Elected to the Washington State Senate in 2012, Andy Billig has demonstrated leadership, energy and compassion as he represents Washington's 3rd Legislative District, located in the heart of Spokane.
Through his advocacy and legislative work, Andy has become known as a champion for children, working families and small businesses.
In November 2018, Andy was selected by his peers to be the Senate Majority Leader and he also serves on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Rules Committee.
Andy has prime-sponsored and passed legislation related:
- Fully funding our K-12 schools
- Reducing property crimes
- Closing the educational opportunity gap
- Increasing voter access
- Campaign finance reform
- Protecting the Spokane River
- Expanding the Safe Routes to School Program
- Increasing access to high quality early learning and childcare
During the 2020 legislative session, Andy led the Senate with a bipartisan Coronavirus response bill that authorized $200 million for public health efforts, testing and health care related to the outbreak.
Recognized as one of the Legislature's leaders on educational issues, Andy was selected to serve on the special "McCleary Committee," convened in 2015 to lead the state's effort to comply with its constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education.
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Andy served one term in the Washington State House of Representatives where he served as vice chair of the House Transportation Committee.
In his very first year in the Legislature, Andy led the charge on a state-wide environmental priority that helped improve water quality in the Spokane River. He was the prime sponsor of HB 1489, which eliminated unnecessary phosphorous in lawn fertilizer, reducing toxic algae blooms and making waterways across the state safer for people, wildlife, and pets.
Billig has also served for 12 years as the Founding Chair of the Washington State Alternative Jet Fuel Workgroup and recently championed a law (SB 5447) that promotes the production of sustainable aviation fuels in Washington State. He has presented on Washington State's work on SAF in numerous settings including the Sustainable Aviation Futures conference in Houston, the Dubai Air Show, and the Farnborough Air Show.
In addition to his work as a Senator, Andy is the co-owner and former President & General Manager of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. Andy has led the Indians since 1992, and under his leadership the Spokane Indians organization has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, community involvement and business excellence. Andy continues to play an active management and ownership role with the Indians as well as with Brett Sports & Entertainment.
Andy has received numerous awards and recognitions during his time in the Legislature, including these highlights:
- Children's Alliance Champion for Children Award
- Latino Hope Foundation elected official of the year
- Early Learning Action Alliance Golden Crayon Award
- Fix Democracy First's Outstanding Elected Leader Award
- Washington Association of School Administrators Golden Gavel Award
- FUSE Inter-Continental Smackdown Champion Award
Andy serves on numerous local and state-wide boards and task forces, including:
- Board co-chair for the Washington Institute for Public Policy, the Northwest's premier public policy research agency
- Chair of the Washington State Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Workgroup
- Board member for Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs
Previously, Andy has served in many volunteer capacities, including:
- Big Brother with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest
- Volunteer youth sports coach.
- Member of the organizing committee for Bike to Work Week
- Member of the City of Spokane Human Services Advisory Board
Andy graduated cum laude, with a degree in government, from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. A runner and triathlete, Andy completed the Coeur d'Alene Ironman Triathlon.
Andy lives with his family in his favorite city, Spokane!
