As Washington lawmakers head into the 2015 legislative session, take a moment to learn more about three important pieces of anti-hunger policy.
On Monday, January 12th lawmakers in Olympia gaveled in their opening day for the 2015 legislative session. Hearings have already begun as policy-makers consider new legislation and begin identifying their budget priorities. The budget continues to present challenges as Washington State works to meet the constitutional obligation to fund K-12 education while also preserving funding for the key safety net programs that help keep so many families afloat.
This year Food Lifeline is focused on three key items for our legislative agenda:
- Maintain $800,000 per year added in 2014 to the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) for food banks. These vital funds help programs serve increasing numbers of clients. Removing them will force food banks and meal programs tocut back their current programs and services.
- Pass Breakfast After the Bell with $2.6M to support implementation. Ensure that kids in high needs schools throughout our state have the ability to get a healthy breakfast to keep them going through the school day.
- Raise revenue needed to fund critical programs. After years of continued cuts, it is time to re-think Washington’s revenue system for our new economy to both continue to invest in K-12 education and the programs and services families and kids rely on.
A printable version of our agenda is also available.
On January 14th, Brian Anderson from the Pike Market Food Bank and Kelsey Hulse from the Thurston County Food Bank talked about the importance of maintaining funds for food banks during the next budget. To stay up to date on the latest in Olympia, sign up for our Advocacy Alerts. We look forward to working with them and all of you to ensure our hunger safety net continues to provide services to those who need it most!
