QuakerVoice Economic Justice Update The House dropped its budget last week, and there is much better news on the House side. It features a number of our economic priorities. Increase to TANF $11.8 million for an 8 percent increase to programs. (The TANF grant, workfirst, etc.) $5.1 to raise asset limits to $10,000 for a vehicle … Read more
Friends, Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) impose punishing burdens that tether low-income people to the criminal justice system for years after they have served their time. . LFOs (fines, court fees, restitution, etc.) need reform so that former prisoners can reconstruct their lives and contribute to society. HB 1783 would (1) eliminate the current 12% interest rate on … Read more
Friends, As an organization, Quaker Voice on Washington Public Policy supports Friends in expressing their values to their legislators and to see those values embodied in policy. As actors in the democratic process, we believe that a budget is ultimately a moral document which at its core expresses what our society values, and what it … Read more
Friends, Two major bills that facilitate growth of the green energy economy in Washington have important votes coming up in the next few weeks. HB 1048, the improved solar energy industry support bill extending solar tax credits for individuals and communities, passed out of the House Technology and Economic Development Committee with a large bi-partisan … Read more
Friends, A corrections ombuds bill is now eligible for a floor vote in the Washington State legislature, and must be voted on by this Wednesday, March 8, or face cut-off. Please phone or email (Today, or at the latest, Tuesday) your state senator to express your support for SB 5465, to establish an independent Corrections Ombuds. … Read more
Friends, A corrections ombuds bill is now eligible for a floor vote in the Washington State legislature, and must be voted on by this Wednesday, March 8, or face cut-off. Please phone or email (Today, or at the latest, Tuesday) your state senator to express your support for SB 5465, to establish an independent Corrections Ombuds. The Corrections Ombuds, appointed … Read more
Friends, A corrections ombuds bill is now eligible for a floor vote in the Washington State legislature, and must be voted on by this Wednesday, March 8, or face cut-off. Please phone or email (Today, or at the latest, Tuesday) your state senator to express your support for SB 5465, to establish an independent Corrections Ombuds. … Read more
Dear Friends, The House Judiciary Committee will hold a vote on Thursday, February 16 on HB 1783, which would reform Legal Financial Obligations (LFO’s). LFO’s are the fees, fines, restitution, and costs imposed by a court on top of a prison sentence. LFO’s often make it difficult for formerly incarcerated people to regain their lives … Read more
Dear Friends, The House Public Safety Committee will be holding a vote o;n Thursday, 2/16 on HB 1889, which establishes a corrections ombuds agency that is independent of the Department of Corrections. This bill is a major priority for Quaker Voice, and would do much to improve our correctional system to be healthier, safer and … Read more
Environmental Stewardship and Peace Working Group Clerk, Leni Skarin email: Focus issues for 2018: Support a carbon tax proposal, in particular the initiative still being drafted by the Alliance for Jobs & Clean Energy (jobscleanenergywa.com). When this initiative is submitted in January, we recommend asking Quaker Voice to endorse it and to encourage individuals … Read more