WSCC to Search for New Executive Director

Joe Sprague, Executive Director of the WSCC since 2017, is returning to the state of Alaska for a unique career opportunity in aviation there.  Joe spent 30 years in aviation before working for the Church.  The WSCC is accepting applications from individuals with a passion for policy issues spanning the life and justice spectrum.  For more information, click here .

Life and Liberty Death Penalty Bill Dead in 2019

Despite widespread support, the bill to repeal the death penalty, SB 5339, did not receive a vote of the full State House before the legislative cut-off date.  The WSCC greatly appreciates all the efforts of the Catholic Advocacy Network to help move this bill forward during the current session.  We will be picking up where we left off during the 2020 legislative session.

Social Justice  Important Budget Issues Await Final Legislative Action

According to the State’s constitution, the last day allowed for the 2019 regular session is this Sunday, April 28th.  Much of the remaining work is related to finalizing the Capital, Operating, and Transportation budgets.

The WSCC is focused on ensuring that the Housing Trust Fund, which enables organizations like Catholic Charities agencies to build affordable housing, receives ample funding in the Capital Budget.  For the Operating Budget, we are advocating for vital initiatives to combat homelessness, such as Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program, as well as an innovative pilot to bring Medicaid personal care directly to homeless seniors and people with disabilities.

Bill to Protect All Students Signed into Law  Thank you to the Catholic Advocacy Network for contacting your lawmakers and urging them to support SB 5514.  The bill received unanimous support from both houses and was signed into law by the Governor on Good Friday!  This bill was drafted to address the lack of emergency notifications to public and private schools from first responders during events that would otherwise call for lockdowns or evacuations.  Special thanks to Senator Mike Padden (R – Spokane Valley), the prime sponsor of the bill.

Upcoming Events

Walking + Witnessing for Migrant Families – April 29 to May 11

Catholic Immigration Summit, Seattle – June 8

Cornerstone Catholic Conference Tacoma – October 18-19, 2019