Transportation package tops wish list in Olympia

OLYMPIA — As a new legislative session began Monday, Snohomish County’s delegation expressed bipartisan support for a transportation package in some form and money for Washington State University in Everett.

Lawmakers also hope to see the state provide better services for those in the county who have a mental illness, to improve the state’s ability to detect and map landslide hazards, and to lock up money for projects in communities affected by the Oso mudslide.

Those are the issues that seemed to unite county lawmakers, regardless of party, as the 105-day session opened.

Snohomish County, the third-most-populous county in the state, is represented by 21 lawmakers, of whom 14 serve in the House and seven in the Senate. Of those, 13 are Democrats and eight are Republicans.

While it’s rare for them all to agree on any one budget item or policy, those interviewed Monday and in the weeks prior zeroed in on transportation as the issue most important to every district in Snohomish and Island counties.

They said any new transportation package must ease the commute, improve the flow of freight and increase accountability in state projects.

“The issues in transportation are only going to get worse if we don’t do something,” said Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “But we need to make sure every dollar we spend in transportation is actually mitigating the problems we have.”

There’s concern that the proposal put forth by Gov. Jay Inslee in December was hundreds of millions of dollars shy of what lawmakers think Snohomish County deserves. The governor’s 12-year, $12.2 billion transportation package contained only $81.8 million for road projects in the county.

“We’re going to try to get our fair share,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Transportation Committee.

Lawmakers are backing a request from Washington State University for $61.1 million to build a four-story structure in north Everett that would be the new home for the WSU-run University Center. They also want to see as much as $4.5 million earmarked for WSU to offer additional courses at the center.

“We need to expand the degree programs there and begin to look at serving more of the community, especially in the 10th District,” said Bailey, who is chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Several lawmakers are pushing to get $1.6 million to renovate the Carnegie building next to the Snohomish County Jail in Everett. They propose a place where low-level offenders who are homeless can live and obtain mental health and substance abuse treatment and job training.

“It should help break the cycle of recidivism,” said Rep. June Robinson, D-Everett.

Without blinking, every lawmaker wants to invest in expanding the state’s use of remote sensing technology known as lidar to map areas of landslide hazards. And they expect ample funding for community projects where the tragic March 22 mudslide left its mark.

Several statewide concerns are also local concerns.

For example, this session lawmakers are expected to give public schools an injection of $750 million — and maybe more — to satisfy an order by the state Supreme Court.

“Our schools are stretched and overloaded, just like other schools,” said Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish.

State Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Seattle, who represents south Snohomish County, will be focused on getting additional dollars into early childhood education and to create “a high quality network of early learning services.”

Kagi also might sponsor a bill requiring safe storage of weapons. It would hold adults responsible if a child gets hold of a weapon and then harms another person, accidentally or intentionally, or takes their own life.

Another statewide issue with strong local interest is harmonizing the rules for medical marijuana dispensaries and the fledgling, state-regulated recreational marijuana industry.

“That’s a problem that needs to be solved,” said Rep. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, whose district includes the Clearview area, where several dispensaries operate. “We need to preserve access to medical marijuana, but we need a unified system.”

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

2025 Emerging Leader Melinda Cervantes (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Melinda Cervantes: Making sure every voice is heard

Prolific volunteer facilitates connections between Spanish-speaking public representatives and community members.

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man indicted on federal drug and weapons charges

Percy Levy, along with two men, face federal charges for their roles in a major drug trafficking operation.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

Gary Petershagen
Lake Stevens council member announces reelection run

Gary Petershagen is seeking a third term on the council.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.