FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2026
Local Workforce Boards Across Washington Applaud Lawmakers, Others for Strong Support for Poverty-Reduction Program
House Bill 2523 ensures the Community Reinvestment Plan remains a crucial part of the durable structure to increase equity and expand economic security for all.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Workforce Association (WWA), comprised of the state’s 12 Local Workforce Development Boards, authored a letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson thanking him for his ongoing support for Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP) funding and urging him to sign House Bill 2523 into law. The bill passed with strong bipartisan votes of 88-9 in the House and 45-3 in the Senate.
House Bill 2523, sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way) and Chair of the Washington Legislative Black Caucus, strengthens and codifies the CRP, ensuring that communities harmed by decades of inequitable policy finally have a pathway toward investment, restoration, and opportunity.
“Over the past several years, Local Workforce Development Boards have implemented the CRP vision in partnership with trusted community organizations—supporting small business growth, providing matched savings and financial coaching, and delivering incentives and wraparound supports that help individuals move from poverty, through training, and into good jobs that lead to self-sufficiency,” said John Traugott, executive director for WWA. “We are incredibly grateful for Representative Reeves, who has been a steadfast champion for equity and economic justice, for working alongside us and so many others inside and outside the Legislature to secure funding this year and in years past that helps working families build generational wealth.”
In the letter to Gov. Ferguson, Local Board leaders wrote, in part, “The results are clear. Program completers move, on average, from earning under $10,000 annually at enrollment to nearly $48,000 upon completion, generating strong returns for the state—$2.64 for every dollar invested—through increased tax revenue and reduced reliance on public benefits. Each individual who reaches self-sufficiency saves taxpayers nearly $30,000 per year. Through CRP, local boards have engaged more than 9,600 businesses statewide, invested $5.6 million directly into small businesses, and supported over 3,300 individuals engaging in training and entering stable employment. These measurable outcomes strengthen Washington’s economy while helping families achieve lasting financial stability.”
Traugott also acknowledged the long-time leadership of Paula Fillmore-Sardinas, founder of the Washington Build Back Black Alliance and CEO of FMS Global Strategies, who served as the chief advocate for the community coalition that advanced the policy framework for reinvestment.
“Getting to this moment took authentic community engagement, strong partnerships, and years of hard work from people and organizations across the state,” said Traugott. “Thank you to everyone who built the CRP since its inception, including Senator T’wina Nobles, who played a pivotal role as the 2025 proviso sponsor securing program funding this year, as well as our past champions for CRP Representative Melanie Morgan and Senator Rebecca Saldaña. The CRP has truly changed lives.”
House Bill 2523 now awaits the governor’s signature. The 60-day 2026 Legislative Session is scheduled to adjourn on Thursday, March 12.
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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]
