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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are nearly four full weeks into the 2023 session, and so much has happened. As you know, there are many issues we need to work on, as we try to improve life for Washingtonians. This session has started with some positive steps, as members on both sides of the aisle have been collaborating on several bipartisan policies. It’s great to see what can happen when we all work together and compromise for the benefit of Washington.
Bipartisan Housing Bills That Will Make a Difference
One of the most complex issues we must tackle this session is the state’s housing crisis. As the ranking Republican member on the House Housing Committee, I know this firsthand. The good news is there is bipartisan cooperation to find real solutions. In fact, legislators from all four corners of the Legislature came together to share their plans to increase affordable housing options in Washington. Click on the image below to see that press conference.
These are some of the bipartisan bills we have already introduced that would provide real relief to home buyers and more development opportunities for home builders.
- House Bill 1293, which is a bill I introduced, would streamline regulations and the permitting process for housing development in urban growth areas.
- House Bill 1401 would simplify the permitting process for building a variety of home types.
- House Bill 1402 would provide new ways for local governments to welcome more housing development.
- House Bill 1245 would increase housing options through lot splitting.
- House Bill 1110 would increase middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing.
In addition to these bills, we announced several other bipartisan bills we are working on during our press conference on Tuesday. Click here to see the entire list.
As all four corners continue working together, we can create and pass legislation that will truly have a positive impact on everyone in Washington.
Cap and Trade Watchdog Bill
During my first two years in the Legislature, I served on the House Environment and Energy Committee (E&E). Although my committee assignments have changed this year, these issues are still important to me. To that end, I’m co-sponsoring a bill with Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, who is the ranking Republican member of the E&E Committee.
House Bill1659 would prevent carbon market price manipulation by establishing a structured independent agency for oversight of the market and integrate it into the existing cap and invest program. Essentially, this bill would create a watchdog to oversee Washington’s emerging multibillion-dollar carbon-credit market. You can read more about this legislation in an article in the Capital Press.
The Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act to cap and force reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from oil refineries, natural gas suppliers and some other manufacturers. However, the problem is the Department of Ecology doesn’t know how to regulate this new carbon-credit market.
Additionally, even though lawmakers attempted to protect the agriculture industry from higher fuel prices by exempting the cap emissions from fuel used on farms and to transport farm goods, farmers and others in the industry are already seeing cap-and-trade surcharges on fuel deliveries.
We absolutely need to regulate this new carbon-credit market. I will provide further updates as this bill moves forward.
Learn More About My Priorities
I have been very active in the media this session appearing on radio and television and in the newspaper. If you’d like to read or hear more about what I’m working on and my focus moving forward, please use the following links:
Op-ed: We must work together on good legislation to improve Washington’s housing crisis
Radio: Capitol Report with Rep. Klicker: Reviewing first three weeks and upcoming bills
Radio: Capitol Report with Rep. Klicker: In person session, bipartisan cooperation, and affordable housing
Radio: Rep. Klicker joins KONA Radio to discuss the 2023 session
TVW: Legislative profile – Get to know Mark Klicker
Video: House Bill 1072 – Concerning motor vehicle length limitations
Video: House Bill 1076 – Encouraging salmon recovery through voluntary stewardship
Video: House Bill 1194 – Training the next generation of the clean and renewable energy workforce
Video: House Bill 1293 – Streamlining housing development regulations
Thank You and Please Stay in Touch
Thank you again for your support and input. It’s an honor to serve you in the 16th District. I will continue to work on both sides of the aisle to create legislation that represents real solutions for the people of Washington. Please continue reaching out with your questions and feedback. My door is always open.
It is my honor to serve,
Sincerely,
Mark Klicker
