February 11th marked day 30 of the state legislative session, and almost 1,000 bills have been introduced so far as we approach the policy cutoff on February 21st. Our priorities are clear, and we remain vigilant in advocating for sustained funding for the Washington Youth & Families Fund and Homeless Student Stability Program—effective programs that are making a difference for students, youth, and families across the state.
Watch Aaron Yared, Director of Policy and Advocacy, testify before the Senate Human Services Committee in support of these vital resources (select full screen for captioning):
Important bills we are supporting and monitoring include:
- HB 1217 – The rent stabilization bill that would protect tenants by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center with associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement.
- SB 5617 – Allows for a juvenile to file a Child In Need of Services (CHINS) petition and receive housing support when they are in/exiting detention and do not have a parent or guardian to be released to.
- HB 1380 – Requires that any local laws that regulate the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry outside on public property that is open to the public be objectively reasonable as to time, place, and manner.
- SB 5082 – Establishes the Extended Foster Care Housing Program to provide rental assistance and associated housing fees for youth who are receiving foster care services and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
With state lawmakers working to resolve the $12 billion state deficit by either cutting existing funding or coming up with new revenue and uncertainty around the fate of federal funding for critical programs, advocacy has never been more important. We all have a stake in the future we are building for our families, neighbors, and communities. The greatest power we have is our collective voice, and now is the time to use it to advocate for what we need so that everyone can thrive!
Take action by joining these important upcoming advocacy days in Olympia:
