SUBJECT: DCYF Policy Committee Meeting 3/26 at 6:30pm
Hello Wonderful WFSE DCYF Siblings!
Thank you to all of those who attended DCYF lobby day, and to those who were able to join the February 22 policy committee meeting! Our next ad-hoc DCYF Policy Committee meeting will be Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 PM on Teams.
Actions: We need you to call legislators every day and tell them to tax the wealthy – instead of balancing the budget on the backs of state employees and the most vulnerable Washingtonians we serve. Text STAND to 237-263 for more info, or call 888-258-4588 to be connected with your legislators.
We also need to pack our legislative town halls with WFSE green shirts, and tell our representatives: No cuts, no furloughs, and make the wealthy pay their fair share! Many of these are occurring this weekend, particularly on 3/15. Find a town hall near you here.
Right now, you can sign in CON for SB 5393. This bill would close Rainier School and Yakima Valley School, homes to adults with developmental disabilities. This will result in these adults being warehoused in emergency rooms or becoming unhoused.
- The next hearing is 3/13, so testimony is needed ASAP at this link.
- Choose provide written testimony, and select “I would like my position noted for the legislative record.” You can note that you’re a WFSE member and mention that you work for DCYF, but be sure to specify that you aren’t representing DCYF – and don’t use any state equipment or time for this. Doing this on your personal phone during lunch or one of your 15-minute breaks is fine, though! Learn more about these and other actions, like sending messages to your representatives or commenting on other proposed legislation, on our website. You can also check out WFSE's website for more resources, actions, and updates.
At our DCYF Policy Committee we passed two resolutions. The first resolution affirmed the DCYF Policy Committee’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, in opposition to attacks that have been made on some of Washington’s most vulnerable communities and populations. The second resolution committed the DCYF Policy Committee to advocating for the Pacific Geoduck as Washington state clam. These resolutions will be on the statewide executive board agenda in June, and will be voted on for all of WFSE to adopt. You can also propose these resolutions at your own local meetings.
At our last statewide Union Management Communication Committee (UMCC) meeting we were told the following:
- State management (Natalie and Dorene) are aware that regions are not following the concrete goods policy. Concrete goods can be used for child safety AND well-being and should not be limited to safety only. This means that we should not just be able to purchase safe sleep for infants (safety), but also beds for children (well-being).
- It was reported that a directive was given to RAs to review the policy at a regional all staff to address inappropriate denial of goods.
- Natalie held a meeting regarding the budget with supervisors and above, where she reiterated the concrete goods policy.
- Regional Administrators should have reviewed the results of the retention survey and developed goals with their regions. It was understood that workers often seem to feel supported by their coworkers and supervisors, but not by regional and statewide management. Goals would focus on changing that dynamic with management.
- This did not occur, so that work is shifting to the employee engagement survey. You should receive the results of the employee engagement survey for your region and office.
- Your region should be developing goals based around retention and worker well-being.
- There is no directive from statewide management to freeze hiring for case carrying FTEs (positions).
- Child welfare is NOT fully staffed for the FTE allotment, but things like OT and unfunded positions impact the FTE budget.
- Any decision to place an FTE on hold should be based on workload and should start with non-case carrying positions first.
Legislative Updates:
- The WFSE DCYF Website is updated as often as possible with the progress (or lack thereof) of many priority bills.
- The bill to allow bargaining over the impacts of AI has continued to move forward.
- The senate version of the bill to add fentanyl to the child endangerment bill has continued to move through committees.
- The bill to make the Geoduck the state clam died. :’(
- The EFC housing bill appears to have died and has not had any new committee hearings recently.
- The bill to outsource FRS has not moved since the end of February, but we are continuing to monitor it, as it did move out of committee.
We hope to see you at our next ad-hoc policy committee meeting, as we are sure there will be another big round of updates! Any member is welcome to attend, but please remember that only delegates are able to vote. Learn more about our committees here.
If you are not a delegate and would like to be, attend a local meeting to be elected! If you are not sure what local you are in, you can contact the Member Connection Center at [email protected] for your local meeting information.
Not a member yet but ready to join? Sign up here.
In Solidarity,
WFSE DCYF Policy Committee
Jeanette Obelcz, Chair
Shauna Lowery, East Side Vice Chair
Reef Landrum, West Side Vice Chair
