Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s the third week of the 2022 legislative session and there’s a lot going on in the (virtual) halls of the Capitol. The House has already passed some important bills and legislation is quickly making its way through the process.
Key Legislative Priority: Protecting Working Families
As Vice Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee, protecting working families is one of my top priorities. I’m proud to share what I’m working on this year to ensure Washingtonians get the support they need during this unprecedented time.
HB 1795, Washington’s Silenced No More Act: My bill to prohibit NDAs and settlement agreements from being used to prohibit workers from speaking out about their experiences with sexual assault & harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wage theft in the workplace. I want to thank everyone who came forward last week to share your personal story with us in committee: I’m excited to update you that the Labor Committee voted to approve the bill!
HB 1771: My bill to allow home child care providers to collectively bargain for retirement benefits. Not only will this help these important workers retire with dignity, it will also help us close gaps in support for women, and especially women of color, who are disproportionately represented in childcare. HB 1771 has also been voted out of committee and has been referred to the Appropriations Committee.
HB 1764 and HB 1806: I am proud cosponsor of these two bills to extend collective bargaining rights to medical residents & fellow physicians employed in higher education and legislative employees, respectively. All workers deserve the right to stand together to improve their workplaces.
HB 1486: Today, too many people in our state must choose between keeping a job or caring for a loved one. I believe that’s a choice no worker should have to make. My bill will allow workers to be eligible for unemployment insurance if they are forced to voluntarily quit their job to care for a child or vulnerable adult. Washington is one of three states that doesn’t allow these reasons for workers to access benefits, and it’s long overdue that we strengthen safety nets for Washington’s 1.1 million working parents with young children.
🚨 Public Hearing 🚨
Bringing Guaranteed Basic Income Program to Washington
HB 2009, Guaranteed Basic Income: This year I am proud to bring forward this bold proposal to create the Evergreen Basic Income Trust, a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program that would provide regular, unrestricted cash payments to recipients who meet certain criteria. This program offers the freedom and dignity of self-determination, allowing participants to decide for themselves how to best provide care for their loved ones and families. My bill is scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. in front of the Housing, Human Services and Veterans House Committee. Make your voice heard by testifying or signing in support of the bill here. I invite you to read my Op-Ed published in The Stranger to learn more.
Save the Date for the 36th Virtual Town Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.
It will be streamed on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Questions can be submitted ahead of time here.
It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime if I can be of assistance at liz.berry@leg.wa.gov.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District