Government Affairs

ACTION ALERT

Critical Human Service Programs Need Your Help

As February winds down, budget writers and chamber leadership are focusing more of their attention on creating the 2007-2009 Biennial Budget.  The budget passed by the House and the Senate will impact important human service programs.  These programs are essential to low-income, refugee, and immigrant residents of the state.

For refugees and immigrants coming to Washington State, the LEP Pathway is vitally important.  This program helps Washington’s newest residents learn English, find a job, and secure social services.  Likewise, Naturalization Services helps these same residents become citizens.  Because of declining federal support for these programs, the state’s investment is as important as ever.

Finally, the Work First cash assistance grant has not been increased since 1993.  Back then, the maximum benefit for a family of three was $546.  Today, $546 is only enough to cover 27% of the cost of goods and services a similar family today would purchase.

Contact your legislators today and encourage them to support these vital human service programs during the budget writing process.

Click Here to Contact Your Legislators

Join Us for the 2007 Matzoh Drop

The Jewish Federation is looking for volunteers to help distribute Matzoh for the 2007 Matzoh Drop.  This year’s Matzoh Drop is March 29, 2007.  If you are interested in helping us with this effort please e-mail Kim Greenhall at kimg@jewishinseattle.org.