Steele, Goehner to host virtual town hall

The hour-long town hall will begin at 7 p.m. March 16. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended to save a spot. Those that plan to attend have the option of submitting a question to the lawmakers during registration.

Both Goehner and Steele have sponsored several pieces of legislation in the current session, and a few have advanced out of the committee stage. Goehner and Steele jointly sponsored a bill that allows consolidated port districts to adopt unified levies. HB-1663 cleared the house and is awaiting action in the Senate.

The legislators also jointly sponsored resolutions honoring the Chelan High School Volleyball team for their 1A championship and the Wenatchee High School Football team for their academic championship.

Steele sponsored a bill that provides counseling sessions to immediate family members of homicide victims. That bill also passed the house and is awaiting Senate action.

A bill to require school districts to adopt more inclusive curriculums passed the Senate last week and could now be considered by the House. The House has also adopted legislation to expand free school meal programs to some additional students.

The initial proposal required school districts to offer free meals to all students on school days at no charge. In the new proposal, the program would apply to students in kindergarten through fourth grade at schools where 30% or more of kids meet federal income requirements.

Lawmakers could also consider a proposal to lower the 60% threshold required for school bonds, though legislative leaders have cast doubt on whether a potential compromise of 55% would be successful in the current session.

One bill the legislature will need to adopt before adjourning is a biennial budget. Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal to lawmakers calls for about $70 billion in spending.

Those interested in attending the town hall can click here to register.

The last day of the 2023 legislative session is April 23.