Our Legislative Agenda

Yes on Initiative 1029!

This month, Supporters of Initiative 1029 turned in over 300,000 signatures backing safe, quality care, guaranteeing the initiative a spot on the ballot this November. I-1029 will improve long-term care for seniors and people with disabilities by setting standards for caregiver training. It will also bring additional respect to caregivers and the quality care we provide. Visit www.yeson1029.org for more information.

Read the Seattle Post-Intelligencer op-ed supporting 1029.

SEIU Healthcare 775NW Legislative Update

Improved Wages and Benefits for Nursing Home Workers

March 6, 2008: As of today the three sides are negotiating a final budget. We are pushing them to stick with Governor Gregoire’s original funding level of $7.3 million. All three budgets also include vendor rate increases for nursing homes and we're also pressing legislators to eliminate unfair occupancy penalties.

Training for Caregivers

We are working with the Governor and Senate to amend the House bill so that it would significantly increase current standards. If the Legislature fails to include a real training standard, we are prepared to file an initiative that would accomplish this.

Home Care Accountability

Unfortunately, legislation that would have prevented home care companies with widespread wage and hour violations from getting contracts did not pass this year. We will continue to push for home care accountability next year.

Working Families Tax Credit

As of today, the legislation (SB 6809) has passed the Senate and should be considered by the full House.

» Click here for the full report

Senate Budget Includes $5M for Nursing Home Workers

Sen. Karen Keiser has long championed increased wages and benefits for nursing home workers. Olympia (February 29, 2008) -- The Washington State Senate showed strong support for long-term care workers by passing a budget yesterday that includes $5 million in state funds dedicated to improving wages and benefits for nursing home workers. This money will be matched by federal dollars for a total of $10 million. Sen. Karen Keiser (right) has long championed increased wages and benefits for nursing home workers.

The Senate budget was a significant improvement over a House budget that dedicated no funding to improving wages and benefits for nursing home workers. The Governor's budget included $7.5 Million in funding for nursing home workers. Now we need to keep the pressure on to win increased funding to improve wages and benefits for nursing home workers!

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Legislative Session 08 - Closing the Deal

Olympia (February 28, 2008) -- Washington State Legislature This year's state Legislative session will soon be drawing to a close, and legislators will be making tough decisions about whether to support working families and the most vulnerable – or provide more giveaways to wealthy corporations.

It's time to hold politicians accountable on:
1)Raises and benefits for nursing home workers
2)Better training for home care workers
3)Tax credits for working families, and
4)Affordable health care

» Read More

Union Area Gatherings

Eloise Ramos, an IP from Moses Lake My name is Eloise Ramos and I am an IP from Moses Lake. I am looking forward to our union’s area gatherings this year.

I look forward to connecting with my sisters and brothers— whether they work in Nursing Homes or as home care workers —who take pride in their work caring for home care clients or nursing home residents, but who often struggle to make ends meet. Working together, we have fought and won increased wages, vacation time, health insurance and most importantly respect. The best is yet to come!!

Meet Other Caregivers in Your Area ** Clients and Family Members Welcome ** Snacks and Beverages Provided

Our Union Area Gatherings will take place across the state in May.