On next-to-last day of session, members thank lawmakers for PSERS bill while waiting for budget release
As this update was written, we were still awaiting the release of the final compromise supplemental budget. It has to be today because tomorrow is the 60th and final day of the 2018 legislative session. We don't expect any surprises in the final budget.
But the wait for the budget allowed AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) members to stop by the Capitol in Olympia to thank lawmakers who championed and won passage of the bill expanding the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS) to include direct-care workers in DSHS and Veterans institutions.
SHB 1558 came after years of effort and recognizes the unacceptable rates of assault and injury these institutions workers face.
Earlier today (March 7), Julianne Moore, an AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) Executive Board member and longtime caregiver at one of our residential habilitation centers, stopped into the Capitol to thank the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Christine Kilduff of the 28th Dist. and the bill's champion in the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Drew Hansen of the 23rd Dist.
Moore, a Local 1326 member at Yakima Valley School in Selah, thanked Kilduff and Hansen personally on behalf of institutions workers.
She told them the PSERS expansion bill will be a huge benefit for a workforce that is aging and a work environment that can be brutal on the body.
"I know it won't help me, but I know it will help those coming along behind tremendously," Moore said.
AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE) Lobbyist Matt Zuvich and General Government Strategic Coordinator Sean Dannen joined her.
SHB 1558 today (March 7) was formally delivered to Gov. Jay Inslee. When we know the date of the governor's bill-signing ceremony, we'll let you know.
