Lummi Nation Burial Grounds- In Danger

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By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

Developments on the Gateway Pacific Terminal  endanger Lummi Nation Burial Ground in Cherry Point, Washington.

lummi

. The proposed site for this terminal would take over this sacred land, which is a registered archaeological site. Additionally, this site would be a large exporter of coal. The company filing for permits has already begun to bulldoze the Lummi Nation’s land. 

UU Voices Stands in Solidarity with the Lummi Tribe.

you can find more information in a video Here

and at http://treatyprotection.org/

 

350.org and This American Life- Climate Change

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By Katie Rickman- Voices for Justice Intern

How can we make change at the legislature? 

Bill McKibben thinks everyone, businesses and individuals, should divest or pull investments out of fossil fuels. When everyone participates in clean energy investments then we can have an effect on Climate Change.

350

Reposting from 350.org:

“Host Ira Glass tells the story of writer turned activist Bill McKibben. McKibben is trying to reinvent progressive politics when it come to climate change. He’s attempting to create a divestment campaign modeled after the successful campaign against apartheid in South Africa.”

 

Listen here:

http://act.350.org/signup/This_American_Life/?akid=3192.883332.vC3YOR&rd=1&t=1

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Transitions and Preparing for General Assembly

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Transitions
Last month, WA UU Voices announced the Reverend Carol McKinley’s retirement from her position as the organization’s Coordinator.

WA UU Voices’ Board of Directors is beginning its search for her successor, and would appreciate your help in identifying potential candidates by distributing the Position Announcement.

WA UU Voices Coordinator

WA UU Voices seeks a visionary Coordinator to lead the seven-year old organization into the future by forging connections among UU congregations, maintaining relationships with other State Legislative Networks (SANs), Unitarian Universalist justice organizations and advocacy allies, and developing effective events that mobilize Unitarian Universalists to work for social justice and influence policy.

Organization and Context
Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice, a 501 (c) (4) organization, was founded in 2005 as a statewide justice ministry which strengthens the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public square. An important goal of the organization is to raise the visibility of Unitarian Universalist values and principles to public policy makers and the larger community, and does so by educating and organizing to support public policies that reflect UU principles of justice, compassion, sustainable living, and civic engagement.

Qualifications of the successful candidate include:

  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and writing skills
  • Well-grounded in Unitarian Universalism and UU social action as a minister or layperson
  • Ability to work with qualified persons to manage websites, social media sites

Position Summary:

The Coordinator is the chief executive of the organization. He/she is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership to the organization. This includes but is not limited to people management and administrative systems and processes that achieve the goals of the organization.
The Coordinator is also responsible for maintaining internal procedures to assure that the organization is in compliance with nonprofit fiscal standards, the By-laws of the organization, and all applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities
I. Congregational Outreach and Coalition-Building
The Coordinator is responsible for developing strong relationships with UU ministers, congregations, social justice teams and individual volunteers throughout Washington, and for putting in place systems that sustain and enhance these relationships.  He/she is also responsible for building effective coalitions with other faith-based and social justice organizations with similar goals and values.

II. External Representation and Communication
The Coordinator represents the organization to its external constituencies, including the Unitarian Universalist Association and its local districts; the UU State Advocacy Networks; UUSC; UU Ministry for Earth; UUMA chapters; the UU congregations of Washington; other faith organizations and non-faith organizations with shared interests and values; local, state and national legislative bodies; the press and other media; and the public. The Coordinator leads WA UU Voices in a manner that fosters collaborative relationships of trust and mutual respect with our allies.

III. Public Policy Leadership
The Coordinator is responsible for assuring the creation and leadership of programmatic activities which support and implement the mission and goals of the organization. This may be accomplished through appropriate combination of Board member, staff, and volunteer activities, and/or collaboration with other organizations having similar goals.  The Coordinator is expected to assure that each program is monitored for effectiveness and to remain aware of changes in the external environment which may call for new or revised approaches.

IV. Fund Raising
The Coordinator, works with the Board to create and lead fund-raising activities, and participates actively to demonstrate the vision, goals, programs and values of the organization. This includes establishing and maintaining relationships with funders, cultivating new funding sources, preparing and submitting grant proposals, and ensuring that all aspects of an effective fund-raising plan, systems and follow-up are in place.  If the day-to-day fundraising leadership is delegated, the Coordinator will participate in the creation of fund-raising strategy and in representing the organization to donors.

