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WA Immigrant Solidarity Network – March 17, 2025

Posted on March 17, 2025

[Español Abajo]

With just 41 days left in this legislative session, WAISN and our partners are still fighting to advance critical policies that would benefit our immigrant and refugee community members.

The state budget deficit has loomed heavy all session and has led to the end of some of our bills—including our bills for our two primary campaigns for Health Equity for Immigrants (HB 1482) and Wage Replacement for Excluded Undocumented Workers (SB 5626/ HB 1773), but we’re not giving up! We’re pushing for a budget proviso to ensure ongoing healthcare coverage for those currently covered by Apple Health Expansion, as well as those on the waitlist.

Unfortunately this budget deficit has led to an end for other bills we were supporting as well including Traffic Safety for All, No Violence No Segregation, Attorney General Investigation and Reform, and Pay Pathways for Undocumented Students. Despite these setbacks, we’ve seen progress on key bills for Rent Stabilization (HB 1217), a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (SB 5023), Operational Standards for Private Detention Facilities (HB 1232), and more. 

We’re keeping the pressure on lawmakers to make sure they champion these bills that are still moving through the legislative process, and we need your help to keep up their momentum. Here are some ways you can take action this week!

Take ten minutes to help advance important policies for immigrant communities

Right now, key policies that protect immigrants and refugees are moving through the Washington legislature—we need your help to push them forward. By signing in “PRO” on the bills at the latest one hour before their hearings, you can help show broad support to advance them out of committee. It only takes 2 minutes each!

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (SB 5023) – Public hearing in House Labor & Workplace Standards 03/18 @ 10:30 AM

Sign in “PRO”

Paid Sick & Safe Days for Immigration Proceedings (HB 1875) – Public hearing in Senate Labor & Commerce 03/18 @ 10:30 AM

Sign in “PRO”

Immigration Enforcement & Bail Bonds Recovery (SB 5714) – Public hearing in House Consumer Protection & Business 03/18 @ 1:30 PM

Sign in “PRO”

Inspection of Private Detention Facilities (HB 1232) – Public hearing in Senate Human Services 03/19 @ 8:00 AM

Sign in “PRO”

Rent Stabilization (HB 1217) – Public hearing in Senate Housing 03/19 @ 1:30 PM

Sign in “PRO”

In order to see these important and necessary priorities become a reality, we must come together unapologetically demanding change from lawmakers. Last session we secured historic wins for immigrant communities across Washington, and I know that this year we can build on those successes, but we need your help to do it!

Catalina Velasquez 
Pronouns: She/Her
Executive Director

[English Above]

Con solo 41 días restantes en esta sesión legislativa, WAISN y nuestros socios todavía están luchando para promover políticas críticas que beneficien a los miembros de nuestra comunidad de inmigrantes y refugiados.

El déficit presupuestario estatal ha sido pesado durante toda la sesión y ha causado el fin de algunos de nuestros proyectos de ley—incluyendo nuestras dos campañas principales para la Igualdad en la Salud para los Inmigrantes (HB 1482) y la Sustitución Salarial para los Trabajadores Indocumentados Excluidos (SB 5626/ HB 1773)—¡pero no nos vamos a rendir! Estamos presionando por una provisión presupuestaria para garantizar una cobertura médica continua para aquellos que actualmente están cubiertos por la expansión de Apple Health, así como para aquellos que están en lista de espera.

Desafortunadamente, este déficit presupuestario ha causado el fin de otros proyectos de ley que también estábamos apoyando incluyendo Seguridad Vial para Todos, No Violencia, No Segregación, Proyecto de Ley de Investigación y Reforma de la Fiscalía General, y Vías de Pago para Estudiantes Indocumentados. A pesar de esto, hemo visto avances en proyectos de ley clave para Estabilización de Alquileres (HB 1217), Carta de Derechos de los Trabajadores del Hogar (SB 5023), Normas Operativas para Centros de Detención Privados (HB 1232) y más.

Seguimos presionando a los legisladores para que defiendan estos proyectos de ley que siguen avanzando en el proceso legislativo, y necesitamos su ayuda para mantener este impulso. ¡Aquí tienes algunas formas de tomar acción esta semana!

Tómese diez minutos para ayudar a promover políticas importantes para las comunidades de inmigrantes

En este momento, las políticas clave que protegen a los inmigrantes y refugiados se están moviendo a través de la legislatura de Washington y necesitamos su ayuda para impulsarlas. Al firmar “PRO” en los proyectos de ley a más tardar una hora antes de sus audiencias, puede mostrar su apoyo para que estas políticas avancen fuera del comité. ¡Solo toma 2 minutos cada una!

Carta de Derechos de los Trabajadores del Hogar (SB 5023) – audiencia en el comité de Normas Laborales y de Trabajo de la Cámara de Representantes el 18 de marzo @ 10:30 AM

Firma “PRO”

Días Pagados de Enfermedad y Seguridad para Procedimientos de Inmigración (HB 1875) – audiencia en el comite Trabajo y Comercio del Senado el 18 de marzo @ 10:30 AM

Firma “PRO”

Aplicación de la Ley de Inmigración y Recuperación de Fianzas (SB 5714) – audiencia en el comité de Protección del Consumidor y Empresas de la Cámara de Representantes el 18 de marzo @ 10:30 AM

Firma “PRO”

Inspección de Centros de Detención Privados (HB 1232) – audiencia en el comité de Servicios Humanos del Senado el 03/19 @ 8:00 AM

Firma “PRO”

Estabilización de Renta (HB 1217) – audiencia en el comité de Vivienda del Senado el 19 de marzo @ 1:30 PM

Firma “PRO”

Para que estas prioridades tan importantes y necesarias se conviertan en realidad, debemos unirnos y exigir cambios a los legisladores. En la última sesión conseguimos victorias históricas para las comunidades de inmigrantes en todo Washington, y sé que este año podemos avanzar aún más, ¡pero necesitamos su ayuda para hacerlo!

