Week 3 in Review: Housing, Progressive Revenue & Values-Driven Budgets
This week at the Washington State Legislature was defined by a powerful convergence of housing justice, progressive revenue, and moral budgeting—with Faith Action Network members, board leadership, and staff showing up loudly and faithfully.
Housing Advocacy Day & Progressive Revenue Rally
On Monday, January 26, advocates from across Washington gathered at the Capitol for Housing Advocacy Day combined with Progressive Revenue Rally on the Capitol steps. Faith Action Network stood alongside housing providers, labor, education leaders, and community members to demand bold action on housing affordability and fair taxation. Speakers highlighted the growing urgency: rents continue to outpace wages, homelessness remains at crisis levels, and lawmakers face increasing pressure to align budgets with the state’s stated values.
At the rally and in hearings throughout the week, advocates lifted up the need for progressive revenue, including a Millionares’ Tax, to fund housing, education, and essential services. FAN emphasized that tax justice is a moral issue -those who have benefited most from our economy must help sustain the common good.
A central proposal discussed was HB 2100 the Washington Well Fund, which would create a dedicated fund to invest in community well-being, housing stability, and long-term economic security
Major Housing Legislation in Focus
Lawmakers advanced and debated several key housing bills this week, including SB 6069 Encouraging Permanent Supportive & Emergency Housing. This bill prevents local governments from blocking urgently needed supportive and emergency housing.
Centering Inclusion & Belonging: SB 5950 Faith Holidays
One of the most powerful moments of the week came during the hearing on SB 5950 a bill to recognize more faith holidays. Jasmit Singh, FAN Board President, Kristin Ang, FAN Policy Engagement Director, and Max Patashnik, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, testified in strong support. Testifiers spoke movingly about how SB 5950 affirms Washington’s commitment to pluralism—ensuring that people of all faiths, identities, and backgrounds can participate fully and safely in civic life. The bill recognizes the real harms experienced by marginalized communities and takes a proactive step toward belonging rather than exclusion.
Values in the Budget: Senate Ways & Means
On Thursday, attention shifted to the Senate Ways & Means Committee, where lawmakers and advocates grappled with a fundamental question:
What does the state choose to invest in—and what does that say about our values?
Faith Action Network testified that budgets are moral documents. Decisions about revenue, investments, and disinvestment reflect who we believe is worthy of care and protection.
- SB 6109- Prohibiting investment of funds under management by the state investment board in private detention facilities. FAN testified in support, stating that public dollars should not subsidize harm, exploitation, or systems that profit from incarceration.
- SB 5434– Calling for disinvestment from coal, this bill reflects Washington’s climate commitments and the moral imperative to stop profiting from environmental harm that disproportionately affects frontline communities.
- SB 6304– Also heard in Ways & Means, this bill would require the Washington State Investment Board to adopt responsible investment principles, including human rights, environmental protection, and ethical governance.
- Together, these bills point toward a more values-aligned investment strategy—one that recognizes climate risk, human rights, and long-term community well-being as core to fiscal prudence.
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