Additional Information

Board Relations and Development –The Coordinator is guided and counseled by the Board of Directors. The Coordinator participates with the Board of Directors in WA UU Voices’ strategic planning and in identifying programs and initiatives which support and further its mission and goals.

Together with Board members, the Coordinator seeks out and develops relationships with talented individuals who may be called upon to serve on the Board in the future.

Availability – Evening and weekend availability is required for attending Board and Committee meetings, congregational and fund-raising events, and other relevant workshops and meetings.

Affiliation – Well-qualified lay leaders with extensive understanding of Unitarian Universalist traditions and values are invited to apply. If the candidate chosen is a UU minister, he/she will be expected to be in good standing with the accrediting bodies and the UU Ministers’ Association.

Information Requested of Applicants:

Resume citing all previous work experience, education, publications, and professional affiliations, and current compensation.

Letter outlining why you want to serve in this position, how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate, and your future vision for the organization.

Compensation

The Fulltime Equivalency is as a ¼ time position with the expectation that time worked will vary through the year with more time working during Washington’s annual legislative session. The position is Developmental thus the successful candidate will be employed on an interim basis and may, by mutual agreement, be awarded a continuing and perhaps expanded contract.

The compensation package is $10,000 per year stipend and can be allocated proportionately as stipend, housing allowance and other expenses, as appropriate. Additional compensation and enhanced FTE is dependent on fundraising.

Please submit your information to UU Voices Board President, Susan Morrison at president@uuvoiceswa.org

______________________________________________________________________

“From Promise to Commitment”

General Assembly 2013:  A Meeting of Congregations
June 19-23, Louisville, Kentucky

The theme of the 2013 GA is “From Promise to Commitment.”  Building on the experience of Justice GA in 2012, Unitarian Universalists will gather in Louisville to examine and renew our covenant to our faith, one another, our congregations and the larger world.

Programs will explore the kinds of promises our religious communities are called to make as we seek to live out our Unitarian Universalist values; how we make these promises, with whom, and how we hold ourselves and each other accountable. Here are just some of the topics that will be addressed:

  • environmental justice
  • the next steps in immigration justice
  • anti-racism
  • anti-oppression multiculturalism
  • organizing for justice
  • multigenerational work
  • growing Unitarian Universalism
  • leadership education
  • spiritual growth and theology
There will also be many, many opportunities to worship!
Washington UU Voices for Justice will be at 2013 General Assembly!

Planning to be in Louisville?  We welcome volunteers to join us at the State Advocacy Networks booth in the Exhibition Hall, which is our opportunity to let UUs around the country know about justice advocacy work in our states.

It is also a great opportunity to meet UUs from other states who share your passion for justice and the public good!

You can sign up for a 2-hour shift at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ao6Aj7LQ_2FOdENiS3NpeHB6NmdKLUtmcFpCV3JVMHc#gid=0

Let WA UU Voices’ Coordinator know you are coming, so we can plan to get together during GA!  Contact Carol McKinley at coordinator@uuvoiceswa.org

EPA- Environmental Justice Public Comments

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By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s

Environmental Justice has created: 

“Action Development Process

Interim Guidance on Considering Environmental 

Justice During the Development of an Action”

epa2

 

This document is a guide to environmental justice policy making at the Federal level but could be a helpful tool for forming policy in Washington State.

The goal is, “to more effectively protect human health and the environment for overburdened populations by developing and implementing guidance to incorporate environmental justice into EPA’s rulemaking process.” 

Found Here:


http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/policy/considering-ej-in-rulemaking-guide-07-2010.pdf

This document is accepting Public Comments for 60 days,a great way to participate in democracy beginning May 2013. Comments end July, 8th 2013.

The EPA will conduct a Science Advisory Board review of the guidance in June 2013.

Comments Received:

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OA-2013-0320.

Dalai Lama’s Environmental Guidelines

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 By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

 

dali

“[. . .] In the early part of this century, everyone foolishly thought that nature’s resources were limitless and at the disposal of humanity. Today ecological ideology even influences political parties. All these changes stem from the experience we have acquired as human beings.

