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King supports Senate’s passage of supplemental transportation budget

Sen. Curtis King, the Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee, says the supplemental state transportation budget passed today by the Senate prioritizes public safety and the maintenance and preservation of roads and highways.

“This transportation budget will help make our roads and highways safer to drive because it makes public safety a priority,” said King, R-Yakima. “Our supplemental budget, along with the 2023-25 state transportation budget enacted last year, provides enough funding to add 194 Washington State Patrol officers over the course of this two-year period. This year’s budget has funding to combat impaired driving, and it provides an additional $150 million for highway-preservation projects across Washington.”

The Senate today voted 48-1 to approve the supplemental transportation budget, which makes adjustments to the two-year budget approved by the Legislature in April 2023.

The Senate supplemental transportation budget spends $14.55 billion, including $8.38 billion in capital spending and $6.17 billion in operating spending. The $150 million in the supplemental budget for preservation projects raises the total amount in the two-year budget cycle for preservation to $1.073 billion.

The budget also provides $150 million in new funding for fish-passage culverts and $77.9 million in additional funding for the State Route 520 west end project in Seattle.

The Senate transportation budget funds several State Patrol projects:

$5.9 million for a third trooper class.
$4.7 million to restore the money saved when there were trooper vacancies.
$289,000 for additional toxicology-lab staffing.
$250,000 for staff and resources to improve compliance with ignition-interlock requirements.
$250,000 for expansion of licensing investigation unit activities.

The Senate spending plan also funds two public-safety projects for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission:

$2 million for a grant program to supplement DUI-enforcement activities.
$750,000 for an ignition-interlock dedicated compliance staff pilot program.

The House of Representatives approved its version of the state supplemental transportation budget this past Saturday. Transportation leaders in the Senate and House will meet to resolve differences and reach agreement on a compromise version of the budget.

The 2024 legislative session is scheduled to end March 7.

14th District lawmakers invite residents to virtual town hall Feb. 22

As the Legislature nears the midpoint of the short 60-day 2024 session, 14th District lawmakers are inviting residents to join them for an upcoming virtual town hall.

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, and Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, will provide a legislative update during the virtual town hall and provide constituents the opportunity to ask questions or share their concerns and ideas.

“As I say every session, getting the opportunity to have these conversations with our communities is incredibly important to the work we do in Olympia on their behalf,” said King. “I look forward to hearing their thoughts on our progress and learning what more we can do. I encourage people to hear our update and learn how they can get involved to help us pass bills that will improve their lives and stop bad ones that will hurt the district and the state.”

“I am grateful for the honor to serve our citizens across the 14th District. For us to do the job well, it’s important we hear from the people back home and get their input during and after the legislative session,” said Mosbrucker. “I hope everyone can join us so we can work to fix the crises facing our communities and create a better Washington state for all.”

“There is so much happening during a short session it can be challenging to keep up, so I look forward to providing an update during the virtual town hall on our efforts to improve public safety and combat the drug crisis, block new taxes, and increase access to affordable child care , said Corry. “But we also need to hear from the people of the 14th District as often as possible to inform our efforts in Olympia and this will provide that opportunity.”

Residents of the 14th Legislative District are invited to join the virtual town hall on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-register by going to http://tinyurl.com/14th-LD-TownHall.

The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to end March 7.

King says gas-price hike from ‘cap-and-trade’ auctions will hurt drivers even more

Sen. Curtis King, Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee, said the state’s latest carbon-pricing auction will cause gasoline prices to continue rising, further hurting Washington drivers and businesses. This will also raise the prices for all things being shipped, which is about every item consumers use, further adding to high inflation.

“Since the carbon auctions authorized by the state’s cap-and-trade program began this year, nearly $1.5 billion has been collected – and much of that money ultimately comes from drivers who have to endure paying more and more at the pump. It isn’t fair to them,” said King. “It’s $1.5 billion that they could be using to improve their quality of life.”

King said the most recent auction, held by the Department of Ecology on Aug. 30, is expected to eventually bring the cumulative gas-price hike associated with cap-and-trade – formally called the Climate Commitment Act – to over 51 cents a gallon.

King, R-Yakima, said the gas-price hikes caused by the cap-and-trade program are like a regressive tax because they take a bigger financial bite from lower-income citizens.

