Government Affairs

ACTION ALERT

Ask Your Legislators to Support Funding for Refugee and Immigrant Services

Washington State receives more than 10,000 refugees a year.  Washington routinely receives more refugees than all but a handful of states.  When these refugees arrive their needs are great and human service agencies like Jewish Family Services are on the front lines of delivering needed services to these new residents of Washington State.  Jewish Family Service is able to provide these services because of their relationship with Washington’s Department of Human and Social Services. 

This year, two state programs designed to help these new residents receive services and ultimately become citizens are facing serious budgetary challenges.  Washington State’s federal allocation continues to decline (25% this year) and naturalization fees have nearly doubled ($330 to $595 per person).  For this reason, advocates are asking the legislature to increase funding for the LEP Pathway and Naturalization Services. 

With the House of Representatives set to release their budget in the next few days, it is important you e-mail your State Senator and State Representative Today!

Click Here to E-Mail Your State Representatives and State Senator

Ask Senate Leadership to Schedule SB 5868 for a Vote Before Cut-Off

With only a few days left before cut-off SB 5868, a bill which closes a loophole in Washington’s Civil Disorder statute has yet to be voted on by the full Senate.  This bill will make Washington State’s Civil Disorder statute more similar to our Northwest neighbors Idaho and Oregon.  As we have seen in the past, the Civil Disorder statute has discouraged extremist groups from organizing and training in Washington State. 

Please e-mail Senate leadership asking them to schedule SB 5868 for a vote before cut-off! 

Click Here to E-Mail Senate Leadership

Be sure to complete both actions!