Next legislative session Washington lawmakers are poised to negotiate a two-year budget and address public safety. Spokane Representative, Marcus Riccelli, is hopeful healthcare will be a priority as well. Riccelli, a Democrat, is the incoming chair of the House Healthcare and Wellness committee.
He says he’s hopeful the legislature will take a look at the staffing shortages in many hospitals, as well as social determinants of health. He says now that many pandemic relief programs are expiring, he’s hopeful budget leaders will set aside state funds for those issues.
Spokane Public Radio’s Rebecca White spoke to him about what healthcare issues he anticipates may come up next session.
The session will kick off January 9.
This interview is a part of a series of conversations with Eastern Washington lawmakers on the upcoming legislative session.
