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Best state to bike, free tuition, clean energy incentives, legislative session, economic boom



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Washington named America’s best state to bike

The League of American Bicyclists recently published its state rankings for bike-friendliness. Washington topped the list [ https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2024/pedal-power-washington-named-americas-most-bike-friendly-state?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].

That’s no accident. In fact, it’s an outcome of careful planning to advance non-motorized transit and prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety.

The state’s Climate Commitment Act has been a force of good by investing in active transportation all over Washington. From safer routes to school in Pullman and Omak to cycling safety classes [ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-to-teach-bike-safety-to-kids-what-seattle-is-doing-as-traffic-deaths-rise/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] for kids in Seattle, the CCA [ https://riskofrepeal.cleanprosperousinstitute.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#Map ] is building safer pathways to walk and bike statewide.

Active transportation is also a priority in some of the state’s largest infrastructure projects. The soon-to-open pedestrian bridge over SR-520 [ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/a-new-seattle-bike-bridge-arrives-at-montlake/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood isolates non-motorized travelers from cars as they cross the highway to get to and from the University of Washington campus. Pedestrian and cyclist safety is also critical to I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement [ https://www.interstatebridge.org/updates-folder/modified-lpa-plus-next-steps/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] plans so that Washingtonians and Oregonians can cross the Columbia on foot, scooters, bikes, wheelchairs, skates, or boards safely.

A new state law [ https://komonews.com/news/local/new-washington-state-laws-to-protect-vulnerable-road-users?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] takes effect in the new year to protect ‘vulnerable road users’ from negligent drivers. Additional fines and penalties will be assessed on drivers at fault for fatal accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and people using personal mobility devices.

 

Three people with bicycles smile for a photo.

Gov. Jay Inslee, his policy advisory Debbie Driver, and WSDOT regional administrator Steve Rourke biked through Parkland in 2022 to test local cycling infrastructure and safety improvements along SR-7.

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Washington to guarantee college tuition for low-income families

A of auto technicians smiles for a photo in front of a Rivian repair truck.

Gov. Jay Inslee visited Renton Technical College in 2023 to meet construction and automotive repair apprentices.

Washington state offers the nation’s most generous student financial aid [ https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/washington-state-ranks-number-one-in-need-based-financial-aid/article_3b4a8f6a-c25f-11ee-8779-afac03e97f03.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] program thanks to the WA College Grant. But a lot of eligible families miss out by not filing their FAFSAs [ https://medium.com/wagovernor/file-your-fafsa-for-those-who-do-washingtons-nation-leading-student-aid-brightens-futures-c4f16e406198?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]. In response, Washington will become one of just a few states to guarantee financial aid eligibility [ https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/state-to-guarantee-college-aid-for-low-income-families/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] to low-income families who receive other income-based benefits.

Families that receive food benefits, for example, have already provided income verification. Starting in 2026, the state will use their eligibility for one income-based program to guarantee access to another.

This new automatic eligibility should help more students access college and career training.

They’ll need it. According to the Washington Student Achievement Council, 70% of jobs within the state require some form of education or specialized training after high school. The Washington College Grant can be used for full- or part-time programs, including registered apprenticeships and technical college. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program.

For example, in 2024-25, if your family of four makes:


* $78,500 or less, your college or career training could be free.
* Up to $120,500, you could get some money for college or training.

Application information is available [ https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] from Washington Student Achievement Council.

 

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‘Tis the season to access clean energy incentives – while you still can

A winter chill is in the air, and you may have been reminded that your home could benefit from better windows or insulation. State and federal programs might help – though some may not be around for long.

The state’s Climate Action website [ https://climate.wa.gov/save-money-rebate-and-incentive-programs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] lists a number of state and federal programs that help Washingtonians buy electric cars or e-bikes, weatherize their homes, purchase heat pumps, and more.

Right now, federal tax incentives can discount the purchase price of electric cars by $4,000 to $7,000, and state sales tax exemptions for clean vehicles spell even deeper savings over gas guzzlers. Incoming President Donald Trump has threatened to kill the federal credit [ https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/ev-tax-credits-vanish-trump-now-time-buy-rcna181635?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] once he assumes office, however.

FundHubWA [ https://fundhub.wa.gov/funding-opportunities/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] offers another great library of incentive programs for individuals and businesses. Right now, for example, the state’s home electrification program offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances (which may already have holiday shopping season discounts).

‘Tis the season to spruce up your home – and save on your utility bills as you do.

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News you might have missed:

Lawmakers return to Olympia ahead of session

The 2025 session is approaching, set to begin Jan. 13, but lawmakers are back in Olympia this week for ‘committee days’ [ https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/12/09/lawmakers-return-to-olympia-for-meetings-ahead-of-2025-session/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] as they catch up on what will be the key issues of the session. The newly-redesigned leg.wa.gov website [ https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] contains everything you need to know about the Legislature and the upcoming session.

Seattle leads nation for economic growth

The Seattle area’s GDP grew 6.2% from 2022 to 2023, the fastest rate in the nation [ https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/10/gdp-growth-seattle-metro-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]. Seattle eclipsed runners-up Houston and Charlotte’s growth by 15% and 32%, respectively. Tech and information enterprise generated $133.7 billion last year, up $17.9 billion from the year prior.

Washington’s electric school bus fleet is ramping up

Washington school districts will operate more than 200 electric buses next year. From Bellingham to Walla Walla, dozens of districts received grants this year from the state’s Climate Commitment Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to acquire and charge even more of them [ https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024-news-stories/dec-11-electric-school-buses-to-earn-extra-credit-in-2025?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].  

 

An electric school bus operated by Walla Walla Public Schools.

An electric school bus operated by Walla Walla Public Schools.






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