OneAmerica's 2010 Legislative Agenda

As Americans and immigrants, we believe in the American Dream—that through hard work we can build a life of opportunities for our families—and we also recognize the importance of a good investment. Citizenship and learning English are both an important part of the American Dream for immigrants and a critical investment in the future economic success of Washington State’s new Americans. In these difficult economic times, we are asking the legislature to continue its investment in the economic future of working immigrant families by investing in the Washington New Americans Program and language access and acquisition. Using a balanced approach to our budget deficit that includes new and progressive revenue that does not disproportionately impact communities of color and immigrants, we can help ensure that Washington State remains committed to the values, investments, and dreams we all hold dear.

The Governor’s all-cuts Book 1 budget was admittedly an “unjust” budget and we as an organization could not agree more. Accordingly, we ask the legislature to pursue progressive forms of revenue in an effort to continue its investment in the economic future and fundamental values of Washington State and its residents. We urge the legislature to ensure these new revenue sources do not disproportionately burden communities of color, including immigrants.

We also ask the Legislature to reinstate funding for two very important investments:

First, maintain current funding levels for the Washington New American Program in the Department of Commerce, approximately $550,174 for the biennium; and

Second, support language access and acquisition programs, including the restoration of medical interpreter services at nearly $17 million.

To view OneAmerica’s full legislative agenda, please click here.