9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler talks about the first week of the 2024 legislative session in Olympia, including his thoughts on Gov. Inslee’s state of the state speech and problems existing in Washington, including education, affordability and public safety.
The Senate today unanimously approved a measure introduced by 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler that aims to help school districts in Washington address their building-maintenance needs.
Senate Bill 5403, passed 48-0, would allow school districts to create a “depreciation subfund” that can receive a transfer of up to 2% of a school district’s general fund each fiscal year.
“This bill provides another way for school districts to handle building- or facility-maintenance needs,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Sometimes it can be better for a school district to pay cash for a building repair or to set aside money for emergencies when they arise. Establishing this subfund, which is voluntary, is a way to help students learn in a healthy environment since school buildings would be in better condition.
“School administrators have recognized the value of this proposal. I’m pleased to see it receive strong support in the Senate and I hope it will receive approval in the House and become law this year.”
SB 5403 likely will be sent to the House Education Committee for further consideration.
During the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions, the Senate twice easily passed an earlier version of Schoesler’s bill. Senate Bill 5202 reached the House Rules Committee and was placed on the House floor calendar in both sessions before stalling.
For the fifth straight year, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler has a measure before the Legislature that aims to help school districts in Washington address their building-maintenance needs.
Senate Bill 5403 would allow school districts to create a “depreciation subfund” that can receive a transfer of up to 2 percent of a school district’s general fund each fiscal year.
“This bill would provide another path for school districts to handle building- or facility-maintenance needs,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Sometimes it can be better for a school district to pay cash for a building repair or to set aside money for emergencies when they arise. Establishing this subfund, which is voluntary, is a way to help students learn in a healthy environment since school buildings would be in better condition.
“School administrators have recognized the value of this proposal, and I’m optimistic that my colleagues in the Senate and House will agree and vote to approve it this year.”
The bipartisan proposal has been assigned to the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee for consideration.
During the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions, the Senate twice easily passed an earlier version of Schoesler’s bill. Senate Bill 5202 reached the House Rules Committee and was placed on the House floor calendar in both sessions before stalling.
Schoesler introduced a similar measure during the 2019 and 2020 sessions, but it was not passed by the Senate.
Senate Leaders meet with the press after passing their budget on Saturday.
The Senate today passed a new budget that its leaders say should help bring about the consensus necessary for the Legislature to complete its work.
“Once again, the Senate has worked hard to put together and pass a sustainable budget that adheres to our constitutional and moral duty to provide for the education of our children,” said Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom. “Education should get our first dollars, not our last dime.”
Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler agreed.
Senate Republican Leader, Sen. Mark Schoesler, and Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Rodney Tom, stop by the TVW studio to discuss the 2013 legislative session on Inside Olympia with Austin Jenkins. The topic of discussion is the upcoming 30 day special session where legislators will forge the state operating budget.
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