Dear friends and neighbors,
Our housing shortage isn’t the only crisis we’re facing right now. Washington is seeing unprecedented workforce shortages across nearly every sector, including health care, behavioral health, labor & trades, and other skilled vocations. To get more people into these critical fields, we need to streamline licensing and certifications where we can, expand the workforce pipeline, and ensure that workers receive the wages and benefits they need to care for themselves and their families.
Streamline
One way to bridge the gap in our workforce is to lower barriers and cut unnecessary red tape for those already qualified to work. I introduced HB 1724 to help mental & behavioral health practitioners who have completed their educational requirement or are fully licensed in other states get out into the field here in WA.
We know families throughout the state are struggling to find access to mental health counselors, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. This bill will help get qualified folks into this crucial workforce as quickly and safely as possible. Watch me testify on this bill by clicking here.
I am also proud to co-sponsor HB 1069, which the House passed earlier this month, to add Washington to the Counseling Compact. This interstate agreement will allow licensed professional counselors to practice in any member state.
Pipeline
We can only expand our workforce by making it easier for our students to pursue the career that’s right for them. I’m proud to co-sponsor HB 1539 to help expedite private vocational school license applications for institutions that offer training to workers that will help us build more affordable housing in our state. This bill offers us a path to overcome two of our state’s greatest challenges at once.
Bottom Line
We also need to recruit & retain workers by providing them the wages & benefits they’ve earned. I introduced HB 1566 to help offset the challenges facing public employees who have been unable to take advantage of the annual leave they’re owed. Public employees keep our parks open and accessible; administer public health programs; and protect our children, youth and families in times of crisis. And I’m proud to represent so many right here in the 22nd district!
Of course, we can’t solve our workforce shortage unless our workers and their families have a place to call home. I’m thrilled to say that my missing middle housing bill (HB 1110) passed out of the Housing Committee and now awaits a hearing before the House Appropriation Committee. We’re finally one step closer to re-legalizing middle housing options here in Washington.
Never hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do to better support you or your family. Give me a call at (360) 786-7992 or feel free to reach out by email. And be sure to follow me on Facebook for all the latest updates!
With gratitude,
State Representative Jessica Bateman
22nd Legislative District