(Left) FAN staff Brianna Dilts stands with FAN advocates from Newport in Olympia at the Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day. (Right) Dr. Joyce del Rosario and Elizabeth Dickinson celebrate with Imam Adam Jamal at the MAPS Interfaith Iftar.

Town Halls & Back to the Second Chamber

TAKE ACTION

SB 5284 Recycling Reform Act would hold packaging and paper product companies accountable for funding recycling programs, ensuring consistent, accessible recycling for all residents while reducing plastic pollution and waste. House Committee on Environment & Energy on March 17 at 1:30 PM. Sign in Pro here.

SB 5123 Protections for Students would expand protections for K-12 students in public schools related to gender expression and identity, housing status, ethnicity, neurodivergence, and immigration status. House Committee on Education on March 17 at 1:30 PM. Sign in Pro here.

SB 5041 Unemployment Insurance Benefits for striking or locked out workers. House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards on March 18 at 10:30 AM. Sign in Pro here.

​SB 5714: Strengthening Professional Standards for Bail Agents “Bounty Hunters.” This bill would prohibit agents from enforcing civil immigration warrants and sharing a defendant’s immigration status without authorization, classifying such actions as unprofessional conduct. House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on March 18 at 1:30 PM. Sign in Pro here.

HB 1217 Rent Stabilization would protect tenants from excessive rent increases by implementing a 7% limit on annual rent increases for existing tenants and manufactured homeowners. Senate Committee on Housing on March 19 at 1:30 PM. Sign in Pro here.

HB 1409 Strengthening the Clean Fuels Program. Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology on March 19 at 8:00 AM. Sign in Pro here.

HB 1232 Private Detention Facilities Accountability and Transparency including NW Detention Center. Senate Committee on Human Services on March 19 at 8:00 AM. Sign in Pro here.

TAKE ACTION: Fund Our Future – March 17 Progressive Revenue Advocacy!

Washington State is facing a $15 billion budget shortfall, and the choices our legislators make now will determine whether our state moves forward with equity and justice—or falls into harmful austerity cuts that hurt working families, low-income communities, and essential social programs. Instead of balancing the budget on the backs of everyday Washingtonians, we must call on lawmakers to raise progressive revenue to invest in housing, education, healthcare, and critical services.

On Monday, March 17, Invest in WA Now and Balance Our Tax Code will rally on the South Diagonal Lawn in Olympia to demand a fair tax system that ensures the wealthiest corporations and individuals pay their share—instead of forcing cuts to the very programs that support our communities. There will also be legislative meetings throughout the day.

Ways to Take Action:

✅ Show Up in Olympia! Stand with advocates, faith leaders, and community members to push for progressive tax policies that fund vital services.
✅ Attend a Legislative Town Hall! Lawmakers are holding town halls across the state—this is your chance to ask them directly how they plan to address the budget shortfall without cutting essential services.
✅ Call or Email Your Legislators! Sign our new Action Network Letter on budget cuts.

Demand that they prioritize progressive revenue solutions over devastating cuts to programs that working families, seniors, and marginalized communities rely on.

Why This Matters:

Austerity doesn’t work. Cutting education, housing, healthcare, and safety nets only deepens inequality and harms those already struggling.

Washington has the most regressive tax code in the nation. Low-income families pay a far higher percentage of their income in taxes than the wealthiest. We must fix this imbalance.

Progressive revenue means a stronger, fairer Washington. Investing in our communities ensures everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive—not just the wealthiest few.

UPCOMING TOWN HALLS: HELPFUL TIPS AND PRIORITIES

Legislators in many state districts are holding Town Halls in the next two weeks. These provide a potent opportunity to show your interest in state level policy and to raise your voice for justice. Washington Democrats have a list of upcoming Town Halls and Washington Republicans have a list of Town Hall meetings as well.

There are several types of Town Halls: telephone, virtual, and in-person, and they can also vary by whether they include pre-submitted questions, live questions, or both. Consider attending a Town Hall with others in your faith community and prepare questions ahead of time together in case one of you is invited to ask a question. Write up two questions you might ask–your highest concern and a second one if the first gets asked by someone else. Remind yourself about the committees and bills of your legislators (if your legislator is on a fiscal committee, consider advocating on a budget item!). You can also find a one-pager from the Washington Environmental Council  on what to learn more about Town Halls.

If you’d like specific recommendations, FAN staff have put together a list of March 2025 Town Hall Priorities that can be found on our Take Action! page. Our advocacy is needed to prevent budget cuts to vital programs for low-income and marginalized folks, to urge progressive revenue, and to get our priority bills through the second chamber and onto the Governor’s desk. As you prepare, FAN staff would be happy to strategize with you about questions–just call or email!

