to ensure Putin’s government does not profit from Washington taxpayers, I encourage all Washingtonians to join me in praying for a peaceful resolution to this unprovoked and unjust war—a resolution that restores Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.”

The 2022 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 10.

35th District lawmakers release statements on 2021-23 capital and transportation budgets

On Saturday, the Washington State Legislature passed the 2021-23 capital budget. The $6.3 billion budget will fund various construction projects throughout the state, making significant investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure with the help of one-time federal funds.

Thirty-fifth District Reps. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, and Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, worked to secure more than $25 million in local project funding. Some of the investments include:

  • $8.8 million for improvements at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton and the Mission Creek Corrections Center in Belfair;
  • $2.05 million to rehabilitate and re-equip Well 1 and convert the water transmission main in Shelton;
  • $2.05 million for the design and construction of a 750,000-gallon in-ground storage tank at the satellite wastewater treatment plant in Shelton;
  • $1.49 million for grants for a range of land protection and outdoor recreation projects in Yelm and Rochester;
  • $1.29 million for Shelton Youth Connection for renovations and to add 12 age-appropriate housing options for young adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness;
  • $900,000 for grants to support cleanup efforts at the Shelton C Street Landfill;
  • $835,000 to provide fiber optic infrastructure to increase capacity at each cell tower in the Gold Mountain Communications Zone in Bremerton;
  • $344,000 for restoration efforts at the Sargent Oyster House in Allyn;
  • $82,000 to provide additional space at the Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton; and
  • $62,000 for improvements at Mason County Veterans Memorial Hall in Shelton.

The lawmakers released the following statement regarding passage of the 2021-23 capital budget:

“Despite a divisive session in which the majority raised taxes on Washington families and rejected emergency powers reform, the 2021-23 capital budget represents an area of common ground that will serve our communities well. With this budget, we are making critical investments in schools, mental and behavioral health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, our environment, and more.

“We are particularly proud of the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to make mental and behavioral health care the priority it should be, especially as we continue recovering from the global pandemic. Many adults have experienced mental health challenges over the past year, but so have our children. We must continue providing the capacity and resources necessary to get Washington citizens the help they need in a timely manner.

“Speaking of our youth, we are very pleased we were able to secure more than one million dollars in funding for Shelton Youth Connection, a vital organization in our community that serves at-risk individuals ages 12 to 24. By funding key renovations and the construction of age-appropriate housing options, we are going to see improved outcomes for those who need our help the most.

“One major challenge we continue to face is our affordable housing crisis. According to US News and World Report, Washington state ranks 47th in the nation in terms of housing affordability. While this capital budget invests tens of millions of dollars to help address this issue, it is clear more will need to be done to increase the supply of affordable housing and prevent more Washingtonians from facing the prospect of homelessness.

“Lastly, we worked hard to secure funding for a number of important projects in our communities. These projects will result in stronger infrastructure, a cleaner environment, and safer communities. We’re excited to see construction get underway across the 35th District.”

The capital budget was approved by a vote of 49-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The Legislature also passed the 2021-23 transportation budget on Saturday. The $11.8 billion biennial budget will provide funding for the maintenance and preservation of current transportation systems, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Washington State Ferry system, the Washington State Patrol, and other state transportation agencies.

Reps. MacEwen and Griffey worked to ensure the following items were included in the budget:

  • Modified WSP-Shelton water agreement – MacEwen and Griffey negotiated with the governor’s office to remove the latecomers fee that existed between the Washington State Patrol Academy and the City of Shelton. The latecomers fee has long hindered economic growth around the Port of Shelton and the WSP Academy. Its removal will make it easier for properties to use the water line infrastructure that currently exists, which will help grow the local economy.
  • Kitsap toll credit – New Kitsap toll credit language in the budget includes provisions that will improve the passenger-only ferry system in Kitsap County.
  • SR 302 corridor study – SR 302 has a history of storm-related damage that has resulted in a number of road closures. The $800,000 corridor study in the budget will attempt to set a course for what improvements need to be made in order to make the highway more resilient.

Additionally, MacEwen and Griffey successfully fought to retain funding for all existing Connecting Washington transportation projects in the 35th District, including the Highway 3 freight corridor, formerly known as the Belfair Bypass project.

The lawmakers released the following statement regarding passage of the 2021-23 transportation budget:

“Given the fact the state’s transportation budget took a massive hit due to the pandemic, the members of the transportation committee in both chambers should be commended for delivering a solid 2021-23 transportation budget. It will fund a number of important items that will meet our growing transportation needs.

“We are proud that we were able to keep the promises we made to our constituents, especially when it comes to funding for the Highway 3 freight corridor. That project, and the others we were able to secure funding for, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our constituents for years to come.”

The transportation budget was approved by a vote of 41-8 in the Senate and 90-6 in the House. It now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Governor signs MacEwen bill designed to strengthen commercial fishing industry licensing

Governor Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen designed to strengthen the commercial fishing industry’s licensing system.

