Legislative Updates Legislative Update: Week 5 February 10, 2023 Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Email What has the Northwest Harvest Advocacy team been up to in Olympia this week? A few quick updates: Hunger Action Day, an annual lobbying day for food justice advocates across Washington State, was held on Tuesday this week. We had well over 100 advocates in-person in Olympia and virtually meet with their representatives to talk about why hunger is a pressing issue in their communities. Thank you to everyone who participated! HB 1784, an early action bill that would invest $28 million dollars in Washington’s emergency food system, was introduced this week. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, 2/13 and is scheduled for executive action in Appropriations on Thursday, 2/16. Please sign in PRO for this bill before 3:00pm on Monday, 2/13. Please also consider calling your representatives using our advocacy tool to express your strong support for HB 1784 and encourage your legislators to pass this crucial, time-sensitive legislation quickly! HB 1238 (free school meals) was voted out of committee with bipartisan support this week and referred to Appropriations. SB 5566 (hunger free campus bill) had its first public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development this morning. HB 1678, one of our support agenda items that would increase access to dental care for marginalized communities, was heard in committee this week. It has been scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness next Wednesday (2/15). Take Action now: Sign in PRO for HB 1784 before 3:00pm on Monday, 2/13. Call your representatives using our advocacy tool to express your strong support for HB 1784.
