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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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❗Richland, Kennewick and Grandview ❗February 10th (that is ONE WEEK from today) is the special election deadline, don’t forget to vote!! ... See MoreSee Less

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Port of Benton fires CFO weeks after executive director placed on leave

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The Port of Benton has fired a member of its leadership team just weeks after its executive director was put on leave and amid demands for greater transparency in the
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If you haven't listeneBruce Springsteensteen's new song or watched this music video we highly recommend you doing so. ... See MoreSee Less

Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Lyric Video)

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Directed by Thom ZimnyEdited by Thom Zimny and Samuel ShapiroProduction Footage: Pam Springsteen and Thom Zimny

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We join forces to win more elections! It was a pleasure co-hosting with Franklin County (WA) Democrats for yesterday's Precinct Committee Officer training! And thank you to all Democrats from all of the legislative districts in the Tri-Cities who joined us.It was a packed house at tonight's Democrat Precinct Committee Officer training for PCOs from Franklin and Benton Counties. Others joined on Zoom. It was an excellent training. Many thanks to Ken, Karen and John for conducting the training and to Carl for tech support. ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is at John Dam Plaza.

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Benton County WA Democrats
Dear Students,You should be damn proud of yourselves! You used your 1st amendment rights to stand up for your peers, your communities, and your nation. You have proven that young Americans will not be silent about the injustices happening around you. You have inspired us all and given us hope for a better future! Shout out to these incredible organizers:@kennewickhighwalkout @southridgewalkoutprotest @kamiakinwalkout @rhsstudentsforchange @hhsstudentsforchange_ ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

February 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 2, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
3
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 3, 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

    February 3, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
4
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 4, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
5
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 5, 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

•
6
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    February 6, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewery 8804 West Victoria Ave Kennewick

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
7
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    February 7, 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

  • Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    February 7, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    East Lincoln Avenue & Yakima Valley Highway Sunnyside, WA 98944

    This a local Indivisible event hosted by Central Washington Resistance!

    Saturday, February 7th, there will be a protest from 12pm-2pm! We will meet on the sidewalk on the corner of East Lincoln Ave & Yakima Valley Hwy. In Sunnyside!

    Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! We are tired of I.C.E. bringing violence to our communities and this administration spreading fear here and in other countries! Please share… See you there

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 9, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    February 9, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 10, 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

    February 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
11
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 11, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
12
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 12, 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

•
13
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, February 13, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, February 13, 6:00 PM

    February 13, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza3201 W Court St, Pasco

    This month we'll meet at the round Table Pizza on Court Street in Pasco. February 13 at 6pm. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. As is our normal practice, Tri-City Democrats will order several pizzas to share. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group. Some of our generous members are likely to purchase pitchers of beer to share. If you want the salad bar or soft drinks, you are on your own for those items.

    At this writing, we do not have a planned program, but we will have 'Hate Has no Home Here' signs available. We will also briefly discuss our budget for 2026.

    For full details, including the address, and to RSVP see: https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/313259935/

    See more details

•
14
15
16
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 16, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
17
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 17, 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

    February 17, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
18
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 18, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
19
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 19, 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

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    February 19, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    We’re excited to invite you to our February General Meeting on Thursday, February 19th!
    As always, we’ll kick things off with our community potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by the meeting at 6:00 PM.
    You can join us in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) or on Zoom. We’d love to see you in whichever way works best for you.

    See more details

• •
20
21
22
23
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 23, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
24
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 24, 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

    February 24, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
25
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 25, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
26
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 26, 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

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    February 26, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
27
28
  • Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    February 28, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library Conference Room B 955 Northgate Richland, WA

    You’re invited to our next Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities!

    Join us for a cozy, welcoming morning of book discussion, community conversation, and knitting or crafting if you’d like.

    See more details

•
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