In the same way; the concept of human rights, whether individual or general, such as the right to self-determination for a given group, has evolved. These ideas are now universally recognized. Such progress gives me hope for the future.“

-HH Dalai Lama
Imagine All The People

 

May 9th-11th 2013  HH Dalai Lama visited the Pacific North West for the purpose of environmental education. On Saturday May 11th, he held an “Environmental Summit” in Portland OR discussing environmental ethics and policy with an excellent panel including:

  • Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber

oregov

 

 

  • Dr. David Suzuki- Scientist, Broadcaster, Author

David-Suzuki

 

 

  • Andrea Durbin- Executive Director, Oregon Environmental Council

AndreaDurbiN_fitbox_350x350

 

The panel discussed a carbon tax, ways to improve the economy to include environmental protection and the “inner environment” of the mind. The Dalai Lama spoke about “inner wealth” and “external wealth”. The importance of respecting the Earth as our home for our “inner wealth” is healthy for our minds and leads to better environmental practices.

 

2013 Dalai Lama Environmental Summit Environmental Guidelines

External Environmental Guidelines:

-reduce negative environmental impacts

-Support the local economy

-Promote green actions in everyday practice

 dalailama2

Inner Environmental Guidelines:

-Inner peace and harmony throughout the planning of an event

-Foster a the spirit of the community

-Maintain vigilant awareness of larger goals

-Create clear, respectful, open communication

-Generate a sense of joy to overcome challenges

 

Additional Resources for the Dalai Lama’s Environmental Ethics can be found:

http://www.dalailama.com/messages/environment

 

 

Renewable Energy News- League of Women Voters

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By Katie Rickman
WA Voices for Justice Intern

A new in depth report has been completed by the Washington League of Women Voters accessing renewable resources. The report stresses the importance of taking on the threat of Global Warming.

The Study, led by Mary Moore, analyzes each resource and concludes with the alternative resources in context with the smart grid. This is excellent news for the future of environmental policy in Washington State.

league

The Report can be found here:

http://www.lwvwa.org/pdfs/studies/LWVWA_RenewableEnergy_Report_2012.pdf

wind

The WA League of Women Voters has adapted their Energy Position:

“The use of alternate energy systems such as on site solar heating and recovery of energy from wastes should be actively encouraged.”

Additionally:

“When an energy source is chosen, the efficiency of the source selected should be an important consideration. The League favors research and development of such alternate power sources as solar, wind and tidal…”

Action Alert – Medicaid Adult Dental Program

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Washington Dental Service Foundation – Final Action Alert on the Medicaid Adult Dental Program

Thank you to all who have already contacted legislators about restoring dental coverage for low-income adults.  Budget negotiations are still going on.  We are engaging in a FINAL ADVOCACY PUSH to ensure that legislators involved in the budget negotiations understand the importance of fully restoring dental coverage and hear from constituents who care about this issue.

Please take 1 minute to send a message to your legislators.  We particularly need help from people who live in Legislative districts 9, 24, 45, 47, and 48.  Not sure if that’s you?  You can easily look up your district through  OralHealthWatch.org. Encourage your colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family to participate. Together we can make this happen – and help over 700,000 people gain needed coverage!

Thank you again – your advocacy has been instrumental in this effort.  If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Richburg, contact information following.

Kelly A. Richburg

Policy Advocate/Analyst| Washington Dental Service Foundation

9706 Fourth Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115

p. (206) 528-7327

c. (206) 418-8525

Focus on Immigration

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Focus on Immigration Reform

Submitted by Roberta Ray, University Unitarian Church, Seattle
May 11th – Mother’s Day Vigil at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma

On Saturday, May 11th, people of faith and conscience will gather at the Northwest Detention Center (1623 East “J” St., in Tacoma, WA) for the 5th Mothers Day Vigil in support of immigrant mothers and families, and to witness for compassionate immigration reform.  The program will begin at noon and will feature testimonials, prayers, and songs from community members and immigrant rights supporters.
Rev Marian Stewart

Rev. Marian Stewart of the Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland, WA and a board member of WA State UU Voices for Justice, will be one of the featured speakers.

The Northwest Detention Center is owned and run by The Geo Group, Inc., a privately-run prison business. At a capacity of 1,575, the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma is the fourth-largest immigration detention facility in the country. It houses immigrants detained in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.

The event is co-sponsored by the Washington New Sanctuary Movement and the Oregon Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice.  For more information contact: washingtonsanctuary@gmail.com.

Join us in envisioning comprehensive immigration reform that incorporates compassion for everyone who will be impacted by upcoming immigration reform legislation.

What is meant by “Compassionate Immigration Reform”?

