As we prepare for the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 8, there is a lot of positive change in Olympia. After a special election victory in the 45th Legislative District, Democrats have reclaimed the majority of the state Senate.

With these changes, I have been elected by my colleagues to serve as Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate. I will also continue to serve on the Ways & Means, Rules, and Early Learning & K-12 Education committees.

In the coming session, as the majority party, we will have the opportunity to break the gridlock we have seen the past few years and pass truly impactful, bipartisan legislation that had been blocked by the prior majority.

I am ready to hit the ground running by passing a bipartisan capital construction budget that will create 19,000 jobs statewide and fund several important projects in Spokane, and by implementing long-overdue campaign finance reforms.

K-12 Update

3rd District, Spokane, WA. Stevens Elementary.

The state Supreme Court last month largely affirmed the work the Legislature has done to meet its constitutional obligation to fully-fund basic education. The court will retain jurisdiction and monitor the K-12 funding process for the time being as the new legislation continues to be implemented. We knew the plan would need some follow-up work and I will be working with my colleagues this session to incorporate the court’s guidance in our efforts to improve the way the state funds basic education.

Welcome to the Team, Noelle!

It is bittersweet to bid farewell to Kate Burke, who served as my legislative assistant for the past few years. I am excited for her as she continues her public service as a Spokane City Councilmember but will miss the hard work and dedication she brought to our office.

With that said, I am pleased to introduce our new legislative assistant Noelle Connolly. Noelle attended University High School and graduated from Eastern Washington University. Noelle then went on to receive her master’s degree in public policy from King’s College in London.

Noelle is eager to get to work on behalf of the Spokane community and I am looking forward to a busy and rewarding session working with her. Welcome to the team, Noelle!

Keep in Touch

I value your input as we work to improve opportunity and prosperity in Spokane and across our state. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a comment, idea or question.

You can reach me by email at andy.billig@leg.wa.gov or by phone at 360-786-7604.

Onward!

Andy