SSMCP’s Legislative Priorities
Defense Community Compatibility Account
On Friday, January 27th, the Senate State Government Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5324, which makes technical changes to the Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA). This is the third year Senator Conway is sponsoring the bill that will change the report date for the DCCA project list, clarify that the program is for capital projects, clarify tribes can participate in the program and clarify that match funds can be from any non-state source. This year the bill is being requested by the Department of Commerce, who testified in support at the hearing. There was no opposition to the bill and there were seven entities signed in support, including City of Lakewood, City of Tacoma, City of Airway Heights, City of Bremerton, City of Poulsbo, Lakewood Water District, and Greater Spokane Incorporated. To view Shelly’s testimony at the hearing, click here. The bill is scheduled to be voted out of committee on February 3rd.
Occupational Licensing Improvements
Workforce development is a bipartisan, bicameral priority for the session. For this reason, there are X professional licensing compacts that have been introduced as well as the military spouse employment act. The compacts under consideration include: mental health counselors, teachers, massage therapists, audiologists/speech pathologists, and nurses. There has been no stakeholder outreach on the nurse license compact so although it has a public hearing this coming week, there is no expectation that it will advance this year. All the other compacts have received favorable hearings with limited opposition. See below for the compacts that have public hearings this week.
Military/Defense Sector Statewide Economic Impact Analysis
SSMCP is requesting $250,000 be allocated in the state’s operating budget to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for completion of a statewide military and defense sector economic impact analysis. This past week we submitted the operating budget request form to Senator Keith Wagoner who is sponsoring the request in the Senate.
I-5 Mounts Road to Tumwater & Nisqually River Delta
The state allocated $75 million to this project last year when they adopted the Move Ahead Washington package. However, the state made no commitment of when the $75 million would be available throughout the course of the 16 year package. SSMCP is requesting the state phase the $75 million in accordance with the project’s earliest timeline. We are currently working with WSDOT to understand what that timeline is, specifically for the roundabouts on State Route 507.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Appropriations (House) – HHR A and Virtual JLOB – 1/30 @ 4:00pm
SHB 1009 – Public Hearing – Concerning military spouse employment. The military spouse employment act. SSMCP will sign in support.
Ways & Means (Senate) – SHR 4 and Virtual JACB – 1/30 @ 4:00pm
SSB 5071 – Public Hearing – Creating the purple star designation. DoD priority, SSMCP will sign in support.
Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning (House) – HHR D and Virtual JLOB – 1/31 @ 1:30pm
HB 1451 – Public Hearing – Expanding the child care workforce. Creates a pilot program and grant program designed to expose students to careers in early childhood development.
Finance (House) – HHR A and Virtual JLOB – 2/2 @ 1:30pm
HB 1005 – Public Hearing – Concerning employer tax incentives for the support of veterans and military families. Provides a B&O tax credit to employers who hire a veteran, spouse of a veteran or spouse of an active duty service member. SSMCP has supported in the past, recommend sign in support.
Postsecondary Education & Workforce (House) – HHR B and Virtual JLOB – 2/3 @ 8:00am HB 1417 – Public Hearing – Concerning the multistate nurse licensure compact. SSMCP will sign in support.
For the complete Legislative update click here
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