Gracias por acompañarnos en esta lucha,

Catalina Velasquez 
Pronombres: Ella
Directora Ejecutiva

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3 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
You have until August 4th by 8pm to vote!It is too late to mail your ballot. Drop it off at one of the ballot boxes ASAP!⬇⬇⬇ Find a drop box near you ⬇⬇⬇www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes... ... See MoreSee Less

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Time is running out to vote! Drop your ballot off at one of these ballot boxes: www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...If you know someone: a parent, sibling or friend, who doesn’t vote because they have a feeling it doesn’t matter.... Tell them to vote for their kids, to vote for their brother or sister, for their neighbor. It might matter to that other person and we are MUCH stronger when we do things for each other... not for ourselves. #vote #franklincountywa #bentoncountywa #tricities ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Time is running out to cast your ballot —find a drop box near you!!! ⬇️www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...I voted today! Deliver your ballot to a drop box before 8:00PM on August 4th to make it count!Here's a list of official ballot drop boxes in District 4 counties. Find yours.www.johnduresky4congress.com/ballot-drop-boxes ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Our July General Meeting is Thursday (7/23) at Round Table Pizza, the Kennewick location.Meet fellow advocates and help mobilize our voters for change!🗓️ Thursday, July 23rd🕡 6:30pm - 8:00pm📍 Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location (3300 W Clearwater Ave.) ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

3 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
✅ If you want to see these names on the ballot in November you NEED to vote now! The primary election is August 4th! 🗳️ Make sure to turn your ballot in via drop box, here are the Benton County ballot drop box locations: www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...✅ John Duresky for Congress ✅ Chelsea Dimas for State Representative ✅ Ezequiel Morfin for State Representative 14th LD Pos. 2 Democrat ✅ Derek Sarley for State Representative ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

August 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    August 1, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

•
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  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 4, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 4, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
5
  • BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    August 5, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=3183729656135

    ADDICTION not only disrupts lives but also has significant social and economic impacts for the larger community. Opening of the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery represents a major advancement in the regional services needed to help address addiction challenges.

    In recognition of the opening of the Center for Recovery, the August 5 Badger Club Forum will feature an important conversation about causes, prevention and treatment of addiction. Two experts will consider what addiction is; the gap between what we know and what we do; what the community is and can be doing; what families need to know; and substance abuse prevention and looking to the future.

    See more details

•
6
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 6, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
7
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    August 7, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing, 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
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  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    August 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
11
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 11, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    August 11, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
12
13
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 13, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
14
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    August 14, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland, WA 99353, USA or Pasco Round Table

    It's August, and by the time we meet (at 6pm on August 14th) we should know the result of the primaries! We are inviting candidates who have made it through the primary to come visit with us. We will also have 'Hate Has no Home Here' and 'Vote Blue' signs available.


    We are hoping that it won't be too hot and smoky for a picnic at the farm - 4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland, WA. We have plenty of shade and misters and sprinklers to take the edge off the heat. We have the Pasco Round Table reserved in the event that the weather does not cooperate, and we'll make a final announcement on Wednesday the 12th. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. If we are picnicking, bring a dish to share, and Tri-City Democrats will provide utensils and plates, and napkins. If we're at the pizza location, TCD will purchase an assortment of pizzas to share. You're on your own for salad bar and beverages, though there are usually pitchers of beer provided by fellow members. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group.


    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/315969142/

    See more details

•
15
  • Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    August 15, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Our monthly Indivisible Tri-Cities meetings are all about taking action in our community.📆

    💬We’ll be talking about what’s happening, how our community organizations are stepping up, and how we can help. We’ll also start planning for upcoming events.

    🗣️We want to hear from you! Your ideas and input matter.

    ✊This is how we build power together. Come connect, learn, and take action with us. See you there!

    If you're able, please bring a non-perishable food item for donation. We strive to collect these resources at every Indivisible Tri-Cities event, on behalf of our community partners.

    See more details

•
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18
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 18, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 18, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
19
20
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 20, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
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23
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25
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 25, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    August 25, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
26
27
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 27, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • 16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    August 27, 2026  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    Every month on the Fourth Thu, until Jan 28, 2027, 11occurrence(s)

    Pleasedownload and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendarsystem.

    Monthly:https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUldO6hrzwuGd3-10krfe1QmS1Jo9tXBOs-/ics?icsToken=DJVFuCKh_Z4OoP_SCgAALAAAAFdu_ZAfRNNEgm3YY-r-IQJW5lTWuy29jBlclOVfmw-klIsBeuZV2F2PvUCBHbh0ht8yhdyefiR9fBmqRDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=AnaBeSvNSjeuG9ncdABDuA

    JoinZoom Meeting

    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

     

    MeetingID: 818 3791 7439

    Passcode:Dems2026

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    August 27, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Locations are at various venues around the county. Please subscribe to the BCDCC mailing list to receive a notification.

    Zoom Link

    See more details

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