“Low-income drivers are not as able to withstand these ever-rising gas prices,” said King. “As gas prices climb, more people in Washington are unable to afford to drive to work or drive to the doctor’s office or do other things that require a car. The cap-and-trade program is punishing the low-income people in our state.

“Governor Inslee’s policy is trying to impoverish Washingtonians into changing their driving behavior by making them stop driving gas-powered cars, and at the same time attempting to make it more expensive for many people to heat their homes because cap-and-trade will raise natural-gas prices as well,” added King. “This program championed by our governor is being unnecessarily cruel to many people in our state by causing fuel and heating prices to soar.”

King said that recent figures on state carbon emissions will not be available for quite some time, noting that DOE’s last report on emission data is from 2019, with the next report due in late 2024.

“How can anyone even assess whether cap-and-trade and all of Inslee’s other environmental programs are affecting air quality without the latest data? 2019 is a long time ago,” said King.

King noted only 11 states have regular gas prices over $4 a gallon – Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

“While most Americans are enjoying gas prices below $4 a gallon, Washington drivers are having to pay $5 or more a gallon, due to the cap-and-trade program, and it is only going to get worse,” said King.

King says Democrats’ attack on oil companies is attempt to steer focus from cap-and-trade’s effect on nation-leading gas prices

Sen. Curtis King, the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee, said Gov. Jay Inslee is trying to deflect criticism aimed at him due to the major role that the state’s cap-and-trade program has played in Washington having the highest gas prices in the nation.

Inslee announced today that he wants legislation in 2024 targeting oil companies. King pointed out how Inslee pushed for the cap-and-trade program, which went into effect on Jan. 1 as part of the Climate Commitment Act passed by a Democrat-controlled Legislature in 2021.

“We have known since 2021, when the Climate Commitment Act was approved, that gas prices would rise significantly once the cap-and-trade program went into effect. That is exactly what has happened,” said King, R-Yakima. “It’s been much more than just ‘pennies a gallon,’ as the governor promised months ago. Several analysts reached the conclusion that cap-and-trade and other new environmental laws would raise the price of gas by 45-50 cents a gallon.

“The governor’s argument that oil companies are gouging gas consumers is not realistic. The plan all along was to create the cap-and-trade program and the low-carbon fuel standard so fuel prices would become a financial burden for drivers and get them to drive less and buy less fuel. Now that the cap-and-trade program is in place and causing gas prices to skyrocket, drivers are bitterly complaining about it, so the governor and his allies are trying to shift the blame instead of admitting that this is what they wanted all along.

“The governor today said he wants to find relief at the pump for drivers. If he really is serious, he’d show a willingness to alter the cap-and-trade program, if not eliminate it. Instead, the governor once again is demonizing oil companies instead of taking responsibility for the spike in gas prices this year.

“Blaming the brief pipeline shutdown for the highest gas prices in the nation is nonsense,” added King. “Gas prices have been on a steady rise since January, and it is caused by the cap-and-trade program. Our neighboring states, Oregon ($4.588 a gallon for regular gas) and Idaho ($3.892), have significantly lower gas prices than here in Washington ($4.928). They don’t have cap-and-trade. It’s clear that our state’s cap-and-trade program is why Washington has the highest gas prices in America.”

King noted that only six states currently have regular gas prices over $4 a gallon – Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

“While most of America is enjoying gas prices below $4 a gallon, Washington drivers have had to pay about $5 a gallon for several weeks. Thanks to the Inslee cap-and-trade program, prices here are bound to only keep climbing,” said King.

King: State needs to fast-track the rehiring of workers fired over COVID vaccine mandate

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima and the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee, issued this statement today in response to the news that King County Metro will fast-track the rehiring of workers who were fired for not complying with the county’s now-expired COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“It’s time for Governor Inslee and his administration to follow King County Metro’s lead and quickly rehire state employees who were fired over not complying with the governor’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, especially those in high-demand fields like ferry workers.

“His heavy-handed and unnecessary mandate, which dragged on until mid-May, is a key reason why our state’s ferry system is woefully understaffed and failing to provide the reliable service people should be able to expect. With the summer tourist season upon us, it’s especially important to boost the ferry system’s workforce as soon as possible.

“Our citizens’ travel needs are negatively impacted daily because of the lack of ferry staff. Everyone knew there were staffing problems even before the governor’s mandate. His firing of ferry workers only exacerbated the problem.

