As we enter the fourth week of the 2023 session, advocates are preparing special lobby days, both, in-person and virtual. Read on.

United Ways and Washington 211 Collaborate on February 7
Representatives of United Ways of Washington and other Washington 211 regional partners will be in Olympia on Tuesday, February 7 to advocate for the need for full funding of the 211 network in our state. 211 also will conduct 211 orientation sessions for legislative assistants and other legislative staff. You are encouraged to reach out to your legislators in support of this funding either through a scheduled online or in-person meeting or through emails and letters.

Housing and Homelessness Virtual Advocacy Emphasis Starts Feb. 6
The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance is conducting a virtual advocacy push next week, starting with online organizing meetings on February 6 with virtual meetings with legislators on the following two days, and finishing with a debrief session. Learn more about participating and register for free.

Child Care Resources Target This Wednesday for Advocacy Day
Child Care Resources holds its in-person Advocacy Day,  Wednesday, February 1. CCR staff and others will travel to Olympia to meet legislators. The event is intended to be appropriate for new child care advocates. Sarah Brady, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy, at ([email protected]) and Jaymie McLaughlin, Mobilization Coordinator, at ([email protected]) can answer questions. 

Evergreen Basic Income Program Clears First Legislative Hurdle
The House Committee on Human Services, Youth & Early Learning approved the Evergreen Basic Income Program, HB 1045. The latest proposal creates a pilot program that would provide 24 monthly payments to up to 7,500 qualifying participants in an amount equal to 100 percent of the fair market rent for a two-bedroom dwelling unit in the county in which a participant resides. The bill has moved to House Appropriation. Cost is a major consideration with this bill.

Free School Breakfast & Lunch Bills Up for Committee Votes
Bills that would require public schools, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, to provide free breakfast and lunch each school day to any requesting students are up for committee votes this week. The Senate Committee on Early Learning and K-12 takes up SB 5339 today (Monday) at its 1:30 p.m. meeting. Comment on SB 5339. The House Committee on Education takes up its companion HB 1238 at its February 2 meeting.  Comment on HB 1238.