Accomplishments

In 2021, despite the unprecedented challenges faced with the COVID-19 crisis, WSCAP and our anti-poverty coalition partners advocated for bold investments and won. The legislature made historic investments for the benefit of our neighbors with low-incomes and ensuring an equitable economic recovery. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic downturn, Washington State legislators summoned the moral and political will to invest in healthy, just, and sustainable communities that stabilize our neighbors living in poverty for recovery and to equip them for long-term prosperity.

• $175 million for the Housing Trust Fund
• $120 million for acquisition of property and buildings that can be rapidly converted to housing
• $42 million for utility and infrastructure costs related to affordable housing
• $10 million for preservation of existing affordable housing
• $5 million for the Communities of Concern Commission
• $13 million on equity
• $5 million for a new capital grants equity program to provide technical assistance to underserved communities
• One-time $27 million HEN increase that was proposed by the House (continuance of SSI pilot)
• $187m for foreclosure prevention
• HB 1277 is signed by the Governor and fully funded
• SB 5160 (right to counsel) is fully funded and signed into law
• Changes to TANF
• 15% grant increase ($52.2 million) for all TANF participants
• Maintenance of broad time limit extensions
• Funding for SB 5214 ($9.9 million)
• This change will support families with 7 additional months of TANF assistance when the unemployment rate in WA is 7% or higher