A shout out to our state legislators and staff for the steadfastness in confronting the unusual tough state budget and policy issues amidst the chaotic level of changes occurring on the national level. Deep breath!

Great Turnout for United Way Lobby Day
United Way of Pierce County led the pack this lobby day by having staff, volunteers and clients meet with 20 of their legislators during our lobby day last week. Thank you also to United Ways from Clark, Lewis, King, Whatcom and Benton-Franklin for braving the weather and helping to update legislators on our agenda. Most legislators were supportive of programs such as GRIT, Community Reinvestment Project, the Imagination Library, and rent stabilization but all pointed to the $4 billion difference between current level 2025-27 budget demands and expected revenue. It’s more important than ever to get on record for supporting funding for our key goals, and in particular funding for the Community Reinvestment Project and the Imagination Library.

Raising Revenue Still An Option
While legislators are looking for efficiencies and budget cuts to bridge the project budget gap, they are also reviewing ways to increase revenue including: an intangible tax such as House Bill 1319;  raising business tax rates such as House Bill 1320; a surcharge on excessive corporate executive salaries such as House Bill 1785; and other ideas which have not found their way into legislation yet, such as a tax on luxury mansions and various surcharges. Since revenue bills are exempt from the February 21 deadline for policy bills to clear committee of origin, we will not likely see a revenue proposal seriously considered by any committee until later in the month.

Imagination Library Enrollment Exceeds 120,000 Children 
The lives of nearly 121,000 Washington children (0 to 5) are enlivened on a monthly basis when age-appropriate books arrive at their households mailed to them by the Imagination Library of Washington. The United Ways of Washington is proud of its partnership with this program created by state law and supported by donors, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and our state budget. To be able to keep up with program demand (slightly more than one out of four eligible children are participating), the Imagination Library of Washington will need $7 million from the next biennial budget. Your help in informing legislators of your program support is needed.

Washington State Black Caucus Pushes for Community Reinvestment Funding
A Washington State Standard article last week detailed how a group of Black legislators met with Gov. Bob Ferguson to urge him to support adding new funding to the Community Reinvestment Project. The group of 14 legislators urged refunding the depleted Community Reinvestment fund which supports projects that address racial, economic, and social disparities resulting from the War on Drugs.