The 105-day  2023 session of the Washington State Legislature, which began in January and wrapped up at the end of April, made some significant investments in programs for low-income people. Here are a few that may be of interest to SHA residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants. 

HB is House Bill and SB is Senate Bill, indicating which chamber of the legislature originated the bill. 

• $150 million for HB 1474 to provide homeownership opportunities for people harmed by historic racially restrictive covenants and redlining. 
• Investments in the Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) cash grant assistance program, including passage of HB 1260, which ends the pay-back requirements. The budget boosts funding for the program by 8 percent, and includes $50 million to eliminate the pay-back requirement for people who received ABD while waiting to qualify for federal benefits. 
• A permanent ongoing increase of $26.5 million for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) rental assistance program.  
• $5 million for eviction prevention and tenant’s right to counsel. 
• $8.7 million for SB 5256 to make the child welfare housing assistance program a permanent and statewide program, and provide funding for housing Foster Youth and families. 
• $400 million for the Housing Trust Fund, which is a vital funding source for building and preserving the affordable housing developed by non-profits that is needed to address and prevent homelessness. 
   

With the legislature now adjourned for the year, lawmakers and state agencies will begin work to implement these new programs and disperse funding to eligible recipients later this year. However, many of these programs are already offering assistance and you can apply online, by phone at 877.501.2233 or at your local Community Services Office. For those programs that are not yet operational, SHA will provide information in future issues of The Voice on eligibility and how to apply as it becomes available.