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Waldrep testifies in Olympia seeking Medicaid funding fix to support Maddie's Place in Spokane

Spokane County Commissioner · February 4, 2026
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Summary

Commissioner Amber Waldrep said she testified in Olympia on a bill that would change state health rules to allow Maddie's Place to receive Medicaid funding for care of infants exposed to opioids and their families; she listed this among county legislative priorities including waste-to-energy and affordable housing.

Commissioner Amber Waldrep said she traveled to Olympia and testified on a bill sponsored by Senator Richelli that would change state health rules to allow Maddie's Place in Spokane to receive Medicaid funding for the care of infants exposed to opioids and their families.

Waldrep described the Medicaid fix as a key county priority and said she spent two days in Olympia with Commissioner Chris Jordan and county staff meeting directly with legislators and the governor's staff to discuss the county's agenda.

She also noted related outreach and public conversation: she recorded a KSPS podcast about county priorities and interviewed Senator Marcus Ruchelli on the first day of the legislative session to discuss the state budget and Spokane's priorities. Other priorities she listed included keeping the local waste-to-energy facility financially viable and reducing barriers to building more affordable housing.

The update did not provide the bill number, current committee status, or expected timeline for state action. Waldrep did not specify which provisions would be changed in the state health rules beyond allowing Medicaid reimbursement for services at Maddie's Place.