Category: News

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 […]

Note: This post was originally shared on Gov. Jay Inslee’s Medium page. Year after year, Washington ranks among the best economies in the country, and yet existing policies and systems have not enabled all residents to thrive. An estimated 1.7 million Washingtonians still do not have enough resources or income to maintain consistent housing, access […]

The Office of Homeless Youth Prevention released its strategic plan, “Shifting Services and Systems to Prevent Youth Housing Instability,” in September. The Office of Homeless Youth is part Washington State Department of Commerce. Created in 2015, it leads the statewide efforts to reduce and prevent homelessness for youth and young adults. The 37-page report includes […]

The Child Tax Credit, part of the American Rescue Plan, increased the amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit to support families with children. The full benefit of the Child Tax Credit is now $300 per month per child under age 6 and $250 for each child age 6 to 17, and the IRS automatically […]

In March 2020, as offices closed and people stayed home to stay safe, Washington Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program knew it needed to make changes rapidly so that moms and their young children could continue to have access to healthy foods and guidance on nutrition and breastfeeding. “Going to all remote services was uncharted […]

The Washington State Senate Human Services, Reentry and Rehabilitation Committee’s January 26 public hearing featured virtual public testimony from two members of the PRWG Steering Committee. Amy Roark testified on Senate Bill 5214, which concerns economic assistance programs. Victoria Hilt testified on Senate Bill 5241, which promotes economic inclusion for people experiencing poverty. Both pieces […]