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Sen. Kaufman briefs Covington council on housing, flood response and funding wins
Summary
Senator Kaufman told the Covington City Council about priorities from the recent Washington legislative session, including housing initiatives, renter notification in flood zones, energy-assistance funding, expanded property-tax deductions for seniors and disabled veterans, $375,000 allocated for the Covington Aquatic Center and $2 million for the Signature Point levy system.
Senator Kaufman (47th legislative district) provided a legislative update to the Covington City Council on April 28, summarizing key outcomes from the 60-day session and how they relate to Covington.
Kaufman said 268 bills passed during the session and highlighted statewide efforts to address housing supply and infrastructure: she underscored the need to consider parking and infrastructure in housing proposals and described expanded first-time homebuyer assistance and investments in the housing trust fund. She also said the legislature created a flood caucus after regional flooding in December and enacted a renter-notification requirement so tenants are informed when a property is in a known flood area.
On budget and capital items relevant to Covington, Kaufman said the session included $375,000 for renovation work at the Covington Aquatic Center and $2 million for the Signature Point levy system. She also described new energy-assistance funding and an expansion of property-tax deductions for seniors and disabled veterans up to $7,500. Kaufman emphasized work to protect developmental-disability programs from proposed cuts and described $15 million in federal-related relief for cities impacted by floods.
Kaufman encouraged residents to use her office for assistance with unemployment insurance issues and said she welcomes continued communication between the legislature and city officials.
