Families in Washington should be able to get help when we need it.

That’s why we are working to pass House Bill 2048 this session. The bill would permanently end decade-old policies that cut off Black and Indigenous families at higher rates from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

“I'm a mom of two that I gave birth to but, I also feel like I'm a mom of many. A lot of families were struggling before the pandemic, we struggled even harder during, and we are going to struggle afterwards." -Shereese Rhodes, Tacoma

During the Great Recession, lawmakers put tighter restrictions on who could qualify for help through TANF past the 60-month lifetime limit in an effort to cut state spending. As a result, Black and Indigenous families have been cut off from much-needed help at higher rates.

Thankfully, last year our state lawmakers put broad hardship exemptions back in place as a protection for families during the pandemic and we saw that all families, and especially families of color, get easier access to help through TANF.

On Tuesday February 1 at 8 AM, the Housing, Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 2048. There is more than one way to show lawmakers your support!

1. Sign in PRO before February 1 at [link removed]
2. Message your state representatives at [link removed]
3. Give testimony live or in writing! Contact Lianna Kressin at [email protected]

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Statewide Poverty Action Network
1501 N 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
United States
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