PSARA is a multi-generational grass roots organization advocating for all people and seniors, in particular, being able to live their lives with economic security, dignity, and respect. 

 

Healthcare

PSARA believes that comprehensive, affordable, accessible, and culturally appropriate health care is a fundamental human right. 

 

• Promote Leveling the Playing Field in Medicare SJM 8002 Status: Senate Rules

• Protect against healthcare program cuts and advance immigrant health equity Status: Budget 

• Support efforts to advance universal healthcare SJM 8004 Status: Passed Senate and awaiting hearing in the House

• Ensure quality affordable healthcare for nursing home workers (WA Essential Worker Healthcare Program) HB 1523/SB 5344 Status: Dead for 2025 

• Strengthen and protect WA Cares SB 5291 Status: Senate Rules

 

Housing and Homelessness

PSARA supports keeping people housed, building more low-income housing, and preventing homelessness in the first place. 

 

• Ensure reasonable and more predictable rent increases by passing rent stabilization HB 1217/SB 5222 Status: HB 1217 is the vehicle and in Senate Rules

• Invest $500 million in the Housing Trust Fund Status: Budget

• Preserve supportive services and prevent cuts to homelessness programs Status: Budget

• Create affordable housing close to transit HB 1491 Status: Passed Appropriations and will be referred to House Rules

 

Workers Rights and Economic Justice

PSARA supports legislation that promotes healthy families and workplaces. 

 

• Extend job protection in the Family & Medical Leave Program to ensure low wage earners can return to their jobs after leave to care for themselves or family members HB 1213/SB 5539 Status: HB 1213 is the vehicle and in House Rules

• Extend unemployment benefits to striking workers SB 5041 Status: Senate Rules

• Extend unemployment benefits to undocumented workers SB 5626 Status: Dead for 2025 

• Build economic security for low-income families by creating the Washington Future Fund Pilot Program (Baby bonds) HB 1661/SB 5541 Status: SB 5541 Dead for 2025

• Working Families Tax Credit HB 1214/SB 5768 Status: SB 5768 is the vehicle and in Senate Rules.

 

 

Climate and Environmental Justice

PSARA supports the right of all people to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. 

• Divest Washington State Investment Board (“WSIB”) funds from fossil fuels (No Coal Act) SB 5439 Status: Dead in 2025

• Add a Green Amendment to the Washington State Constitution

• Improve solid waste management outcomes by reducing use of plastic wrap and containers HB 1150/SB 5284 Status: HB 1150 House Rules; SB 5284 Senate Rules

• Curb Act Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions HB 1303 Status: Passed Appropriations and will referred to House Rules

 

Fiscal Reform and Revenue

PSARA supports a state budget that is transparent, pays a living wage to state workers, and provides services that help our people, economy, and environment thrive. 

 

• Prevent devastating budget cuts by providing new progressive revenues such as a wealth tax that taxes extraordinary financial assets