This week, the Legislature hits full stride with committee activities on issues of interest to our United Way community. Here's a few of them with links to help you follow testimony and/or provide your own. Also, the last item includes information and a TVW link regarding last week’s hearing that included a focus on United Way of Pierce County’s pilot basic income program, GRIT.

House to Consider Child Welfare Housing Program Extension
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, The House Committee on Human Services, Youth and Early Learning will hold a hearing on H.B. 1186 which would make permanent and expand the Child Welfare Housing Assistance Pilot Program. You can watch the hearing live (starts at 1:30 p.m. or after the close of the meeting at this TVW link.) And here is information on how to sign in for a bill and/or provide testimony remotely.

Legislative Update on Fair Start for Kids Act
On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Senate Committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education will conduct a work session (no public testimony) on the implementation of the Fair Start for Kids Act adopted in 2021. Meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. The work session will include a review of the recommendations from the Child Care Collaborative Task Force, information about compensation and perspectives from child care providers and families. TVW Link.

Senate to Look at Expanding Working Families Tax Credit Age 
S.B. 5249 would lower the minimum age for eligibility for the working families tax credit to 18. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hear the bill on Thursday, January 19 starting at 4 p.m.  You can sign in and state your position here.

Tacoma Showcases Guaranteed Income Pilot in House Hearing
Last week, the House Committee on Human Services, Youth and Early Learning held a public hearing on H.B. 1045 which would create the Evergreen Basic Income Program. Several people testified including Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodard detailing the learnings from the Guaranteed Income Pilot conducted in collaboration with the United Way of Pierce County, represented at the hearing by Abigail Lawson, director of the Tacoma program.  TVW recording of the H.B. 1045 hearing starting with the bill’s description.