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Last week, our members were in Olympia telling their stories and fighting back against cuts to the vital work we do.
With a state budget shortfall of $10-12 billion on the horizon, it's more important than ever for the legislature to know what we do and why it matters. We're not simply numbers on spreadsheet.
- Our workloads are already too high
- Our work directly benefits Washingtonians
- ANY cuts will be felt by the public, especially the most vulnerable among us
We can't cut our way out of this budget crisis, but we can ask the super-rich to begin contributing like the rest of us.
- Sign up to Lobby: You can find your legislative district here and join your union siblings for your 2025 Lobby Day here.
- WFSE Priority Bills: Find all WFSE's priority bills related to public safety, saving Rainier and Yakima Valley Schools, funding our union raises, and more here.
- In case you missed it: Here's our legislative update from last week!
Action Alert: Sign in PRO for our Artificial Intelligence Bill
We want a voice at the table on how AI is implemented within state government and how it will impact our members. We want it to be ethically sourced and used in a way that augments employee work and reduces workload.
We have a chance to do that RIGHT NOW with House Bill 1622. Learn more and help us get it passed.
Here's the problem: There are currently no meaningful statewide, consistent regulations on AI or safeguards in place to protect workers in the private or public sector. No one can quite say how AI will look in state government—if we don’t know what will happen, we can’t address it with bills or rulemaking.
That's why we're fighting to pass House Bill 1622. It will amend management rights to exempt AI. We want to leave the original intent of the technology statute intact, while addressing the growing need for worker feedback on an unprecedented technology with unprecadented growth.
We are in an opportune moment: AI is on the cusp of being integrated into our government. Giving workers a voice now means they will consistently have a voice as AI is developed for use by the state.
Sign in PRO on HB 1622 before Wednesday 2/5 at 7am!
- First Click Here and click on 2/05/2025 from the list of hearings
- Click on HB 1622 Collective Bargaining/ AI Use
- Under type of testimony, select " I would like my position noted for the legislative record"
- Select PRO from the drop down menu, and then fill in your data
- If you put an organization, do NOT put the agency you work for. Instead put WFSE member or leave it blank
Want to testify? To respect the time of the committee, we are trying to limit testimony during the hearing so every bill can be heard. If you'd like to submit more detailed information, please use the written testimony option.
HB 1419 - Protecting Washington's Limited English Proficient Population
Our members in WFSE Local 1671 Interpreters United ensure that anyone, regardless of the language they speak, can access services and resources offered by DCYF, DSHS, LNI and elsewhere.
This bill would require interpreters to complete national fingerprint background checks. Interpreting is a profession. Quality interpreters mean good outcomes for Washington's Limited English Proficient (LEP) population
Quan Tran, president of Interpreters United WFSE Local 1671 testified in support of this bill. Watch the testimony here.
Keep Healthcare Costs Low for Teachers + Public Employees! SB 5086
Public employees and educators around the state deserve healthcare plans that cater to their specific needs and budgets.
SB 5086 proposes combining PEBB and SEBB into a bloated healthcare conglomerate that will cost Washington taxpayers, public workers, and education workers in Washington more money without any benefits. WFSE opposes SB 5086.
Lower Costs for Care in Washington! HB 1123
Washington's working families need lower healthcare costs in the face of massive inflation. HB 1123 will ensure access to healthcare for Washingtonians and lower payments. This initiative saved 10% on out-of-pocket costs in Oregon!