  • A generous and practical pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals residing in our country.
  • A reaffirmation and strengthening of the family immigration process by eliminating the backlog of visa applications that has separated families for years and reunification of previously deported individuals with their U.S. citizen families.
  • A policy that respects all families equally.
  • Promotion of fair and humane treatment of all workers, permitting safe and legal means of immigrating for employment, with reasonable employment eligibility verifications systems.
  • Border enforcement that is humane and consistent with civil and human rights, along with compassionate interior immigration enforcement by dismantling the current immigration detention system, banning racial profiling, and ending state and local intrusions into immigration policy and enforcement.
  • Preserving and restoring fairness, due process, and equal protection in the immigration system, repealing arbitrary bars to re-entry, and restoring judicial discretion in immigration matters.
  • Protection for vulnerable communities, children, asylum seekers, refuges, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes.
  • Promotion and enhancement of programs and policies that foster full integration into the social, economic, and civic fabric of society.
  • Policies and actions that address the root causes of migration.

These principles are shared by a broad spectrum of faith groups, labor unions, organizations, and businesses representing and serving diverse communities, including Washington UU Voices for Justice.

#Not1More
Numerous organizations are calling on the Obama Administration to halt deportations while immigration reform legislation is being worked out.  #Not1More is a project to confront unjust immigration enforcement policies launched by UUA partners at the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

Northwest Detention Center Visitation Program
A new Volunteer Visitation Program at the Northwest Detention Center has begun! Pat Gunn and Barbara Peterman, both of University Unitarian Church in Seattle, have contributed leadership and numerous hours to the development of this effort, which is a program of the Northwest Detention Center Roundtable. The program works directly with attorneys and social workers to link volunteers with people who are detained who wish to have visitors.  Volunteer visitors brighten days, bring hope, and break isolation.  To learn more, contact nwdcr.visitation@gmail.com or visit www.nwdcroundtable.org.

Rep. Luis Moscoso Receives Golden Door Award
The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) presented Rep. Luis Moscoso with its Golden Door Award for his commitment to the rights of immigrants and refugees in our state.  This session, Rep. Moscoso sponsored two legislative efforts of importance to immigrants and refugees, both of which were supported by Washington UU Voices for Justice. He is a first generation Peruvian-American and the first person of color to represent the First Legislative District, which includes parts of King and Snohomish counties.

Faith Community Sign-On Letter for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
We have before us a historic moment with the potential for the passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. One bill has been put forth, S. 744, which is comprehensive in nature and will provide for a pathway – though very long – to permanent residency and citizenship. Faith leaders and congregations are invited to sign onto a letter specifically from the faith community in Washington State to our Washington Congressional delegation.  The letter is an opportunity to address improvements needed in the bill from a principled basis.

To add your name and listing to the letter, or if you have responses, comments or questions, contact Michael Ramos at the Church Council of Greater Seattle, mramos@thechurchcouncil.org. The goal is to send the final letter with signatories to our congressional delegation on May 15.

Learn More about Compassionate Immigration Reform
The State Advocacy Networks gathering before last week’s Pacific Western Regional Assembly in San Jose featured two speakers who provided excellent information on the pending federal immigration reform bill.

Resources

Richard Hobbs, immigration attorney and member of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California (UULMCA) Immigrant Justice Steering Committee, offered an excellent presentation that highlights the features of the bill:

Sandy Weir, Arizona Immigration Ministry Organizer, provided handouts about options for engagement in comprehensive immigration reform: Final Some Options for Engagement in Comprehensive Immigration Reform-1.docx

Many thanks to Richard, Sandy, and Reverend Lindi Ramsden, Executive Director of UULMCA, for providing the more than 80 attendees with this opportunity to learn more about how Unitarian Universalists can join with others to do the work that needs to be done.

Criminal Justice Reform

The Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation is hosting showings and discussions of two powerful films about the effects of America’s War on Drugs and the new Jim Crow system that has resulted in the incarceration of millions of African Americans.

 

Let’s Give a Shout Out to Rhode Island!

A jubilant crowd celebrated last Thursday as Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed into law the state’s marriage equality bill.  Rhode Island legislators made their state the 10th in the nation to approve same-sex marriage.

“I know that you have been waiting for this day to come,” said Governor Chafee to the celebrants.  “I know you have loved ones who have dreamed this would happen and did not live to see it.  But I am proud to say that now, at long last, you are free to marry the person you love.”

Same-sex marriages will be legal in Rhode Island beginning August 1.  Congratulations, Rhode Islanders!

