(Updated November 22, 2023)
The Quaker Voice Economic Justice Working Group is focusing on three priorities in the upcoming session: Housing, Progressive Revenue, and Healthcare. In advocating for those most economically vulnerable, we are focused on the intersections between people of color, people living with disabilities, and people with housing insecurity, among other conditions that may cause one to be economically at risk. We seek and advocate for a just and sustainable economy in which all Washington residents can thrive.
Housing – Quaker Voice advocates for housing that all people can afford to purchase or rent allows easy transportation between work and home, and is economically and racially diverse. Dramatic increases in rental rates, combined with industry practices and policies that destabilize households that rent, is seriously hindering realization of this vision as nearly 50 percent of households in Washington now spend more than 30% of household income on rent. This in turn constricts household funds available for food, education, healthcare, transportation, and living where one needs or desires to live.
Quaker Voice also advocates for the human rights of people without homes. Homeless people are people and should be treated with the same dignity and respect as every person. HB 2489 would establish a statewide standard that would make an equitable step toward the decriminalization of homelessness.
Progressive Revenue – Washington State has a tax system that disproportionately favors the wealthy and places the burden of civic progression on those least able to carry it. Impoverished people, the middle class, and small business owners pay far more than is merited, while large corporations and the hyper wealthy contribute almost nothing compared to their means. Quaker Voice supports measures that would ease the burdens of the working class while maintaining support for vital social services. HB 2100 is a step in that direction, proposing a tax on large employers of wealthy employers and establishing the Well Washington Fund.
Healthcare – The United States is the only developed nation on the planet without a nationalized healthcare system. Medical bills are the single highest cause of bankruptcy in the nation. Quaker Voice advocates for a healthcare system that does not force people to sacrifice their livelihoods to receive the care they need. SB 5946 would expand access to the medical assistance program, allowing countless Washingtonians to receive much needed aid.
Support Bills – HB 2173 Would ban law enforcement officers from masking on duty.
HB 2105 Would require employers to notify employees when federal officials make records requests regarding employment eligibility, and it would ban employers from voluntarily granting federal officials access to private spaces without a warrant.