Advocate:
Everyone is a champion for change

Promoting, enhancing and monitoring Public Policy is a significant catalyst for change…it directs funding towards important community health and human service needs that compliment the ongoing fundraising and investment efforts of United Way of Snohomish County. A committee of United Way of Snohomish County volunteers and staff develop an annual public policy/legislative agenda to provide guidance on a variety of local, state and federal policy issues that sustain the work for our three vision councils (see below). We will provide information to legislators and to the public in an effort to increase understanding and awareness of the impact of policy
and budget decisions on health and human services in our community.

United Way of Snohomish County’s 2009 Board-Approved Public Policy Agenda

United Way of Snohomish County’s public policy agenda provides guidance on local, state and federal policy. It focuses on areas of importance by supporting legislative and policy activities that sustain the work of our three vision councils and related community outcomes:

Top Priority: Preserve previous investments in health and human services programs.

In recent legislative sessions, both state and county government have made a number of significant investments in key health and human service programs. As our state and county face economic downturns and elected officials grapple with deficits, these investments may be in jeopardy. Should cuts in these areas occur, not only will it negatively impact our state’s most vulnerable citizens, but it will be difficult to analyze the long-term cost-effectiveness of these strategies.

Other priorities

Support the 1/10 of 1% local sales tax for mental health services in Snohomish County

The local tax option will have a timely and significant impact on criminal justice needs and may result in a decrease in future crime rates. Its focus on a range of treatment and requisite resources makes it a comprehensive approach to mental health intervention and increases its likelihood of success. Investment in these services will pay large dividends to our community.

Support $3 million in funding to sustain 2-1-1 statewide

2-1-1 is a simple-to-remember phone number that connects people who need help with health and human services information and resources in their local communities.

Every day, more than 1000 WA residents call 2-1-1 looking for information and referral sources that will help them meet the challenges they’re facing. Locally, North Sound 2-1-1 calls are up 54% so far this year. Support a statewide system that aligns services with structure and funding.

Fund final phase-in of health care coverage—$4 million

The Health Coalition prioritizes the following investments needed to realize the goal of health coverage for all kids by the year 2010, and insists that funding for these priorities should not come at the expense of health care of adults, the educational system, or other basic supports for families in need. During these tough economic times, children’s health coverage is essential to maintain, promote and protect.

Support further investments in early learning initiatives

Early childhood education is a foundation for strong schools and a strong economy. Quality early learning opportunities prepare tomorrow’s workforce for global competition. State-level research demonstrates that more than half of Washington’s kindergarteners do not enter school ready to learn. Sadly, most of these children will not catch up.