Washingtonians who’ve worked full time since January 1 have earned a full day of sick leave, something previously unavailable to too many residents outside of Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane. In 2016, voters approved Initiative 1433, increasing the minimum wage and…
If the gender pay gap continues to close at its current rate, women will reach pay equity with men in 2059, according to a new report from the American Association of University Women. Called The Simple Truth about the Gender…
Testimony of Marilyn Watkins, Economic Opportunity Institute, in opposition to SB 6578 and SSB 6087, before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, February 1, 2016. Good afternoon. I’m Marilyn Watkins of the Economic Opportunity Institute, speaking in opposition to SB…
Adjusted for inflation, the total cost of higher education hasn’t changed much since the mid-1990’s. But the state’s share of that cost has dropped like a stone. Tuition and fees have increased to make up for state funding cuts — putting…
Low wages undermining Tacoma’s families, women, people of color 5% of Tacoma families receiving food stamps had at least one member working, and 25% had 2 or more members working.[1] Of low-wage workers in Washington: 29% are parents with children…
Rebecca Valley, a new mom who works as an Administrative Assistant in Everett, is calling on Governor Jay Inslee to fund paid maternity leave. When she gave birth 11 months ago to her daughter Matilda, Rebecca planned to use her…
Washington Policy Watch: Retirement Security What happened, what it means – and what’s next Sometimes it’s hard to “read between the headlines” and really make sense of what’s going on in Olympia. Did we make progress – why? Does next year…
The stalemate in Olympia over Washington state’s budget represents an ideological divide that won’t be overcome by negotiators sitting long enough in a room together. And unfortunately, neither side has proposed a budget and revenue package that would actually fully…
The Racial Equity Team is a people of color-led network of community leaders, activists and lobbyists that work to empower communities of color to access their political voice through legislative advocacy. Their purpose is to promote equity of opportunity and…
Testimony of Marilyn Watkins before the Washington State House Commerce & Labor Committee on HB 1356 (paid sick and safe leave), HB 1355 ($12/hour minimum wage), and HB 1354 (employee anti-retaliation), February 17, 2015: I’m Marilyn Watkins of EOI. Together these 3 bills…