In 2017, the Legislature created the crewmember license as a part of a comprehensive overhaul of the commercial fishing license fee structure. Under current law, a crewmember license is required for every individual who works on board any vessel while operating in a commercial fishery regulated by the state. Up to two crewmember licenses may be purchased and held by a commercial fishing license holder for use by any individual working on a vessel.

MacEwen’s House Bill 1437 will authorize the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt fishery-specific rules regarding commercial fishing crewmember licenses. Under the bill, all individuals with a crewmember license will be required to carry at least one piece of identification that contains their photograph and signature. Furthermore, a “John Doe” crewmember license held by a commercial fishing license holder will not be able to be used to cover an individual who is prohibited from obtaining a crewmember license.

MacEwen says these changes will improve the existing licensing system.

“House Bill 1437 will benefit the commercial fishing industry and protect our fisheries by creating clear rules that increase accountability,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “I’m grateful for the unanimous support the bill received in both the House and Senate, and thank the governor for signing it into law.”

House Bill 1437 will go into effect July 25.

Washington House Republicans push for a vote on emergency powers reform bill

Washington House Republicans are pushing for a vote on an emergency powers reform bill they believe is critical to pass prior to the end of the legislative session.

On Friday afternoon, the caucus will make a motion on the House floor to place House Concurrent Resolution 4402 on the Second Reading Calendar. The new resolution, if passed, would waive previously established cutoff dates from an earlier resolution and allow the emergency powers reform bill to be considered on the House floor for a full vote. State representatives will take a roll-call vote on the new resolution.

Washington House Republicans support House Bill 1557, a bipartisan measure designed to ensure adequate legislative involvement in long-lasting states of emergency. Specifically, it would cause a state of emergency to expire after 60 days unless renewed by the Legislature. The bill would also allow the Legislature to terminate a state of emergency on its own authority.

“This bill would bring us into line with what other states are already doing or considering. This is about providing 147 state lawmakers and the people they represent a greater voice in decisions that impact their lives,” said Rep. Drew MacEwen, prime sponsor of both House Concurrent Resolution 4402 and House Bill 1557. “The governor just moved three counties back to Phase 2 in his reopening plan. The state lawmakers who represent these counties had no say in the decision. This is not how our state should operate.”

Washington House Republicans would need nine Democrats to vote with them to pass House Concurrent Resolution 4402 and allow House Bill 1557 for a full chamber vote.

“We acknowledge the governor needs certain emergency powers, but there should be limits,” said House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm. “House Bill 1557 would establish a proper role for the Legislature during emergencies. While it has Democratic sponsors, we need more Democrats to step up and support our House floor efforts so the legislation can be considered and receive a full vote.”

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to end on April 25.

For more information:

Governor signs bipartisan MacEwen bill aimed at helping hospitality industry navigate ongoing COVID challenges

A bill sponsored by Rep. Drew MacEwen to help businesses in the hospitality industry mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee.

House Bill 1480 will temporarily codify into law a number of curbside, takeout and delivery privileges granted to liquor licensees by the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board. Among other temporary privileges, certain licensees may continue selling factory-sealed bottles and cans of beer, wine, and spirits to customers in combination with the sale of to-go food or by delivery with a food order.

Under the bill, the following liquor licensees may continue selling alcohol products at retail for curbside, takeout or delivery:

  • beer and wine restaurants;
  • spirits, beer, and wine restaurants;
  • taverns;
  • domestic wineries;
  • domestic breweries and microbreweries;
  • distilleries;
  • snack bars;
  • nonprofit arts licensees; and
  • caterers.

All privileges will expire on July 1, 2023.

MacEwen, R-Union, who serves as the ranking Republican on the House Commerce and Gaming Committee, says his bill will help struggling businesses stay afloat as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

“The coronavirus pandemic has created tremendous financial hardship for thousands of leisure and hospitality businesses across our state. Many of these businesses have been struggling to keep their doors open, which is why this bill is so critical,” said MacEwen. “Temporarily extending curbside, takeout and delivery privileges for our liquor licensees is just one way we can help them stay afloat. I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill has received throughout the process, from its introduction to its approval on the House and Senate floors. As the pandemic continues, we must continue working together to pass sound legislation that will ensure our businesses can remain open and carry on as staples in our communities.”

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn April 25.

Rep. Drew MacEwen to host telephone town hall meeting Thursday, March 25

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, is inviting 35th District residents to join him for a telephone town hall meeting on Thursday, March 25, from 6-7 p.m.

During the meeting, MacEwen will provide a brief update on this year’s legislative session and take questions from constituents. Participants will also have the opportunity to answer a number of survey questions. Those who would like to join the call may dial (360) 209-6593 anytime between 6-7 p.m. on March 25th.

“I wanted to host this meeting to bring our community together and answer the pressing questions that are on people’s minds as we head into the final month of session,” said MacEwen. “I look forward to discussing a wide range of issues and learning how I can best partner with my constituents to bring about positive results for our district now and in the future.”

For more information, 35th District residents are encouraged to contact MacEwen at (360) 786-7902 or Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov.

