Community Reinvestment Project

On Thursday, February 26th, the WA State Senate Ways & Means Committee will be holding a public hearing on HB 2523 Washington State Legislature, the bill that will continue to codify funding for the Community Reinvestment Project. Since 2022, the CRP has supported 900+ community-based organizations and engaged 9,600+ businesses statewide — funding the kind of grassroots, community-led work that United Way networks across the region champion every day. 

Please consider these actions to support this bill by:  

  1. Share the toolkit with your staff, board, and partner networks (attached and available here)
  2. Post on your own channels ahead of the February 26th hearing
  3. 3. SIGN IN PRO before Thursday, February 26th at 12:30pm https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Senate?selectedCommittee=456&selectedMeeting=34008


The Senate Proposed Budget Includes Funding for Imagination Library of Washington - Now It's Time to Urge the House to Support Early Literacy.

Imagination Library of Washington

Momentum continues to build for Imagination Library of Washington (ILWA) this legislative session. Last week, Senate Bill 5961 - the bill that transfers ILWA from DCYF to OSPI - passed through the Senate with strong support and is now moving forward in the House Education committee. Great progress for our statewide program!

In addition, we are excited to share that Imagination Library of Washington was included in the Senate’s proposed operating budget at $1,017,000. This is very positive news and an important sign of growing momentum and recognition of the impact this program has on young children and families across the state. However, it is not enough funding to maintain ILWA through the next fiscal year.

The House proposed budget released on Sunday did not include funding for Imagination Library of Washington. As the House and Senate begin negotiating the final operating budget, this creates an important opportunity for us to continue advocacy efforts and build support. As a valued supporter and champion for ILWA and early literacy in our state, we are asking you once again to join us and take action to keep our program alive for Washington's 85,000 children enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Through the action button link below, we encourage you to reach out to your Senators and Representatives and urge them to support ILWA's supplemental operating budget request of $2 million for year two of this biennium. This funding is essential to sustaining the statewide program and ensuring children continue receiving the high-quality books delivered each month that help build a strong foundation for their future.

 Click this #TakeAction with Action Button link to Urge Lawmakers to Fund Imagination Library of Washington.