Friends,

We’re back with a refreshed schedule and commitment to keeping you informed! Our monthly newsletter, FYI w/ EOI, will be sent to you at the end of every month with key policy updates, actionable ways to support economic justice, and so much more.

While we move to this new cadence, you can still count on hearing from us with urgent action alerts as we fight for our shared goals and build an economy that truly works for everyone.

We’re committed to driving change through rigorously researched policy solutions and advocacy. We recently examined the escalating costs of living in Washington state and their impact on working families. One thing is clear: Public investments can improve the everyday lives of Washingtonians and provide access to real opportunities to thrive.

Research shows that public programs and services — ranging from healthcare and childcare to community colleges — function better and can do more public good when fully funded. To achieve this, the ultra-wealthy and large, profitable corporations must pay what they owe. Our comprehensive analysis serves as a starting point for policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to move beyond austerity and toward an economy rooted in fairness and opportunity.

We invite you to explore the full report to understand the challenges and actionable solutions we’re advocating for this legislative session.

The 2025 legislative session is ramping up, and we’re working hard to advance key economic justice priorities. You can stay up-to-date with bills we’re prioritizing and supporting with our 2025 legislative tracker.

One of our top priorities is to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Washingtonians. Currently, health care systems are putting people over profit with hospital consolidations that drive patient costs and line CEOs' pockets. We're fighting back! Our senior policy associate Sam Hatzenbeler explains:

Your voice makes a difference! Here’s how you can help this month:

• Sign in PRO to support Senate Bill 5083 by Friday at 7 am for the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee hearing.
• Spread the word by forwarding this email to three friends who care about economic justice and help activate your community.

Why do we need SB 5083? Simply put, our health care system is off the rails. Costs are skyrocketing every year, and patients and workers are bearing the brunt while major national health care conglomerates are raking in the dough and paying their executives massive salaries. This policy tackles runaway costs in one slice of our health care market: health care plans for public and school employees.

FYI W/ EOI: Session Scoop

When: March 19

Where: Via Zoom

Get the latest updates straight from Olympia. Join our policy team as they share insights into key legislative developments following important session deadline.

2025 Changemakers Dinner

When: May 8, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Where: Fisher Pavillion at Seattle Center

Celebrate progress and connect with fellow advocates at our annual Changemakers Dinner. This year, we’re pivoting our event to the spring so we can highlight post-session victories and share our roadmap for the work ahead. Hear from EOI’s Executive Director, Rian Watt, as he reflects on his first full year of leadership, and enjoy a powerful panel discussion centered on fairness, care, and opportunity. Don’t miss out: Our early bird registration ends January 31. Secure your ticket today for just $99.

At our core, we’re all nerds who could spend the day with our heads buried in a book or an article (or five). The inspiration for our work comes from our lived experiences, solidarity with our neighbors across this beautiful state, and thought leaders who continue to pave the way with their own interpretations. 

What's new on our site:

• Washington is one of 13 states that offer Paid Family & Medical Leave. However, it also has one of the most restrictive policies for job protection in the country. A House Bill could change that.
• Our analysis of the Department of Revenue’s Wealth Tax Study shows a wealth tax can be reasonably and effectively implemented in Washington state.
• February’s Special Election is less than two weeks away. Folks in Burien can take action to fix Burien’s flawed minimum wage law.

EOI in the news:

• Washington state’s budget shortfall calls on lawmakers to look to progressive revenue, not harmful cuts to programs and services communities rely on. Our Communications Director Alexis Mansanarez spoke to this in The Urbanist.
• We’re talking a lot about progressive revenue, but what options are feasible? Our Executive Director Rian Watt and Balance Our Tax Code Executive Director Emma Scalzo break down one of the most popular and viable options in the Washington State Standard.

Other important reads:

• What’s worth fighting for, and what’s not the best use of our time? The current political climate seeks to exhaust us, push us toward individualism and over-consumption, and make it even harder to build community with one another. Author William C. Anderson explores another way out in Prism.
• We are facing a severe risk of loss of affordability and access to health care with Trump administration policies. Seattle Times reporter Elise Takahama explores what these means for Washingtonians.
• In the midst of continued fights for equity, Washington state has been a leader in progressive revenue. Budget & Policy Center Executive Director Eli Gross and Invest in WA Now Executive Director Treasure Mackley gives other states a roadmap to similar wins in Inequality.org.

Have a recommendation? Reply to this email and share it with us.

Our vision for economic justice is powered by supporters like you. Now, more than ever, we need to safeguard progress. We want to make sure that everyone in Washington state can take care of themselves and those they love through all the uncertainties of life. At the national level, those uncertainties and challenges are significant. We cannot slide backward, and we cannot do this without you.

From advocating for policy changes to sharing your stories, your contributions make it possible. Thank you for your support.

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