TAKE ACTION BY PERSONALIZING AND SIGNING OUR NEW ADVOCACY LETTERS

Preserve Vital Funding for Struggling Washingtonians

Devastating cuts are being proposed to critical programs that support low-income and marginalized individuals and families. There are proposals to reduce or eliminate assistance to food banks, grants to 23-hour crisis relief centers for mental and behavioral health emergencies, and healthcare and legal aid for immigrants, to name a few. Our legislators and Governor need to hear from us about the costs of these proposed cuts to the health and well-being of our communities and our economy. Please personalize and sign this letter, even if you already wrote about progressive revenue. Thank you!

Fully Fund Immigrant Healthcare in Washington State

Healthcare is a human right and at a time when our immigrant communities are under attack, we must raise our voices together to ensure immigrants can continue to access affordable health care in Washington. Send an urgent message to our state legislators that we must maintain funding for Apple Health Expansion in the budget so that 12,000 people will not lose the vital health care coverage they recently gained for the first time!

Sign on to our new Senior Nutrition Funding Letter

Nutrition programs are a crucial part of the safety net for low-income older adults. Our population is aging, and the need for group meals and home delivered meals is rising. The state budget must sustain our current service levels for these programs. Nearly 1 in 10 older adults now live in poverty.

SPEAK OUT ON PROPOSED FEDERAL SLASHES TO MEDICAID AND SNAP

Faith communities and nonprofits are continuing to challenge this cruelty. Please sign one of the following letters, call your legislators, or share a message at a town hall when your U.S. Representative is back for in-district work days March 17-21. Check your Representative’s website to see what community meetings are being scheduled.

• Statewide Poverty Action: Tell Congress: Oppose Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP!
• The Episcopal Church: Protect Medicaid
• Friends Committee on National Legislation: Protect Health Care and Food Assistance
• Lutheran Services in America/ELCA Advocacy Action Center: Protect Medicaid and Oppose Cuts and Caps
• Moms Rising: Tell Your Governor to Stand Up Against Reckless Cuts to Medicaid
• Union of Reform Judaism Religious Action Center: Tell Congress: Oppose Cuts to Health Care and Food Assistance
• Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice: No Cuts to Healthcare or Nutrition Programs
• United Church of Christ: Tell Congress to Stop Stealing from the Poor to Give to the Rich
• United Methodist Church: Prioritize Grace Over Greed

Kristin’s Policy Updates

The Washington State Legislature reached a pivotal milestone on March 12, 2025, known as the House of Origin Cutoff. This deadline requires all policy bills to pass out of their originating chamber to remain under consideration this session. Some bills, like HB 1432 Improving Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services, passed with bipartisan support, while others sparked intense debate and required late-night sessions before finally being approved.

Contentious Bills That Passed:

SB 5284 – Recycling Reform Act:

SB 5284 aims to modernize Washington’s recycling system by holding packaging and paper product manufacturers accountable for funding and managing recycling programs. The bill introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, shifting costs from consumers to producers while expanding recycling access to 500,000 more households, particularly in rural and multi-family residences. It also establishes a standardized list of recyclable materials to reduce contamination and confusion. Supporters argue it will reduce plastic pollution, improve recycling rates, and lower costs for residents, while opponents raise concerns about potential cost increases and implementation challenges. If enacted, Washington would join other states like Oregon, California, and Colorado, in adopting EPR laws to improve recycling infrastructure and sustainability. SB 5284 passed the Senate with 27-22 vote.

House Bill 1163 – Enhancing Firearm Purchase Regulations:

This bill seeks to strengthen firearm purchase regulations by establishing a state-issued permit system. Under this bill, individuals must obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm, ensuring they meet key requirements such as being at least 21 years old, passing a comprehensive background check, and completing a certified firearm safety training course. The permit would be valid for five years and require renewal upon expiration. Supporters argue that the bill enhances public safety by ensuring firearm buyers are properly vetted and trained, while opponents express concerns about potential Second Amendment infringements and bureaucratic obstacles to legal gun ownership. HB 1163 passed the House with a 58-38 vote.

Senate Bill 5041 – Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers:

SB 5041 proposes allowing workers engaged in lawful strikes or lockouts to receive unemployment insurance benefits after a specified disqualification period and the standard one-week waiting period. The bill aims to provide a safety net for workers exercising their right to strike, ensuring they can meet basic needs during labor disputes. Proponents argue that this measure levels the playing field between employees and employers during negotiations. However, opponents express concerns that offering unemployment benefits during strikes could disrupt the balance of labor negotiations and place additional financial burdens on the state’s unemployment insurance system. SB 5041 passed the Senate 28-21.

House Bill 1217 – Rent Stabilization Measures:

HB 1217 seeks to improve housing stability by limiting rent increases to 7% per year and capping late fees at 1.5% of rent. The bill also prohibits any rent increases during a tenant’s first 12 months of occupancy. These measures aim to protect tenants from sudden and significant rent hikes, addressing the housing crisis in the state. Proponents argue that such regulations are necessary to prevent price gouging and displacement of low- and middle-income residents. HB 1217 passed the House with a 53-42 vote.

