Action Alerts ACTION ALERT: Washington’s Budget Must Put People First August 27, 2025 Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Email State lawmakers are preparing to consider new funding requests to reflect current needs and priorities. It is crucial for advocates to speak up today – now is the time for us to call on Washington State leaders to take bold action. Our message? Washington’s state budget must put people first. That means preserving food programs, supporting those impacted by federal cuts, and raising new, equitable revenue to fund basic needs like groceries, housing, and health care. What’s at Stake Recent federal policy changes—including new SNAP work requirements—mean that immigrants, refugees, asylees, veterans, older adults up to age 65, and people experiencing homelessness may lose access to federal food assistance. In rural areas, where full-time jobs are scarce, these cuts will hit especially hard. Meanwhile, the 2017 federal tax law has drained state budgets by giving over $1 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest 1% while slashing funding for health care, food assistance, education, and disaster relief. States like Washington are now left to fill the gaps. What We Need As agencies prepare their budget requests for the Governor, we must advocate for: No cuts to state food assistance Targeted support for communities losing SNAP eligibility New revenue from those most able to pay Washington’s tax code is among the most regressive in the nation. Low- and middle-income families pay a far higher share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest households. To build a budget that reflects our values, we need reforms that ask the richest to contribute their fair share. Act Now Contact Governor Bob Ferguson Let him know that food justice must be a priority in budget planning. Build on this sample script: Dear Governor Ferguson, As your office prepares the adjusted state budget, I urge you to protect food assistance programs and invest in support for communities losing federal aid—especially immigrants, refugees, veterans, and older adults. Please also support new, equitable revenue sources so Washington can continue funding basic needs like food, housing, and health care. Thank you for prioritizing food justice. Send your message > Contact your legislators Urge them to protect food assistance and support new, equitable revenue sources. Copy and paste this sample script: Dear [Representative/Senator ___], As the adjusted state budget takes shape, I urge you to protect food assistance programs and invest in support for communities losing federal aid—especially immigrants, refugees, veterans, and older adults. I also support new, equitable revenue sources to ensure Washington can continue funding basic needs like food, housing, and health care. Thank you for your leadership. Find your legislator > Spread the word Share this alert with your networks and help build momentum for a budget that puts people first. Here is a sample social post: Washington’s state budget will soon be revised—tell the Governor to protect food assistance and fund basic needs! Send Governor Ferguson a message at bit.ly/UrgeFerguson Your Voice Matters Budgets are more than numbers—they’re a reflection of our priorities. Let’s make sure Washington’s next budget protects those most at risk and invests in a future where everyone has access to nutritious food.
