State Legislative Session Update Feb. 18 – Bracing for Cuts
Food Lifeline’s 2025 State Advocacy Agenda focuses on the continued increase in food insecurity in Washington, confirmed again by a recent UW/WSU study. Yet, due to state budget shortfalls, all of our top priorities this year, across a spectrum of need, are in jeopardy.
Washington has the second most regressive tax code in the country – meaning the wealthy contribute less than their share to state & local taxes than the working poor. New progressive revenue is needed to address this economic inequity, avoid the harshest of cuts, and to invest in communities when it’s needed most. Without new revenue sources, funding is in jeopardy for universal school meals, senior meal programs, state nutrition assistance funding & grants for emergency food providers, and maintaining current funding levels for Fruit & Vegetable Incentive Programs: SNAP & Produce Prescriptions, and for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT to Feed Kids in the Summer.
U.S. Congress and the Trump Administration
We are closely monitoring the high volume and fast pace of federal policy changes proposed and in motion. We are assessing these actions in real-time and will work like always to protect SNAP, federal emergency food safety net programs, and related support for people with lower incomes in disadvantaged and immigrant communities.
Hunger Action Day at the State Capitol
Food Lifeline is excited to attend Hunger Action Day in Olympia on February 24, 2025! This powerful lobby day brings together a community committed to addressing food insecurity and working towards food justice with Washington’s lawmakers. Participants will connect with others who share their passion, learn more about the impact of hunger in our community, and get inspired to continue advocating for lasting change. Please follow our social media and blog for updates on Monday!