Unfortunately, our bill to create a wage replacement program for undocumented workers will not be moving forward this session. Friday (2/28/25) was the deadline for bills to move through the fiscal committees in the legislature. The Senate Ways and Means Committee did not schedule it for a vote, and the House Appropriations Committee did not hold a hearing for the bill.
Obviously, we’re disappointed in this outcome, but there is a glimmer of good news. We’ve been fighting for this bill since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is the furthest our bill has gotten.
That was only possible because over 400 people sent emails to their legislators, made phone calls to committee members, and showed up in Olympia to support our bill to include undocumented workers in our unemployment system. Thank you – and we aren’t going to stop fighting.
When the next legislative session starts in 2026, our bill will pick up exactly where it left off: in front of the fiscal committees in the House and the Senate. Know that we’ll be back next year to keep fighting to expand the safety net for undocumented workers.
Now our focus turns to the budget. We’re fighting for a budget that centers our communities.
This includes maintaining funding for our Washington New Americans Citizenship program, money for dual language programs, and resources to welcome and support newly arrived refugees as they adjust to the United States.
However, our governor is planning on making deep cuts to our state budget. With attacks on our communities coming out of DC, this isn’t the time to reduce programs that Washingtonians depend on. We need our legislature to pass progressive revenue now to create a more fair tax system and ensure the wealthiest people in our state pay what they owe.
Take Action
Between the cost of living and the chaos coming from the Trump Administration every day, our communities are struggling. Now is the time for our state leaders to step up, be bold, and defend our communities.
Send a message to the leaders of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives to fund the programs our communities need, not make cuts.