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 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- House Majority Leader- Pat Sullivan House Minority Leader- J.T. Wilcox

Senate Majority Leader- Senate Minority Leader-

House- Housing, Community Development and Veterans Chair: Ranking Member: Bill Jenkin

Senate- Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Chair: 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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