Local workforce board leaders across Washington state honored the governor for his creation and commitment to the life-changing Economic Security for All poverty reduction program.
OLYMPIA, Wash., – The Washington Workforce Association (WWA), comprised of local workforce development boards and their partners across Washington state, presented Gov. Jay Inslee with their first-ever Workforce Champion Award on Nov. 21 in Olympia. The award recognizes the governor’s work to enshrine his legacy program, Economic Security for All (EcSA), into law that solidifies the commitment to poverty reduction and workforce development across the state.
“Our association was honored to recognize Gov. Jay Inslee for his innovation and willingness to play a pivotal role in building EcSA – a program designed to enhance and align poverty reduction and prevention efforts. His commitment to not only funding the program but helping us codify it into law will ensure we continue to make an impact on underserved and traditionally marginalized populations across the state,” said John Traugott, executive director for WWA. “As we celebrate the milestone in poverty reduction, we know there is work ahead to move more families from poverty to self-sufficiency and create brighter futures for countless Washingtonians.”
Traugott added that partners like the Employment Security Department and Department of Commerce have been integral in administering and boosting program resources statewide. He also praised the Economic Justice Alliance, a group that guided the building of the program since inception in 2019.
“Under Gov. Inslee’s leadership, this innovative program has become a cornerstone of our state’s efforts to combat poverty and promote self-sufficiency. His leadership in building EcSA, which included bringing together the Poverty Reduction Workgroup, was a bold step toward inclusive policymaking,” said Amy Martinez, WWA board chair and CEO of South Central Workforce in Yakima. “His legacy in leadership is solidified by the results we’re seeing through EcSA, which has moved thousands of families out of poverty and onto a path of economic security and into careers that are meaningful in our communities. We look forward to working with the next governor and elected leaders to continue this successful program for years to come.”
The Workforce Champion Award will be presented to state leaders and lawmakers who demonstrate a long-term commitment to workforce development initiatives and funding that moves people out of poverty and into fulfilling careers.
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About the Washington Workforce Association
The Washington Workforce Association (WWA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization of the Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) of Washington State. The LWDBs are business-led boards that coordinate and leverage workforce investments and strategies with stakeholders from education, economic development, labor, and community-based organizations to advance the economic health of their respective communities through a skilled and competitive workforce.
Media Contact: Bobbi Cussins, 360.280.1679, [email protected]
