The proposed closures would negatively impact those who are in most need of these services , result in increased recidivism (a 2007 study showed Washington’s reentry centers lead to at least a 2.8% reduction in recidivism), cost the state more money (research conducted by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy indicates that reentry programs have a positive cost/benefit impact; for every dollar spent, $3.82 is returned to the state.), and threaten the capacity of our community custody system when the need for more capacity is rising.
We're calling on our elected officials to ratify and fund our 2025-2027 union contracts to ensure the state can hire and retain the workforce necessary to provide the vital public services we all depend on.
As you may have heard, the governor's proposed budget includes the closure of Yakima Valley School and Rainier School. We can't lose these crucial community resources for Washingtonians who need them. Read on for actions you can take to stand with vulnerable community members and dedicated WFSE members and stop the closures.
We expect revenue will be an issue in the 2019 legislative session and so did the 2017 Legislature.
We need to fix Washington's upside-down tax system. This is one opportunity to address the structure's impact on public services.
The 2017 supplmental budget (SB 6032 Sec. 101) provided for a tax strucutre reform work group to facilitate public discussions throughout the state regarding Washington's tax structure.
WFSE members from DSHS CSOs and Call Centers signed petitions asking the DSHS Secretary Cheryl Strange to support pay increases for DSHS Finanicial Service Specialists and WorkFirst Progam Specialists.
Addie Rodriguez, Local 1326 shop steward and member at the Yakima Call Center, and WFSE Council Representatives Phedra Quincey and Gus Gonzalez delivered the signed petitions to the Secretary today during a visit to Yakima.
Contract negotiations for General Government continue.
Great turnout and lots of energy marked Spokane’s first Local Leaders Launch training over the weekend.
Local Leaders Launch training is an opportunity for local officers, stewards and activists to come together for two days of learning and planning to build their locals and our union.
Our Spokane-based Local Leaders Launch training included WFSE locals from central and eastern Washington
Locals will meet again in September to follow up and share progress on their goals and attend more skill-building workshops.
I’m from South Dakota. It’s a right to work state. I'd like to share my experience and why I'm #UnionStrong.
The average salary of state workers in South Dakota is close to half to two-thirds of what workers in Washington make. The cost of living there is about the same as Spokane, cheaper than Seattle.