The Poverty Reduction Work Group’s winter newsletter was sent out Monday morning. You can see the full newsletter here, or read on to see what was included.
Poverty Reduction Highlighted in Governor’s Proposed Budget
Gov. Jay Inslee’s 2022 supplemental budget was released on Thursday, December 16, and proposes investing nearly $250 million towards poverty reduction strategies and efforts.
In addition to the great news on the budget front, Gov. Inslee signed Executive Order 21-05, which establishes the Subcabinet on Intergenerational Poverty Reduction. The subcabinet is tasked with further developing and implementing the recommendations by the Poverty Reduction Work Group since its inception in 2017, with an immediate focus on:
- Building out an integrated eligibility system for social services clients;
- Developing affordable housing solutions across the spectrum;
- Eliminating gaps in our benefits program; and
- Reducing the negative consequences of benefit cliffs.
The proposed budget also includes funding to increase housing and resources for homeless individuals, expand K-12 learning supports, invest in clean transportation and green economy, decarbonize buildings, and protect salmon habitat.
You can check out the policy brief on poverty here, and watch a video of the Governor’s shout-out to the Poverty Reduction Workgroup as he signs the executive order “with a flourish” here.
The Poverty Reduction Work Group is On the Move!
For the past four years, the Economic Services Administration has been a proud co-lead on the creation of the 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty in Washington. This multi-sector, community-driven effort is a blueprint for a just and equitable future, in which all Washingtonians live with the dignity of having their foundational needs met and the opportunities needed to achieve their dreams.
Thanks to a growing movement in support of the 10-Year Plan, the state’s poverty reduction efforts are expanding. To support a stronger interagency collaboration for the growing body of work, on December 1, 2021, our team moved from ESA into the DSHS Office of the Secretary, where we continue to work closely with people experiencing poverty and other leaders throughout the state to achieve our goals. Shared power has always been at the root of our approach and we will continue to partner with and rely on those with lived experience to guide our efforts.
We are grateful to Governor Inslee for his leadership to reduce poverty and inequality, and are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
New on the Blog: Blueprint Revealed
A new feature on the Dismantle Poverty website is answering submitted questions about the Poverty Reduction Work Group and the 10-year Plan to Dismantle Poverty and Inequality in Washington.
The series, titled “Blueprint Revealed,” provides clarification on the PRWG’s work. Each week Megan Matthews, PRWG Engagement Manager, takes a common question and provides a quick, accessible answer.
Here’s what’s been answered so far:
- People who live in rural areas of Washington are struggling to meet their basic needs too. Is there something in the plan for them?
- In your last blog you explained why the 10-Year Plan focuses on race. Does that mean white people are left out?
- Why the focus on race?
- Who was part of the Governor’s Poverty Reduction Work Group?
- What is the 10-year Plan?
To submit questions for Blueprint Revealed, email Megan here.
Poverty Reduction Work Group in the News
The Poverty Reduction Work Group’s efforts were highlighted in an article from The Seattle Times. Here’s a quick excerpt:
Inslee spokesperson Tara Lee wrote that, “poverty reduction efforts will be part of the governor’s 2022 budget proposal which is being finalized now and will roll out mid-December.”
We’re happy to be featured in the article. You can read the story in full here.
Program Updates
Basic Income Feasibility Study
Washington State’s Basic Income Feasibility Study is a project to evaluate how Washington might invest in Washingtonians by ensuring every individual that calls our state home has the financial resources they need to live with dignity.
Currently we are:
- Meeting with the steering and strategic teams to narrow down a framework for the basic income pilot we want to recommend to the legislature.
- Drafting a basic outline for the report.
- Continuing to review information we receive on new basic income pilots.
- Meet with teams and individuals who are involved in basic income work.
- Collaborating, communicating, and/or sharing information with other groups and individuals who are trying to do this work in Washington.
Washington Recovery Group
The Washington Recovery Group (WRG) was formed in late 2020 to coordinate long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations to support a resilient Washington. The WRG consists of agency leaders and community groups and also conducted outreach across Washington communities. This group communicates with other state-level groups engaged in similar work, like the Poverty Reduction Work Group. Currently, the WRG continues to narrow its focus to eliminate duplication of efforts.