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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.

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.

ANOTHER PRIORITY BILL PASSES SENATE

The Senate Wednesday night (Feb. 28) passed the priority bill (HB 2669) to leave no doubt and add part-time state employees to civil service. HB 2669 passed the Senate on a vote of 27-21. It now goes to the governor for signature into law.

Priority DOC peer support, shared leave bills pass Senate - unanimously

The state Senate Wednesday morning (Feb. 28) passed our priority bill (HB 2611) that would give Community Corrections officers and specialists the same post-incident privileged communications protections as other law enforcement officers when talking to peer support counselors.

BULLETIN! UW Laundry members ask county council’s help to stay open

FEB. 27, 2018 •PDF icon FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

King County Council joins workers in pressing UW to suspend plans to close laundry

Closure of Rainier Valley facility would impact people of color and immigrants

STANDING STRONG TOGETHER FOR 100% UNION TODAY AT NORTH SEATTLE COLLEGE FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AND LEARN HOSTED BY ME AND MY COLLEAGUES.

Had a wonderful opportunity to take charge of union lunch and learn at work today to discuss about the US Supreme case on Janus and how it will impact us starting this summer. We are standing strong together!

Thanks to a couple of my union colleagues for the pictures!