Delaware will probably be next state to act on marriage equality, possibly as early as next week, followed by Minnesota and Illinois, which are moving toward passage of laws in their states.

2013 Session – Week 14

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2013-14 Legislative Priorities

  • Revenue and taxation reform
  • Immigration reform
  • Death penalty repeal and criminal justice reform
  • Coal train prohibition and environmental protection

Budget

From now on, legislative action in Olympia will focus on spending and revenue in the operating, capital, and transportation budgets.

The Senate Operating Budget introduced and advanced this week balances spending with cuts to social programs without additional taxes.

The Senate plan projects $1.2 billion in savings from cuts in human services, but avoids raising any taxes or eliminating any tax breaks.  Senators opposing the plan cited the cuts and lack of revenue as their reasons for voting against the proposed budget.

Among the cuts is the elimination of the Disability Lifeline, a cash grant to those who suffer from severe injuries, chronic medical and mental illness, and substance abuse.  Many recipients are homeless, and the small cash grants are true lifelines to them.

The Housing Trust Fund, which has been severely impacted by cuts in past years, is in the Capital Budget, which has not yet been released.

Speak Out for a Moral Budget!

Washington State UU Voices for Justice supports a budget which protects the safety net for our state’s most vulnerable citizens, and provides the revenue needed to support the budget.
The elimination of tax loopholes would be a major step in raising revenue.  Department of Revenue figures indicate the 575 tax breaks allowed in Washington total more than $10 billion.  Governor Inslee has proposed the repeal of eleven tax exemptions totaling $565 million, but more can be done.

WA UU Voices for Justice and our advocacy allies support a balanced budget that eliminates some tax exemptions and includes these revenue-raising proposals:

  • Extension of a 50-cent per gallon beer tax, bringing in more than $100 million in the next biennium
  • Extension of a business and occupation tax to financial services to raise more than $530 million in the next two years
  • Passage of SB 5738 to impose a capital gains tax of 5%, to raise more than $500 million per year.

As Reverend Paul Benz, co-director of Faith Action Network said this week, “Without comprehensive change to our revenue system, we’re pitting one part of the safety net against critical public services. Stop the insanity and reasonably and compassionately do what must be done. Raise revenue.”

Immigration Reform

The Washington State DREAM Act, HB 1817, was heard last week in the Senate Higher Education committee to a standing-room only crowd.  The bill would allow young aspiring students access to state financial aid for higher education; it was passed last month in the House by a bi-partisan vote.

In the Senate hearing one DREAMer testified, “The Washington State DREAM Act is a promise that we will fulfill our full and utmost potential if we are allowed to do so.”

Despite strong support for the measure, the bill failed to move out of the Senate Higher Education committee by the cutoff on Wednesday, April 3rd.  The chair of the committee, Sen. Barbara Bailey (LD 10–Oak Harbor), had stated she did not intend to bring the bill up for a vote.

Environment
Governor Inslee signed into law E2SB 5802, his request legislation that creates a work group to do a comprehensive review and evaluation of programs in others states that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a first step to developing proposals on ways the state can move forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ESHB 1294, the Toxic-Free Kids and Family Act, was moved from the Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications Committee to Senate Rules for further action.  The original bill aimed to promote fire safety while removing unnecessary and toxic flame retardants from children’s products and furniture.  The amended bill bans TRIS chemicals from some products but exempts residential upholstered furniture, which is a major source for exposure.

Contacting Your Legislators

Let your Representatives know you support a just budget and legislation that ensures the well-being of Washington’s residents and environment!

Not sure who your Senator and Legislators are?  You can find them at: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

You can also send a message to your Legislators and the Governor by calling the

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562.6000

Going to Regional Assembly in San Jose?

Join us for –

UU State Advocacy Networks Gathering

·      UUs Organizing for Immigrant Justice
·      Strengthening Our State Networks
·      UU “States of Justice” Dinner

Friday, April 26, 2013, 2:00 PM – 6:15 PM
(before Regional Assembly)

More information and Registration at the UU Legislative Ministry of California website: www.uulmca.org

Washington UU Voices is on Facebook

“Like” our Facebook Page to stay informed about recent news and upcoming events between e-mail alerts.

