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The 2026 legislative session starts today!
Welcome to Washington's 2026 legislative session ! This year is a short 60-day session. It will move quickly while lawmakers and advocates work to balance Washington's budget and navigate drastic federal actions. We believe that poverty is a policy issue and that advocacy creates systemic change. We are committed to fighting for a world where everyone can meet their basic needs and pursue the life they want, and we're so grateful to have you join the mission. Remember, your voice has power!

Stay tuned for our weekly Network News to hear updates on important bills, including opportunities to sign in or testify at a hearing.

TAKE ACTION: Governor released his budget proposal

Late last month, Governor Ferguson released his proposed supplemental budget, laying out spending ideas and priorities. This week, lawmakers will hold hearings on the Governor's suggested adjustments to the budget. While the draft supplemental budget includes encouraging steps towards centering Washingtonians and addressing the harms of HR1, we urge lawmakers to do more to protect and invest in essential health and human services for all Washingtonians:

* Maintain the Apple Health Expansion, which serves our state's immigrant families, and other programs that support healthcare access and community health programs;
* Prioritize funding for housing to protect Washingtonians affected by likely cuts from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
* Protect food access for all Washingtonians by funding a robust response to federal SNAP cuts, including funding the staff and infrastructure needed to implement new federal rules, and by providing adequate funding to transition many immigrants to our state's Food Assistance Program (FAP).
* Maintain current funding for TANF/WorkFirst , which serves families with children living in deep poverty
* Fully fund and expand both environmental programs and direct cash programs by passing progressive revenue.

Keep an eye out for our full analysis of the proposed budget in the coming days. In the meantime, TAKE ACTION by telling your lawmakers to make crucial changes to the Governor's proposed budget this session:

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