2025 Federal Agenda Snapshot

2025FEDERAL SNAPSHOT

This breakdown is a snapshot of our comprehensive community legislative agenda, highlighting its most critical issues. We are proud to represent the interests of the greater Spokane area and its growing economic landscape, including our communities' diverse and significant needs.

HEALTH CARE AND RESEARCH FUNDING Federal funding is critical to keeping America a driver of innovation. Health care and manufacturing are two pivotal examples of America's global leadership ability. The Spokane community sees compounding growth and significant returns on investment because of these funding tools for our innovators. A few select examples include the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center, Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster, and maintaining research investment at UW and WSU. Programs that will continue to support Spokane include: • • •

The CHIPS+ Science Act to support Tech Hubs NIH funding for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs Reforming Graduate Medical Education to increase slots for communities like Spokane ◦ Spokane ranked 6th for shortage of primary health care workers in the US

TRADE COMPETITIVENESS Trade is an essential piece of our regional economy. Being able to purchase goods necessary for our businesses and citizens, or to sell our manufactured and agricultural products abroad, ensures long-lasting success for our businesses and citizens. Tariffs only make those processes administratively difficult and financially costly for all.

To support Spokane businesses: • • •

Renew Trade Promotion Authority laws Oppose and end domestically imposed tariffs and other trade restrictions ◦ The Spokane area alone exports over $800 million to international markets Pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act to allow banking institutions to expand their services and increase investment access for legitimate emerging businesses ◦ More than 70% of voters support this legislation

ENERGY AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT We must take an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy strategy. Clean, reliable, and affordable power is critical to every corner of the country. Continued investment in renewable energy protects America's energy future and keeps us competitive. These investments must be paired with the protection of existing energy infrastructure to ensure a smooth energy transition. The most significant policies we support: • •

Preserve the Lower Snake River Dams ◦ Up to 2.25 million homes can be powered by the Lower Snake River dams Protect Access to Natural Gas ◦ 1/3 of Washington residents rely on natural gas to heat their homes

PRESENTED BY

D.C. FLY-IN PARTNERS

2025FEDERAL SNAPSHOT

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Wildfire protection through responsible land management, proactive mitigation, and federal liability reform is critical to safeguarding communities and natural resources ◦ In 2023, Eastern Washington lost over 160,000 acres of land to wildfires Ratify the Columbia River Treaty to enhance cross-border cooperation on water and energy management.

DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE The success of material commerce is dependent on the ability to move goods and products, which relies on consistent infrastructure investment. Spokane has several key Congressional Directed Spending requests that directly improve our ability to grow and provide greater returns for the country from our strong and growing economy worth investment. Further support will be felt through: • • •

Strengthening freight mobility through highways, railways, airways, and waterways ◦ Implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ◦ Implement the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to align with Spokane International Airport's priorities Streamline permitting processes for infrastructure & energy projects Broadband investment and improve broadband mapping

WORKFORCE & EDUCATION The fastest-growing challenges for businesses surround their workforce. An aging population is colliding with lower workforce participation rates, leading to a potential labor catastrophe. Major solutions must include improving access to career and technical education, apprenticeships, and public workforce programs. Assisting families with childcare needs is a necessary investment that allows parents to better contribute to the workforce.

Support for the following would be significant for improved development of the workforce now and into the future: • • •

Reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Expand the Child Care for Working Families Act for Spokane residents ◦ Lack of affordable care costs Washington state roughly $5 billion a year Protect funding for Title 1, IDEA Impact Aid, and other school nutrition and funding programs ◦ Spokane school districts average 52% of their population on free or reduced lunch

ABOUT THE SPOKANE COMMUNITY • • • • •

The second largest city in Washington State Home to six colleges and satellite college campuses Home to Fairchild Air Force Base Area GDP is nearly $40 billion Greater Spokane Inc. is the Spokane region’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization, supporting businesses of all sizes across the Inland Northwest.

PRESENTED BY

D.C. FLY-IN PARTNERS