“The governor has finally seen fit to end his vaccine mandate. Now he needs to fast-track the rehiring of workers he fired– and soon – so their skills and experience can once again benefit the people of our state.”

King pleased to see many 14th District projects in final state capital budget

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is applauding the new two-year state capital budget approved by the Legislature this weekend, for funding many projects in the 14^th Legislative District.

“I am happy that the final version of the state capital budget includes money for many projects found in our district,” said King, R-Yakima. “These projects will help our district for years to come.”

The $9 billion capital budget funds the construction and maintenance of state buildings, public schools, higher education facilities, public lands, parks and other assets throughout Washington.

After the House of Representatives voted 96-0 to pass the final version of the capital budget (Senate Bill 5200) on Friday, the Senate approved it 48-0 yesterday. It now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for consideration.

King said he and his legislative seatmates, Reps. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, and Chris Corry, R-Yakima, sat down at the start of the legislative session to discuss the district’s needs.

“We divided up the requests received from groups or individuals in our district and submitted them to the capital-budget leaders in a way that avoided overlap,” explained King. “We did this to maximize our leverage in getting the projects we wanted in the final version of this budget. I’m glad this coordinated approach worked well.”

The two-year capital budget includes $11.75 million for the substance use-disorder and mental health-inpatient treatment center in Yakima, as well as $2.5 million for the SHC Medical Center at Astria Toppenish Hospital in Toppenish.

The capital budget provides $20 million for the Yakama Nation Solar Project, as well as $10.575 million for remediation and cleanup for the Yakima City Landfill.

Several school districts receive funding from the budget, including:

Yakama Tribal School District 2 ($3.298 million)
Yakama Tribal School District 1 ($1.55 million)
Trout Lake School District ($2.666 million)
Toppenish School District ($1.08 million)
Mabton School District ($580,000 for two projects)
Wishram School District ($35,000)

The capital budget funds several local and community projects, such as:

City of Selah’s wastewater treatment plan improvements ($1.442 million)
Yakima County Meals on Wheels in Union Gap ($1 million)
Goldendale Municipal Airport land acquisition ($361,000)
High Prairie Fire District 14 emergency preparedness in Lyle ($248,000)
Yakima County Fire Emergency Responder Radio System in Yakima ($139,000)
Bringing It Home II 24-hour domestic violence shelter in Yakima ($125,000)
Yakima County Fire District 12 wildfire response in Yakima ($38,000)

The Excel Youth Center in Yakima will receive $1.054 million for its project.

Another Yakima project funded by the capital budget is for the MLK Jr. Park and Swimming Pool, which will receive $1.16 million. The pool is located in the 13th District.

The capital budget also provides money from the Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant Program for the Yakima County Courthouse ($815,000) in Yakima and the Klickitat County Courthouse ($585,000) in Goldendale.

The budget also provides money through the Washington Wildlife Recreation Program for several 14^th District projects, including:

Klickitat Oaks Phase 1 ($4.329 million)
Davenport Cattle Agricultural Easement ($3.492 million)
Little Klickitat River Century Farm ($1.605 million)
Swale Creek Klickitat Trail ($1.323 million)
Trout Lake Natural Area Preserve ($870,000)
Emerick Rangeland Preservation ($840,000)
Klickitat Canyon Deer Creek Wetland Restoration ($111,000)

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to end tonight.

Legislature passes King bill that would help rural hospital in Toppenish

The outlook for the hospital that serves Toppenish and much of the lower Yakima Valley is brighter now that bipartisan legislation from Sen. Curtis King has won full legislative approval.

Senate Bill 5532 would provide enhanced payments to low-volume, small rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish Hospital. It specifically would require Medicaid payments for acute-care services to be made at 120% of the Medicaid fee schedule for inpatient services and 200% of the Medicaid fee schedule for outpatient services when services are provided by a hospital that meets certain requirements.

“It’s good to see the Legislature pass this important bill and send it to the governor,” said King, R-Yakima. “The bill is critical to the future of Astria Toppenish Hospital, and vital to the needs of the citizens of the lower Yakima Valley, our Hispanic community and the Yakama Tribe. Without this extra funding, the hospital is at risk of closing.”

The proposal received unanimous approval during each step through the Legislature. After the Senate originally passed SB 5532 on a 48-0 vote on March 6, the House of Representatives amended and then approved the altered proposal 98-0. The Senate today voted 48-0 to concur (or agree) with the House changes to the bill.

The House amendment would change the implementation date for increased hospital-reimbursement rates from Jan. 1, 2024, to July 1, 2024, and would make SB 5532 invalid unless it is funded in the state operating budget.

Senate passes King bill that would help rural hospital in Toppenish

A bipartisan proposal sponsored by 14^th District Sen. Curtis King that would help keep the doors open at Astria Toppenish Hospital, which serves much of the lower Yakima Valley, was unanimously approved by the Senate yesterday.

“This bill is critical to this small rural hospital in the lower Yakima Valley,” said King, R-Yakima. “It is a hospital so valued and needed by the Yakama tribe, by our Hispanic community and by all of the citizens who live in the lower Yakima Valley. Without this extra funding, the hospital is at risk of closing. I’m so very glad the Senate passed this important bill.”

During the public hearing on SB 5532 in the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee in February, several local people testified in support, including Yakima County Commissioner LaDon Linde, Dr. Raul Garcia from Astria Toppenish Hospital and Dr. Rex Quaempts, medical director of Yakima Indian Health Services.

SB 5532 now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Republican senators unveil ‘Power Washington’ energy plan

Energy package focuses on seven major goals, including keeping energy costs low

Three members of the Senate Republican Caucus today unveiled a comprehensive energy plan that offers fair and reliable solutions to benefit all Washingtonians.

“It’s time for our state to create better energy policies,” said 14^th District Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, who is the ranking Republican on both the Senate Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. “Our Power Washington plan is the first step in taking a more reasonable approach when it comes to all phases of energy in our state.”

King was joined at a news conference unveiling the Power Washington energy package by Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, and 7^th District Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy.

“For too long, Washington families and businesses have been forced to endure the costs of unaffordable and questionable policies that have given us larger energy bills, less energy security, and little environmental improvement,” said Braun, who serves the 20^th District. “We need to take a different approach when it comes to energy in our state before fuel and electric power prices break the backs of Washingtonians. This package would help put us on a better path to reasonable policies and reliable energy.”

Short, who is ranking Republican on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee as well as Senate Republican floor leader, said their energy package aims to help reverse energy inflation, including record gas prices, in the state, as well as strengthen Washington’s threatened power grid.

“I’m excited to get to work with my colleagues across the aisle and the governor’s office addressing these solutions during the 2023 legislative session,” said Short, R-Addy. “Our goal should be to improve and protect our energy systems and infrastructure with innovative technology that is both reliable and cost effective.”

The “Power Washington” plan includes proposals that aim to meet seven specific goals:

Help people access different kinds of alternative vehicles, such as hybrids and hydrogen.
- Incentivize passenger and commercial hybrid-vehicle adoption.
- Promote hydrogen fuel as an additional alternative option.
- Allow state agencies to purchase vehicles that best suit their needs.

Preserve, improve, and expand Washington’s clean hydropower system.
- Build and upgrade hydropower facilities to meet the state’s clean energy goals.
- Keep Washington’s dams in good shape.
- Show support for the four federal dams on the lower Snake River.
- Find practical ways to support endangered fish and other species.

Enable the capture of carbon and invest in Washington’s working forests and natural resources to maximize carbon absorption.
- Prioritize capturing carbon.
- Invest in Washington’s forest health to control wildfires.
- Replant burned areas and actively manage forests.

Slash high fuel prices for drivers.
- Put a cap on cap-and-tax.
- Track the price impacts of fuel standards.
- Untie a key fuel tax from inflation.

Ensure that the transition to new energy technology is environmentally responsible.
- Restore local review for solar and wind-farm projects.
- Require wind turbine blades to be recycled.
- Establish a greater understanding of the lifetime impacts of vehicle batteries.
- Jump-start the recycling program for solar panels.

Shore up the state’s electric grid to keep providing affordable and reliable power.
- Create more flexibility for meeting emissions goals.
- Stick with one electricity requirement, not many different requirements.
- Embrace local “in-house” energy solutions.
- Promote the manufacturing and use of advanced nuclear technology.

Keep energy costs low so people can be secure in their homes and businesses.
- Provide energy relief for vital community services.
- Encourage affordable and reliable natural gas heat at home.
- Empower people by removing limits on the types of appliances they can buy.

The 2023 legislative session is scheduled to last 105 days, starting Jan. 9 and ending April 23.