After a year of record-breaking heat and a winter marked with snow and flooding, the House Appropriations Committee will consider a bill proposing a grant program to assist local governments with the costs of responding to community needs during extreme weather events.

HB 1620, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), establishes a grant program in the state Emergency Management Department for local governments and federally recognized tribes to receive reimbursements for costs associated with providing relief to vulnerable populations during extreme weather events. These activities could include:

• Establishing and operating warming and cooling centers;
• Purchasing supplies such as food and water;
• Transporting people to warming and cooling centers; and
• Hiring adequate staff to manage a center.

AWC encourages cities to contact their members of the House and ask them to support this bill. HB 1620 will provide critical access to shelter and security to our most vulnerable residents.

Date to remember

HB 1620 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, January 24 at 2:30 pm.