Advocates line the steps of the Capitol for Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day on January 26.
Hello Waters Meet Action Fund Partners!
It’s been great to connect with so many of you in Olympia this week! Let’s keep up the pressure on our elected officials to move forward legislation that protects and invests in our communities.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and share information or feedback for future policy briefs to carl@watersmeet.fund.
Support Nonprofit Financial Stability, pass House Bill 2587!
Last session, a bill was introduced allowing advance payments to nonprofits receiving state grants. This year, it has returned as House Bill 2587. This bill represents an important step toward ensuring nonprofits have the financial stability they need to successfully carry out state‑funded work.
- Creates a pilot program allowing the Department of Commerce to advance funds to eligible nonprofits.
- Requires equity‑driven criteria and prioritizes nonprofits with annual budgets under $5 million.
- Limits advance payments to 25% of the grant amount or $200,000, whichever is less, with funds released only after a fully executed contract.
HB 2587 is receiving its first hearing on Monday, February 2nd at 4:00 PM, and strong community support is essential!
Unmask Federal Law Enforcement
This week, the Senate passed SB 5855, which bans law enforcement from wearing facial coverings. This law is an important step towards preventing federal law enforcement from terrorizing our communities and operating with impunity. You can support making this bill a law by urging the House of Representatives to move this bill forward.
Agriculture Worker Unionization
Senate Bill 6045 was introduced by Senator Saldaña.
This bill would put agricultural workers’ collective bargaining under the purview of the state Public Employment Relations Commission, which already covers cannabis field workers. The bill was heard on the 20th and drew significant support and opposition.
Supporters said the bill remedies a situation that causes harm to workers and employers.
The opposition however argue that unions hurt small farms and create big challenges.
This bill is scheduled for executive session early next week.
Other bills we’re watching:
Encampment Ban (‘Sit and Lie’)
HB 2489, prohibits the criminalization of people “engaging in necessary life-sustaining activities” in public spaces unless adequate shelter is available. The legislation was scheduled for an executive session this week, but that session was pulled down. We are not aware of any new versions or amendments at this time.
Community Reinvestment Program (CRP)
HB 2523, or the CRP fix, legislation was heard this week in the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans committee. The legislation is not scheduled for executive session.