Fall Advocacy Roundup: Progressive Revenue, the BBB and more

It's not just you. We think the news has been confusing and complicated lately too. It's tough to understand the latest updates and know how to make a difference. We've got your back. Read on for an overview of the HR1 (aka BBB), a quick action to support progressive revenue, and our endorsement of Measure 8201.

Learn more about the BBB

HR1, also known as the "Big Beautiful Bill" (BBB), is causing widespread confusion. As we've traveled around the state this summer to hear from community members, we heard deep concerns about how programs like SNAP and Medicaid (called Apple Health in our state) will continue to serve the people who rely on them. Without clear federal guidance, many details are still up in the air. Here's a high-level overview of some key takeaways and likely impacts of the bill:

The impacts of this bill will go into effect over the next 5 years.
This bill has wide ranging impacts from public benefits to the federal tax code. The bill is designed to benefit wealthy Americans at the expense of the safety net for those living in poverty.
Big picture takeaways:
- States will be required to pay more to provide SNAP and Medicaid. Both services are partnerships between the federal government and states. BBB increases how much the state will need to spend.
- Individuals will have an increased burden of “proof” to maintain eligibility for programs, such as work requirements and increased eligibility checks. This added "proof" will lead many families to lose access to food and medical care. It will, in turn, cost the state more to administer these programs because staff are needed to check for requirements.
- Many lawfully present immigrants will lose access to federal programs and turn to state-funded programs to meet their basic needs.
- These three factors will cause a substantial budget deficit at the state level, which will put pressure on other state-funded programs and services.
Benefits programs are still running, and you should continue to apply for services if you need them.
- This bill is designed to frighten people off of benefits. You should continue to apply for the services you need!

Urge your representatives to support progressive revenue

During the upcoming legislative session, it's critical that legislators pass progressive revenue to balance the budget in the face of federal budget cuts to lifeline programs like SNAP.

Approximately 920,000 Washingtonians - 11.5% of the state's population - receive assistance from SNAP to keep nutritious food on their tables. Thirty-five percent of these beneficiaries are children, for whom consistent nutrition and full bellies are crucial to learning, playing and growing. Federal budget cuts and policy changes such as work requirements will complicate the administration of SNAP and other programs that Washingtonians rely on. The state needs to balance hundreds of millions of dollars in lost funding and increased costs, and that balance cannot come from further program cuts.

By passing progressive revenue, our representatives can honor their duty to Washingtonians who rely on social services to make ends meet. Washington must continue to be a leader in protecting the services that people rely on. The best way for them to do that is by asking the ultra-wealthy to contribute their fair share.

Tell your representatives to do what's right and pass progressive revenue this legislative session:

Tell your representatives: we need progressive revenue!

We’ve endorsed measure 8201 on Washington’s November ballot

8201 is a proven, commonsense way to strengthen our long-term care funds and make sure our money is there when we need it – we’re not the only ones that think so.

8201 has won endorsements from organizations representing frontline, essential workers like the Washington State Nurses Association, the MS Society, and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters.

What does 8201 do?

8201 allows an independent, nonpartisan board to invest our state’s long-term care fund in the same way we already invest dozens of other state benefit and pension funds. Even a 1% growth rate would produce an extra $67 billion for Washingtonians who need support!

Here are 3 extra benefits of 8201:

Doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime: 8201 grows Washington’s Long-Term Care Fund using proven, balanced investment strategies – not raising taxes.

Keeps premiums low: Higher earnings mean more money for our long-term care fund – that’s good for aging adults, Washingtonians with disabilities, their families, and taxpayers.

No fund raiding: 8201 requires that 100% of investment income earned by the state’s Long-Term Care Fund is spent on long-term care services for vulnerable aging adults and people with disabilities.

Thank you for voting “approve” on 8201 to strengthen our long-term care benefits!

Statewide Poverty Action Network
1501 N 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
United States

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