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We have wrapped up the 2024 legislative session, and I'm pleased to report that state lawmakers worked together to pass legislation and fund projects to benefit Washingtonians.

I'm especially proud that my bill to lower the cost of health care by capping the price of asthma inhalers and epi-pens passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. This is great news for families who use these life-saving medications for asthma and allergies.

In addition, the Legislature passed two very important bipartisan bills in the final days of session: the new state construction budget and the new transportation budget. These budgets will benefit the people of Washington for generations – and they will also put people to work for years, with good wages. 

Local capital budget projects

Working together, Democrats and Republicans funded construction investments in every corner of Washington state. 

I worked with my seatmates to advocate for local projects, big and small. Every one of those projects matters to folks in the 10th District. 

Many of you have spoken to me about the need to prioritize behavioral health outcomes, including improving mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. I'm very pleased to report that the capital budget includes three important local projects that help address this.

$1.9 million for the Holman Recovery Center in Arlington  

$250,000 for the Skagit County Crisis Stabilization Center 

$93,000 for the Ituha Stabilization Facility in Oak Harbor 

In addition, the budget includes projects to support housing affordability, quality of life and protecting the environment. Some of the projects include:  

$1.6 million for the Generations Place workforce housing project in Langley 

$36,000 for the Coupeville Boys and Girls Club Pathway 

$600,000 for the Langley Library Historic Preservation 

$132,000 for the South Camano Grange #930 

$100,000 for the Stanwood Police Station 

$3 million for the Lagoon Point Community Forest 

$2 million for estuary and salmon restoration in the Lower Maxwelton Valley, Port Susan Bay, and other locations in the 10th. 

Transportation projects 

Throughout the session, political reporters and pundits said the House and Senate were simply too far apart on the transportation budget. They predicted we couldn't get it done at all, much less finish on time during the 60-day session. 

But we reached agreement, and we made progress on keeping projects on track and improving ferry service.  

I fought for smarter ferry funding, including increased funding for preservation and maintenance to keep our current ferries running. 

The budget also includes $10 million for the new electric Guemes Ferry operated by Skagit County. 

Looking ahead 

Politics is the art of the possible. It's not a zero-sum game, where somebody has to lose for your side to win. We do our best work for the people of this state when we work together in common purpose, finding ways to create jobs and build a better Washington – together. 

Now that the session is complete, I'm looking forward to listening to neighbors and community members to identify the most important priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session. I hope to see you soon at a community forum or event, and please keep in touch.

As always, it's an honor to serve as your state representative.

Rep. Dave Paul and his family live in Oak Harbor, and he serves as the Deputy Floor Leader and Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee.