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.
The coloring book was created for participants of NYSUT's first-ever conference on women's priorities called "Speak Up, Stand Up, Step Up" held in March 2017.
Sign up now for candidate training March 28-30 in Yakima
If you're a union member thinking about running for the city council, school board, or some other elected public office, time is running out to sign up for the Path to Power candidate training.
Inslee, Ferguson call out "Falsehood" Foundation, explain why coalition of 20 states backs public employees at the United States Supreme Court
In a "point-counterpart" pair of guest editorials in Sunday's Tacoma News Tribune, Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson debated a representative from what one Local 53 member dubbed the "Falsehood Foundation" over the Janus case now before the United States Supreme Court.
More on Friday's PSERS passage in the state Senate
After years of effort, workers in DSHS and Veterans institutions with unacceptable rates of assault and injury will now be able to join the PSERS retirement system if the governor signs SHB 1558 into law.
Top quotes from Monday’s US Supreme Court hearing on the Janus case that aims to install inequality at the bargaining table (to negotiate wages to sustain our families) and also in representing state employees’ contract rights in the workplace:
BULLETIN! PSERS bill passes Senate; heads to governor
After years of effort, workers in DSHS and Veterans institutions with unacceptable rates of assault and injury will now be able to retire at age 60 if the governor signs SHB 1558 into law. The state Senate Friday (March 2) on a vote of 34-14 passed the bill to allow those high-risk workers into the Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). Sen. Steve Conway of the 29th Dist. led the charge on the Senate floor, arguing that workers facing years of assaults and injury shouldn't have to work until they're 65.
