Spokane Legislative Updates

Sen. Andy Billig

Community Meeting Thank You

Livestream photo of Spokane Community Meeting

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Community Meeting focused on the intersection of substance abuse disorder and the criminal justice system. It was a productive and informative discussion.

For those who are interested but were unable to attend, a recording can be viewed on TVW.com.


Federal Grant Will Help Reconnect Spokane

This last legislative session, I prime-sponsored a bill to allow the Washington State Department of Transportation to lease surplus land along I-90 to increase affordable housing, public spaces, and economic development in the East Central neighborhood.

Following up on our state’s efforts to reconnect Spokane communities, the federal government recently announced that Spokane will directly benefit from RAISE grant funding. The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program awarded $5 million to WSDOT and the City of Spokane to connect the communities separated by I-90, while creating safe and accessible transportation options.


Washington Leads the Nation

Washington State’s campaign finance laws scored the highest of all 50 states in a study recently published by the Coalition for Integrity, a nonpartisan group committed to promoting transparency in governance.

Although we are the best in the nation, our state still has room for improvement and I expect several campaign finance bills to be introduced in the 2023 legislative session.

I am committed to continuing my work to increase transparency and accountability in our campaign finance system, which is essential for fair elections and a healthy democracy.


Internship Application Open

Applications for the 2023 Legislative Internship Program are now open. The application can be found at leg.wa.gov/internships and the applications will close in mid-October.

College students in their Junior and Senior year are welcome to apply to serve as a legislative intern in our state’s capital. Students will be able to receive academic credit for their time as an intern and will receive a stipend of $2,400 monthly. In addition to the general application, students may also apply to receive the Rosa Franklin Legislative Internship Program Scholarship. Dedicated to students who demonstrate financial need, the scholarship helps with costs associated with relocation, housing, food, childcare, professional attire, and more.

Please, pass along this opportunity to any college students that may be interested in public service and working in the legislature.


Keep in Touch

Your input is essential for me to effectively do my job of representing our community. Please reach out to me at any time with questions, feedback, or comments at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.

Onward!

Andy