House Bill 1296 –Promoting a Safe and Supportive Public Education System was the final bill, undergoing intense debate late into the night before ultimately passing at 2:16 AM.

HB 1296 introduces key requirements to enhance student safety, parental rights, and educational equity in Washington State. The bill mandates that school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools adopt policies that prioritize student safety, privacy, and access to public education. Parental rights are a central aspect of HB 1296. Parents and legal guardians must be allowed to enroll their child in public school regardless of beliefs, immigration status, English proficiency, or disability. They also have the right to observe classrooms, review educational materials, inspect student records within 45 days, and receive immediate notification if their child is involved in criminal activity or detained by law enforcement at school.

The bill also establishes a statement of student rights, ensuring freedom of speech and religion, access to special education services, and a scientifically accurate curriculum. In addition, schools are required to adopt policies by January 31, 2026, to protect transgender and gender-expansive students from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Public school employees are also granted protections under the bill, ensuring they don’t face retaliation for supporting students in exercising their rights or following school policies. Supporters argue the bill strengthens public education by clearly defining the rights of students, parents, and educators. Critics, however, express concerns that certain provisions may conflict with parental rights initiatives and create tension between parents and schools over student welfare. HB 1296 passed the House with 56-37 vote and is now under consideration in the Senate.

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Virtual Hearing:

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, WAISN hosted a powerful virtual hearing in support of the Health Equity for Immigrants Campaign (HEIC). Advocates, community members, and those directly impacted shared heartfelt testimonies, emphasizing how access to healthcare is not just a policy issue—it’s a matter of dignity, survival, and justice. Legislators tuned in via Zoom to hear firsthand why fully funding the Apple Health Expansion Program and maintaining support for Cascade Care subsidies is essential. HEIC is working to ensure that immigrants, regardless of status or income, receive the healthcare they need and deserve. The voices raised at this hearing sent a clear message: healthcare is a human right, and Washington must take action to protect it for all.

Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day (HHAD):

On Friday, March 14, 2025, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA) brought together advocates statewide to rally for housing justice, meet with lawmakers, and participate in workshops. Key priorities include:

  • Rent Stabilization: Advocating for limits on annual rent and fee increases to enhance housing stability.
  • Affordable Housing Funding: Seeking at least $536 million for the Housing Trust Fund to build and preserve affordable homes.
  • Prevent cuts to homelessness services: Seeking $253 million in the operating budget.
  • Right to Counsel: Ensuring legal representation for low-income tenants in eviction proceedings.

Lobby Days with our Coalition Partners

Monday, March 17th, 11:45am-1:00pm then afternoon appointments. Olympia, in-person. BOTC (Balance Our Tax Code) Register here.

Documentary and Discussion in Spokane

Join Faith Action Network and Latinos en Spokane on Thursday March 27 from 5:30-7:30pm for a screening of Latinos en Spokane documentary The Immigration Resident at the EWU Catalyst Building Room #301 (601 E Riverside Avenue, Spokane WA 99201). The Immigration Resident commemorates Latino immigrant history, their labor and contribution to our state, and the collective struggle faced by community organizations. The event will include light refreshments and a guided discussion following the film. We hope you can join us! RSVP and Directions here. If you have any questions please email dilts@fanwa.org.

More Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 15, 9am – 5pm, Peace & Justice Action Conference, in-person & virtual. Spokane Central Library (906 W Main Ave. Spokane, WA 99201). The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane’s annual Peace & Justice Action Conference is the largest event in the Inland Northwest region for activists to sharpen skills, deepen analysis, and strengthen relationships. This year’s theme “Empowered Together: Collective Action for a Just Future” invites activists, community organizers, and advocates from across the Inland Northwest and beyond to unite for a transformative experience focused on peace, justice, and collective liberation. Join us as we gather to strategize, inspire, and empower one another. Together we can build a just future for all. Register here.

Saturday, March 29, 12-2 pm, Rapid Response with WAISN, virtual. As our immigrant communities face escalating ICE activity and threats of deportation, WAISN continues to offer trainings for volunteers to show up, stand in solidarity, offer support, and bear witness. Register here for next Rapid Response training on March 29.

Accompaniment volunteers are also still needed — contact WAISN’s Deportation Defense Organizer (yahaira.padilla@waisn.org) to schedule a training.

Sunday, April 27, 3:30pm – 7pm, Uniting the Inland Northwest, in-person. Montvale Event Center (1019 W. 1st Ave. Spokane, WA 99201). FāVS News is hosting “Uniting the Inland Northwest,” a free community gathering focused on bridging regional divides. The event will feature six breakout sessions addressing regional issues and a keynote address from Itohan Idumwonyi, of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, and a Gonzaga University professor, on Ubuntu: How an Ancient African Concept can Help Human Flourishing. Free to attend, register here.