The 2021 Washington Legislative session is in full swing, and it’s easier now than ever to be an anti-hunger champion! With all legislative activity being virtual this year, many new advocates are excited to get involved, all from the comfort of their homes. If you’re looking for easy ways to have your voice heard by the bigwigs in Olympia, look no further – Hunger Intervention Program has you covered.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help! Click here: https://forms.gle/MRFi1Z2WzRjYNfxX7
Ready to comment? Click here to search for a bill number to comment directly on a bill.
Here’s what we’re excited for in this legislative session:
Ending Childhood Hunger
The importance of school meals has only become more exaggerated as schools remain closed all throughout the state, disrupting not only learning but access to meals that are typically provided during the school day. Many families rely on school meals to provide nutrition to their young ones, and the added stress of two meals per day is a cause of concern for food security advocates. Two new bills in Olympia aim to address this growing problem:
Funding Transportation of Materials to Schoolchildren (SB 5128): Stabilizes school transportation funding so that bus services can be used to deliver meals, homework, and supplies to kids as they learn from home.
Eliminating Lunch Co-Pays (HB 1342): Removes lunch co-pays for students who qualify for reduced-price lunches based on their family’s income.
Supporting Families
As COVID-19 continues to place financial and emotional strain on families, legislators are proposing ways to provide the assistance they need to keep themselves happy, healthy, and well-fed. These bills offer direct aid to families in the form of bolstered public assistance programs, tax rebates, and direct financial aid:
Recovery Rebates for Working Families (HB 1297): Increases the amount of tax refunds and decreases owed taxes to families through the Working Families Tax Credit in order to provide monetary support to cover
Economic Recovery for Families Receiving Food Assistance (HB 1151): Offers financial assistance for family-related expenses for families currently receiving food benefits and aids families transitioning out of benefit eligibility to prevent food insecurity.
Mobile Home Relocation Assistance (HB 1083): Aids individuals and families who are forced to relocate due to closure/conversion of mobile home parks, in the form of monetary aid and assistance relocating their homes.
How to Get Involved
As you can see, there are lots of opportunities for the legislators in Olympia to make a positive impact on our communities. But how can you let them know that you want them to support these bills?
You can:
Comment on bill through the Washington State Legislature website: All bills have a bill information page, where you can comment on a bill and have that note sent to your district representatives. Click here to search for a bill that you’re interested in commenting on.
Send a Letter/Write an Email: Legislators love to hear from their constituents about what matters to them. Take a moment to write a brief letter explaining who you are, what you want, and why it’s important to you. Not sure who your district legislators are? Click here for an easy tool to find your legislators and their contact information.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help! Click here: https://forms.gle/MRFi1Z2WzRjYNfxX7
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