Hi John,

2020 is almost over!

Thinking back to this time last year, we had no idea how difficult 2020 would be. As COVID-19 spread in Washington state, we were forced to make changes in nearly every aspect of our lives. When the economy worsened, those already struggling were hit the hardest. Others who had never experienced financial instability became unemployed for the first time. And many are dealing with the loss of a loved one. The pandemic overwhelmed a safety net that has long needed restoration. Also this year, people took to the streets in record numbers to protest the relentless killings of members of the Black community at the hands of police and the racial inequities that have existed since the earliest days of our country.

It’s been a lot for one year. And yet we believe the lessons of 2020 lay the groundwork to re-imagine and build a better future together.

2021 Virtual Lobby Day

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, join Poverty Action as we advocate for racial and economic justice. Our 16^th annual Lobby Day will be 100% virtual with video and call-in options via Zoom. On Lobby Day, you will join community members from across the state to learn about this year’s legislative priorities, hear from a panel of experienced advocates, and share your story directly with lawmakers. We will provide interpreter services, closed captioning, and other accommodations. We can also help you connect to a device and WiFi so that digital access is not a barrier. We aren't stopping at the end of MLK Day! We have at-home activities planned throughout the week.

Register by January 4th to receive your advocacy toolkit in the mail.

For questions about Poverty Action’s 2021 Lobby Day, e-mail [email protected].

Governor's Biennial Budget Proposal

Earlier this month, Governor Inslee released his proposal for the 2021-2023 Biennial Budget outlining his plan for state spending over the next two years. Let’s cut to the chase; his proposal is awesome! But we need your help to make it a reality.

Governor Inslee’s budget responds to the needs of those hardest hit this past year. Despite a state budget deficit, his proposal does not include any cuts to essential programs like Housing and Essential Needs (HEN), Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). In fact, he proposed $104.1 million dollars for the HEN program so that those who are eligible can receive assistance for rent and other essential needs they are entitled to under state law. Furthermore, the governor’s budget allocates funding to reverse recession-era policy changes to TANF, allowing more families to access cash assistance to meet their basic needs. This has been a top priority for Poverty Action for the past several years! He also includes funding for the Working Families Tax Credit, the Poverty Reduction Work Group, the Housing Trust Fund, and a study of Universal Basic Income in Washington.

If that’s not enough good news, prior to the release of his budget proposal, Governor Inslee ALSO committed to centering budgetary decisions on racial equity. He proposes to establish an investigative office for police use of force, fund the Office of Equity, and create a new center for diversity, equity, and inclusion to review curriculum and address equity barriers at community colleges.

Let’s take a minute to say thanks to Governor Inslee for setting a bold, equitable tone for the 2021 Legislative Session and urge our legislators to follow his lead! We must urge our lawmakers to prioritize racial and economic equity in the state budget.

View our analysis of the Governor’s budget proposal here.

Invest in Grassroots Advocacy

Throughout 2020, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when people come together to speak out, share their stories, and demand change. From confederate statues coming down to extended eviction moratoriums around the country, and from record voter turnout to our state’s immigrant relief fund, real people coming together and organizing is what made the difference. And it can make the difference again now! The year ahead brings new opportunities to build a stronger, healthier, safer, and more economically secure future for our communities, and we plan to organize like hell to meet the urgency of this moment.

Help us start 2021 as strong as this moment needs us to be. Please consider making a gift before the end of the year so we can put it straight to work this MLK Day and legislative session.

Donate to Poverty Action today!

From all of us at Poverty Action, we wish you a safe and healthy end of year.

See you in 2021!