2013 Session – Week 13

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Pacific Western Regional Assembly 2013

UU State Advocacy Networks Gathering in San Jose

  • UUs Organizing for Immigrant Justice
  • Strengthening Our State Networks
  • UU “States of Justice” Dinner

When:

Friday, April 26, 2013, 2:00 PM – 6:15 PM (before Regional Assembly)

What:

In this historic moment on the path of immigration reform, UU State Advocacy Networks will gather for training, coaching networking and celebrating. Let’s organize to bring our UU values more powerfully to the public square.

Where:

The beautiful, historic First Unitarian Church of San Jose
160 N. Third St., San Jose, CA, 95112

8 minutes from the airport and Doubletree Hotel.  We can share rides back to the Doubletree in time for opening ceremonies, and we will create a secure space for luggage for those arriving directly from the airport.

Who:

All UUs interested in immigration and/or strengthening their UU State Advocacy Network are welcome. This event has been organized by the UU Legislative Ministry, CA, UU Voices for Justice (Washington) and the Arizona UU Immigration Ministry. We welcome UUs from all states in the Western Pacific Region.

UU clergy and others attending UU meetings prior to Regional Assembly are most welcome to join at 5:00 PM for the UU States of Justice Dinner. More information, and reservations for the gathering and dinner may be found on the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry California webpage at http://www.uulmca.org/main.html

Schedule

1:45 – 2:10 Refreshments, registration

2:10 – 2:30 Ingathering
2:30- 3:30 “Engaging this Moment for Immigrant Justice”
Richard Hobbs, Immigration Attorney & UULM-CA Immigrant Justice Steering Committee
Sandy Weir, Arizona Immigration Ministry Organizer
3:45 – 5:00 Breakout Sessions
UUs and Immigrant Detention – Christina Mansfield, Co-Director of CIVIC
Strengthening Our UU State Advocacy Networks
Rev. Lindi Ramsden, UULM California
Rev. Carole Czujko, Fund Raising Consultant (and minister in Las Cruces, NM)

UU States of Justice Dinner

5:00 – 6:15  Celebrate our State Networks and enjoy a Mexican Dinner,
catered by Casa Vicky, one of San Jose’s most beloved Mexican Restaurants
6:15   Carpool back to Doubletree (8 minutes away) for those attending Regional Assembly
Cost: $20 includes training and dinner; $12 discount rate for youth and young adults training and dinner; $12 discount rate for youth and young adults

Register at the UULM-CA website: www.uulmca.org

Housing and Homeless

Fund Programs That Work

What:  Press conference on budget implications for affordable housing and homelessness programs. This event for Legislators on the State Budget is sponsored by two of WA UU Voices’ allied groups, Statewide Poverty Action Network and Washington Low-Income Housing Alliance.
When:  Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Where:   J.A. Cherberg Building, Conference Rooms B and C, Capitol Campus
Date:      Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Time:     12:30-1:00pm – Presentation with Speakers
1:00-1:15pm – Questions
          Note:  A light lunch will be provided for guests. Please RSVP to joaquin@wliha.org
so the appropriate food order can be determined.

With the Washington Senate set to release their proposed budget soon, legislators have warned the affordable housing and homelessness community to expect the worst. The state already has a number of innovative programs that are effectively keeping our most vulnerable residents off the streets and successfully helping those already on the streets into stable housing. But without the necessary funding, these productive programs could end, which would be disastrous for Washington’s most vulnerable.  Programs to be discussed are:  Disability Lifeline (DL), Housing and Essential Needs (HEN), and Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD)

This is an opportunity to learn about the state’s safety net programs that work to create more affordable homes and to transition families, schoolchildren, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities into housing and help ensure these programs can continue their positive outcomes.

Environment

E2SB 5802, Governor Inslee’s request legislation, creates a work group to do a comprehensive review and evaluation of programs in others states that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is a first step to developing proposals on ways the state can move forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill has passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House.

SB 5805 amended the definition of “projects of statewide significance to support expedited review of projects like coal export facilities and the proposed pit-to-pier gravel pit on Hood Canal.  While promoted as a jobs-producing bill, it would have weakened environmental protections that would have undermined any economic benefits that might result from the bill.  SB 5805 did not make it past the cutoff date for further consideration this session.

 

Contacting Your Legislators

Let your Representatives know you support important justice legislation!

Not sure who your Senator and Legislators are?  You can find them at: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
You can also send a message to your Legislators and the Governor by calling the

Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562.6000
WA UU Voices is on Facebook

“Like” our Facebook Page to stay informed about recent news and upcoming events between e-mail alerts.