OLYMPIA – Senate Democrats today introduced several measures aimed at reinvigorating the state’s small business economy while also providing free incentives for families to get outside and enjoy Washington. The proposal includes a tax cut for more than 125,000 small businesses across the state, waives entrance fees for county fairs and state fairs, and makes the Discover Pass available for free for a year starting July 1. The Senate has already approved measures to make transit and ferry fares free for youth and to reduce tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. “As we start to look beyond the pandemic, it’s time to get out and remember what makes our state so special,” said Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), the Senate’s top budget ...
Read MoreAbout Christine
Sen. Christine Rolfes represents the 23rd Legislative District, which includes the Kitsap County communities of Hansville, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Keyport, Silverdale, and East Bremerton. Since her election to the state House of Representatives in 2006, Christine has become a leading voice on education funding and reform, small businesses, ferries, military-families and veterans, and the environment. Her efforts have yielded tangible results for the 23rd district and Washington State as a whole.
She chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee, responsible for leading the development of the state’s $52 billion biennial budget. Under her leadership the legislature has, for the past two legislative sessions, delivered a four-year balanced budget on-time, with billions set aside in strategic reserves and historic investments in environmental restoration and public education. In August of 2019, the state’s bond ratings were upgraded by Moody’s Investor Services to Aaa for the first time, due primarily to sound fiscal practices and a diversified and strong economy.
Read Rolfes’ full biography here.