MacEwen transportation budget request would invest in Gorst corridor improvements

Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has submitted a $414 million transportation budget request to improve safety and address congestion and capacity issues along the SR 3/SR 16 Gorst corridor.

The Gorst corridor is the gateway from Kitsap County to Mason, Jefferson and Clallam counties. Critically, it provides the only roadway link to strategic Naval facilities in Kitsap County. These facilities are not only vital for military readiness and national security purposes, but also for regional economic interests.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency classifies the Gorst area as a chokepoint that “becomes impassable with any minor or major impact, including high-winds, floods, and car accidents.” Even without these impacts, tens of thousands of commuters, as well as commercial truck drivers and military personnel, are getting stuck on the corridor daily.

If MacEwen’s budget request is included in the 2021-23 transportation budget, the Department of Transportation would have the green light to begin investing in projects to fix issues that have worsened over the decades.

“While I have the privilege of bringing this budget request forward, there is a broad coalition behind this effort that has been waiting a long time for a solution,” said MacEwen. “If we fail to address the issues and deficiencies in this critical transportation corridor, our local communities, the Kitsap economy, and significant U.S. strategic military missions will continue to be at risk. With lives and livelihoods at stake, we can’t afford to wait any longer for these investments to be made.”

Projects that would be funded by MacEwen’s budget request include:

Near-term (5-year plan)

  • Implement peak-use shoulder lanes along SR 3 between railroad trestle north of Gorst and SR 304 ($20 million)
  • SR 3/Loxie Eagans interchange – Ramp terminal rechannelization and improvements at National Avenue ($250,000)
  • SR 3/Kitsap Way interchange – Intersection rechannelization and improvements at southbound ramp terminal ($200,000)
  • Implement operational improvements along SR 304 at Charleston Beach Road ($200,000)

Mid-term (10-year plan)

  • Construct roundabout at Sam Christopherson Avenue and SR 3/SR 16 ($3 million)
  • Implement peak-use shoulder lanes along SR 3 between railroad trestle and SR 3/SR 16 interchange ($3 million)
  • SR 3/Loxie Eagans interchange – Make intersection capacity improvements at southbound ramp terminal (signal or roundabout) ($750,000)
  • SR 304 – Enhance vanpool/transit options by converting 2+ HOV lane to 3+ HOV lane ($250,000)
  • Implement operational improvements along SR 304 at Farragut Avenue ($200,000)

Long-term (20-year plan)

  • Construct an elevated roadway or structure through Gorst to address resiliency and redundancy ($30-$300 million)
  • Add mainline capacity along SR 3 between SR 3/SR 16 interchange at Gorst and SR 304 ($160-$200 million)
  • Reconstruct all or portions of the SR 16/SR 3 interchange and/or intersection of Sam Christopherson Avenue W/SR 3 ($30 million)
  • Selected approach widenings at SR 304 and Farragut Avenue ($500,000)

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to run through April 25.

Washington House Republicans release 2021-23 operating budget framework

Details:

Washington House Republicans released their 2021-23 operating budget framework at a news conference today. Ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Drew Stokesbary, says it is not necessary for state lawmakers to raise taxes or cut any vital services as they craft a two-year operating budget this legislative session.

“This budget framework demonstrates that it is indeed possible to fund the state’s existing needs and emergency priorities without raising taxes or cutting vital services,” said Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “This isn’t a budget that will grow government or serve special interests, it’s a proposal that will help people – working families, growing students, vulnerable people, small businesses, and all Washingtonians.”

Stokesbary began developing the proposal last summer when Republicans were asking and preparing for a special session that was never called by Governor Jay Inslee.

Rep. Kelly Chambers, assistant ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee and ranking member on the House College and Workforce Development Committee, believes the budget framework prioritizes vulnerable populations.

“We offer hope and more resources for vulnerable Washingtonians, including those who are struggling with mental health issues and homelessness,” said Chambers, R-Puyallup. “We also help students who have fallen behind academically and assist low-income families with the costs of remote learning.”

Rep. Chris Corry, assistant ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee and assistant floor leader, says the proposal is designed to help communities that are struggling as result of extended shutdown orders.

“This proposal offers a hand to families in need, including child care options and sales tax exemptions. It also does not raise taxes on anyone or anything,” said Corry, R-Yakima. “We also invest more in public health without raising taxes on health care plans like the governor has proposed.”

Rep. Drew MacEwen, assistant ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee and assistant floor leader, highlights that the plan assists small businesses in need of relief and provides certainty for the future.

“Small businesses should not be punished for the state’s failure to prevent unemployment insurance fraud. It’s fundamentally unfair,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Our plan replenishes the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund and offers temporary B&O tax relief for businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.”

Stokesbary says the proposal reveals Washington House Republicans’ priorities, including funding the working families tax credit.

“This budget treats working families as a priority, not a talking point,” said Stokesbary, who also sits on the House Finance Committee. “By funding the working families tax credit, reducing sales taxes, reopening schools, addressing the homelessness crisis, and improving our environment, Republicans have shown what our values are.”

The 105-legislative session is scheduled to run through April 25.