Economic Security for All and Community Reinvestment Program funding provide lifelines for job seekers and employers to access economic opportunities and grow employment opportunities.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (May 16, 2025) – The Washington Workforce Association (WWA) and the state’s 12 Local Workforce Development Boards extend their sincere appreciation to the Washington State Legislature for their tireless work this session to address critical priorities across the state, including ongoing investments for poverty reduction and workforce development.
As signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the final budget includes $12.3 million in funding for the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program and $60 million for the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP). Both programs serve to reduce poverty through job training and support for small businesses looking to hire new workers and expand their workforce.
“We are incredibly grateful that in this challenging budget year, the Legislature and governor prioritized ongoing funding that lives up to our core values of reducing poverty and expanding job creation in our rural and underserved communities,” said John Traugott, WWA executive director. “These investments are crucial to advancing Washington’s efforts to move people to long-term economic independence, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and build resilient communities. While some of the funding was reduced, we will continue our work to create an economic ecosystem that benefits everyone.”
EcSA has proven highly effective in helping individuals move from poverty to economic self-sufficiency by connecting job seekers to career pathways and high-demand employment opportunities. The most recent data shows that EcSA participants increased their annual salary from $10,000 per year to nearly $50,000 after program completion – a five-fold return on investment.
The CRP complements these efforts by providing additional intensive supports and community-driven resources for economic development, legal assistance, violence prevention, and reentry services.
“These programs are lifelines for thousands of Washingtonians,” Traugott said. “By continuing investments in these innovative and successful programs, the Legislature is strengthening pathways to economic opportunity, advancing equity across our communities, and helping employers meet their urgent workforce needs. These investments will create lasting and generational benefits for families, businesses, and the economy as a whole.”
Traugott added that the WWA applauds the many partners who supported the funding, including the Employment Security Department, economic development leaders, the Department of Commerce, business owners and leaders and local organizations.
“Their collaboration, and commitment to ensuring Washington’s workforce and communities have the tools they need to thrive was invaluable,” said Traugott.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership to build a stronger, more inclusive economy for all,” he added.
The 105-day 2025 Legislative Session adjourned Sunday, April 27.
###
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]
