WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Work Session Report: Legislative Update PRESENTED BY OWEN ROWE 2020 General Election Federal Election Results
Record spending- $14 billion
Record voter turnout- 66.7% projected • Changing presidential administration and national debate about policy priorities • COVID response • Blue wave?
Divided government in Congress • Senate continues to be controlled by Republican Party • House continues to control by Democratic Party • Georgia Senate runoff elections in January 2020 General Election Washington State Election Results 2020 General Election Washington State Election Results
Over $40 million spent on state races
83.5% voter participation
Executive Races- no major changes
No change to legislative seats
Races of interest- • Senator Takko and Representative Blake lost (19th LD) • Senator Steve O’Ban lost to T’wina Nobles (28th LD) • Senator Mullet v. Ingrid Anderson- too close to call • Close races in the 10th LD 2021 Legislative Session Legislative Context
Legislative priorities for the 2021 session:
COVID-19 response and economic downturn
• Balancing the operating and transportation budgets • Housing, payroll, and utility assistance • Other impacts of COVID restrictions and response
Increasing social justice and equity in state government 2021 Legislative Session Legislative Context
Concern about counties heading back to Phase 1 and potential stay at home orders this winter
Uncertainty about years 3 and 4 in budget outlook and November forecast
I-976 Struck down by Supreme Court
Governor’s budget proposals will be made public in mid-December Legislative Session 2021 Leadership and Committee Assignments?
House Speaker- Laurie Jinkins House Majority Leader- Pat Sullivan House Minority Leader- J.T. Wilcox
Senate Majority Leader- Andy Billig Senate Minority Leader- Mark Schoesler
House- Housing, Community Development and Veterans Chair: Cindy Ryu Ranking Member: Bill Jenkin
Senate- Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Chair: Kevin Van De Wege Ranking Member: Judy Warnick Agency Request Legislation Update
Support: • State Parks Foundation • Washington Recreation and Parks Association • Mountains to Sound Greenway
Other: WDFW, DNR
Next steps: Governor’s Office and OFM still working on proposed policy. No clear direction yet. Engagement in Olympia
1. Letters to legislative leaders
2. Outdoor Recreation Caucus and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
3. Respond to early action reduction bills
4. Commission lobbying
5. Conference letter GET IN TOUCH FOR QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
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