PSARA is a multi-generational grass roots organization advocating for all people and seniors, in particular, being able to live their lives with economic security, dignity, and respect.   With the close of the session we have updated the bill status.  For those bills that have passed we have included a link for more information on the bill.  We will make one more update later in May to confirm the Governor’s acceptance or rejection of each of the bills passed through the WA State Legislature.  All of this work has been carried out by PSARA’s Government Relations Committee, click here for more information on the Committee.

 

Healthcare

PSARA believes that comprehensive, affordable, accessible, and culturally appropriate health care is a fundamental human right. 

 

• Promote Leveling the Playing Field in Medicare SJM 8002 Status: Passed Senate 30-19. Did not pass the House.  Will be reintroduced next year.

• Protect against healthcare program cuts and advance immigrant health equity Status: Budget 

• Support efforts to advance universal healthcare SJM 8004 Status: Passed the House and the Senate and filed with Secretary of State. 

• Ensure quality affordable healthcare for nursing home workers (WA Essential Worker Healthcare Program) HB 1523/SB 5344 Status: Dead 2025 

• Strengthen and protect WA Cares SB 5291 Status: Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

 

Housing and Homelessness

PSARA supports keeping people housed, building more low-income housing, and preventing homelessness in the first place. 

 

• Ensure reasonable and more predictable rent increases by passing rent stabilization HB 1217/SB 5222 Status: 1217 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

• Invest $500 million in the Housing Trust Fund Status: Budget

• Preserve supportive services and prevent cuts to homelessness programs Status: Budget

• Create affordable housing close to transit HB 1491 Status: Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

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The final rent stabilization bill passed the legislature on Sunday, April 27. The conference budget, unfortunately, did not cap residential rent increases at 7%. That is a disappointment, but housing advocates still count the final bill as a win and are urging Governor Ferguson to sign the bill. 

 

• Caps rent increases for manufactured homeowners at 5% per year; 

• Caps residential rent increases at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10% per year, whichever is lower; 

• Covers apartments and single-family homes; with some exceptions (including subsidized housing owned by nonprofits or public housing authorities; homes developed with low-income Housing Tax Credits regulated by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and duplexes through fourplexes when the owner lives on site); 

• Exempts newly-built homes for the first 12 years; 

• Ends the caps for residential tenants after 15 years. The manufactured housing cap does not expire. 

 

The agreed upon capital budget includes $605 million for the Housing Trust Fund. 

 

Workers Rights and Economic Justice

PSARA supports legislation that promotes healthy families and workplaces. 

 

• Extend job protection in the Family & Medical Leave Program to ensure low wage earners can return to their jobs after leave to care for themselves or family members HB 1213/SB 5539 Status: 1213 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

• Extend unemployment benefits to striking workers SB 5041 Status: Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

• Extend unemployment benefits to undocumented workers SB 5626 Status: Dead 2025. 

• Build economic security for low-income families by creating the Washington Future Fund Pilot Program (Baby bonds) HB 1661/SB 5541 Status: SB 5541 Dead 2025.

• Working Families Tax Credit HB 1214/SB 5768 Status: SB 5768 Dead 2025.

 

 

Climate and Environmental Justice

PSARA supports the right of all people to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. 

 

• Divest Washington State Investment Board (“WSIB”) funds from fossil fuels (No Coal Act) SB 5439 Status: Dead 2025.

• Add a Green Amendment to the Washington State Constitution Status: No Action

• Improve solid waste management outcomes by reducing use of plastic wrap and containers HB 1150/SB 5284 Status: 5284 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor’s signature

• Curb Act Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions HB 1303 Status: Dead 2025.

 

Fiscal Reform and Revenue

PSARA supports a state budget that is transparent, pays a living wage to state workers, and provides services that help our people, economy, and environment thrive. 

 

• Prevent devastating budget cuts by providing new progressive revenues such as a wealth tax that taxes extraordinary financial assets

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Current Status:  The final legislative operating budget includes nearly $6 billion in cuts and close to $9 billion in new revenue over the four-year outlook — significantly less revenue than legislative Democrats had initially sought. Governor Ferguson previously rejected each version of the revenue plan, citing concerns that the proposals were “too risky.” Governor Ferguson has partial and line item veto power. The final signed budget must be balanced. The Governor can’t add items or move money around. If his vetos are significant, a special session could be needed to produce a balanced final budget.