I’m pleased to share with you that the state House of Representatives just passed House Bill 2561, the Jobs Act, funding construction of energy cost saving improvements for schools and universities statewide. The measure, if passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, goes to the voters in November.

The legislation comes in part from an innovative pilot project now underway at McClure Middle School on the top of Queen Anne Hill. Last year I was deeply honored to have helped secure $1 million from the capital budget to invest in McClure’s infrastructure to improve the 1960s-era building’s energy efficiency. The ‘energy audit’ revealed a long list of projects to improve efficiency, reduce utility costs and make it a better building for students and teachers. The McClure community has been fully engaged in this project and the construction and building enhancements will begin soon.

It’s a win, win, win deal.

First, this legislation raises about $850 million from a state bond to pay for clean energy construction projects–with 38,000 well paying jobs–to improve schools and universities in every corner of our state.

Second, making older buildings more energy efficient works for our environment and communities, and the McClure project is the symbolic representation of how to do it right. Engaging students and teachers in learning about energy efficiency is key part of this and is only one of the many intangibles from this initiative.

Third, the Seattle School District and schools across the state will reap the benefits of reduced utility costs. The state is funding this project but local governments receive much of the long term benefits. This is the type of real deal that works for taxpayers. The old days of state, county and city officials battling between one another for money and influence need to end, and this bill is a strong example of the state supporting the larger interests of taxpayers above those petty politics of old.

It is frustrating to me how the Seattle School District goes about its capital budgeting process. It is likely to be years before McClure rises to the top of the new construction list despite being a poor facility. In the meantime, kids walk around with coats because the building is too cold.

I’m excited that a small project at McClure Middle School has helped push forward a major public policy initiative for jobs, clean energy and reduced costs for taxpayers.

In my time in Olympia I haven’t seen too many win-win-win deals. This is one of them.

Your partner in service,

Reuven.