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.
Sponsor of good privacy bill: Needed to protect state employees from “hackers, stalkers, crooks, other unsavory folks”; meanwhile, Freedom Foundation asks Supreme Court to give them access to your date of birth.
In the attached photos (from left): Antonio Garcia, Local 443; Dennis Eagle, WFSE/AFSCME legislative and political action director; and Melissa Kover, Local 443.
Great news. Your consistent advocacy for the capital budget (SB 6090) has paid off. The bill passed both the House and Senate last night freeing up money for construction projects and stopping layoffs. It's now on its way to the Governor.
BILL WOULD HELP RELIEVE CHILDREN’S SOCIAL WORKERS OF STUDENT DEBT
HOTLINE 1/18/18 On the airwaves and in the halls of the Legislature, WFSE/AFSCME social worker members beat the drum for a program to help these dedicated workers pay off the crushing student loan debt they took on to get the specialized degrees.
The bottom line is a life dedicated to helping abused and neglected children shouldn’t leave social workers in debt.
Local 1671 Interpreters United members show support for the bill (SB 6245) to expand the state’s successful interpreter procurement system for medical Interpreters to other high-demand agencies like Labor and Industries.
“Please pass this bill and let’s save a lot of money,” Local 1671 member Milena Waldron told the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.