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Legislation & Appropriations

Representative Melanie Morgan is delivering real results for the 29th District through bold legislative action. From advancing equity bills like HB 1016 and HB 2602 to securing critical housing wins such as HB 1694 and the Community Reinvestment Fund, her work in Olympia is defined by a commitment to transparency and measurable progress for all Washingtonians.

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Equity Initiatives

HB 1016 | 2021
Status: Passed (89-9)

Juneteenth State Holiday

Established June 19th as a legal state holiday to recognize the end of slavery and celebrate Black freedom and achievements.

HB 2602
Status: Passed (87-10)

CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act

Legislation prohibiting discrimination based on hair qualities or hairstyles historically associated with race.

HB 1520
Status: Passed (97-0)

Addressing Equity Gaps

Ensures election dates are displayed on ballot envelopes.

HB 2018
Status: Passed (96-0)

Ensuring Dignity in the Legislature

Protects against harassment in the legislature.

HB 1688
Status: Passed (97-0)

Veteran Education

Supports resident student veterans.

Equity Appropriations

  • Farming & Ranching: $200,000 has been allocated to assess the suitability of lands, while $180,000 is designated for promoting equity in farming and ranching.

  • IBJ Thrive Center: The IBJ Thrive Center has received $75,000 with plans to launch in 2025.

  • A hospital study aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities has been funded with $500,000.

Housing & Infrastructure Wins

HB 1694
Status: Passed (53-44)

Promoting Housing Security

  • Facilitates installment payments for tenants.

Status: Passed Legislature

Community Reinvestment Fund & Reconciliation Account

In 2022 and 2023, Melanie led efforts to establish the Community Reinvestment Account a $200 million budget appropriation to address the disproportionate impacts of the War on Drugs and systemic racism. This fund supports economic development, homeownership, small business support, civil and criminal legal services, community-based violence prevention, and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Status: Passed legislature

Pierce County & Spanaway Housing Strategic Study

  • $250,000 for Homeless Shelter in Spanaway $1.875M for Department of Housing Study

In the 2023-2024 session, Representative Morgan procured a $250K appropriation to study the creation of a Department of Housing. A significant $1.875 million has been directed towards a homeless shelter in Spanaway. She will continue to advocate for policies that invest in affordable housing development, homeownership, and support tenants' rights. This includes funding programs that provide rental assistance, mental health services, and job training for those experiencing homelessness. She supports increasing the availability of low- and middle-income housing through incentives for developers and public-private partnerships. Additionally, she will work to expand access to services such as legal assistance for tenants and eviction prevention programs to help people remain in stable housing.

Other Legislation

HB 1210
Status: Passed (83-13)

Updated cannabis terminology to be more inclusive

HB 1443
Status: Passed (60-36)

Furthering equity in the cannabis industry is a priority.

HB 1020
Status: Passed (87-9)

Suciasaurus Rex was designated as Washington’s state dinosaur.

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Appropriations
  • Maritime University: $150,000 is allocated for a Maritime University study.

  • Sex Trafficking Education: Melanie has secured $135,000 for sex trafficking education

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