PRWG’s Lori Pfingst Testifies at House Hearing on Basic Income

Dr. Lori Pfingst, Senior Director of Poverty Reduction for the Department of Social and Health Services, testified at a Washington State House of Representatives Human Services & Veterans Committee hearing on Friday, February 18, 2022.

The work session covered Guaranteed Basic Income. A feasibility study on a basic income program in Washington State is expected to be completed in June.

Lori’s three main points were:

1. Research suggests a basic income has strong, positive benefits for kids, adults and families.
2. A state-level basic income pilot/program is feasible, but lots to consider to do it well.
3. A successful basic income pilot/program in Washington is dependent on strong public-private collaboration and political will.

The work session also included public hearings on:

• SB 5566: Expanding eligibility for the independent youth housing program.
• SSB 5819: Concerning the developmental disabilities administration’s no-paid services caseload.
• SSB 5838: Providing a monthly diaper subsidy for parents or other caregivers receiving temporary assistance for needy families.
• SB 5929: Changing the membership of the legislative-executive WorkFirst poverty reduction oversight task force.

You can watch the full video, courtesy of TVW, here, or watch Lori’s testimony below.