Progress Report: 2023 WA State Legislative Session
Meeting with Representative Vandana Slatter (center) with workforce development leaders, including WDC Seattle-King CEO Marie Kurose (left), at Washington State Legislative Day in January 2023.
As the regional backbone organization for workforce development, the Workforce Development Council (WDC) of Seattle-King County is dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic opportunity, equity, and job quality. The 2023 Washington state legislative session presented an opportunity to address critical workforce challenges and advance the WDC’s policy priorities. This legislative recap highlights key bills and their outcomes, providing analysis on their impact and the advocacy required for long-term success.
Legislative Efforts Aligned with WDC Policy Priorities
Read a summary of the WDC’s policy advocacy goals for 2024.
SB 5236 (Robinson) - Health Care Worker Protections:
i. Status: Passed into law
ii. Analysis: SB 5236 addressed the pressing issue of inadequate staffing in healthcare facilities and sought to protect the rights of health care workers. By ensuring safe staffing ratios and imposing penalties for non-compliance, this legislation aimed to improve patient outcomes and reduce nurse turnover. Its successful passage represents a significant victory for job quality and patient care in the healthcare sector.
HB 1525 (Fosse) - Eligibility for Working Connections Child Care Benefits for Individuals Participating in State-Registered Apprenticeships:
i. Status: Passed into law
ii. Analysis: HB 1525 expanded eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care program to individuals in the initial stages of state-registered apprenticeships. By providing childcare support during apprenticeships, this bill eliminated a significant barrier to workforce participation and career advancement. Its passage recognizes the importance of supporting individuals pursuing work-based learning opportunities and will contribute to a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
HB 1451 (Senn) - Expanding Child Care Workforce:
i. Status: Passed into law
ii. Analysis: HB 1451 aimed to expand the childcare workforce by establishing a pilot program and providing support for school-aged youth caring for relatives. This legislation recognized the critical role of childcare providers in supporting working families and ensuring access to quality early learning opportunities. With its successful passage, HB 1451 will contribute to building a stronger and more inclusive childcare system, addressing the workforce shortage in this crucial sector.
HB 1045 (Berry) - Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot Program:
i. Status: Requires continued advocacy
ii. Analysis: HB 1045 introduced the concept of a guaranteed basic income pilot program, highlighting the need to address economic disparities and provide financial stability for vulnerable populations. While this bill did not pass during the 2023 legislative session, its introduction sparked important conversations around poverty reduction and equity. The WDC recognizes the value of basic income initiatives and will continue advocating for its implementation in future sessions.
HB 1024 (Simmons) - Criminal Justice-Involved Re-Entry:
i. Status: Requires continued advocacy
ii. Analysis: HB 1024 aimed to remove barriers to re-entry for individuals with criminal records, addressing issues such as onerous fees and employment practices. While this bill did not pass during the 2023 legislative session, its intent aligns with the WDC's commitment to racial equity and supporting justice-involved individuals. Continued advocacy is crucial to advance policies that promote successful re-entry, reduce recidivism rates, and enhance economic opportunities for this population.
Meeting with the Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) staff organized by the National Skills Coalition to discuss the Digital Equity Act and funding for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program.
Long-Term Advocacy and Future Outlook
The passage of SB 5236, HB 1451, and HB 1525 represents significant achievements in advancing the WDC's policy priorities. These legislative victories highlight the commitment of Washington state to foster job quality, support workforce development, and address critical issues in healthcare, childcare, and apprenticeship programs. The impact of these bills will be felt across Seattle-King County and beyond.
However, the advocacy efforts for HB 1045 and HB 1024 must continue to drive meaningful change. Guaranteed basic income and criminal justice-involved re-entry are complex issues that require sustained commitment and collaboration. The WDC will persist in advocating for the implementation of a basic income pilot program and the removal of barriers to successful re-entry, recognizing their potential to advance economic equity and create pathways to opportunity.
The 2023 Washington state legislative session showcased both successes and ongoing advocacy efforts in alignment with the WDC's policy priorities. The passage of SB 5236, HB 1451, and HB 1525 reflects the state's commitment to workforce development and equitable access to healthcare, childcare, and apprenticeship opportunities. While HB 1045 and HB 1024 require further advocacy, their introduction sparked important conversations and set the stage for future progress.
The WDC will continue to collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and community partners to champion policies that increase funding for workforce development, invest in digital literacy and access, promote work-based learning, advocate for basic income and wrap-around services, address racial equity, and mitigate the benefits cliff. By collectively advancing these priorities, we can build a resilient and inclusive workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future, ensuring economic prosperity and opportunity for all residents of Seattle-King County and Washington state.