Economic Opportunity Institute

As the 2025 legislature begins, we will face a $10-12-billion-dollar shortfall over the next four years. The need for new revenue is urgent. Last time, lawmakers chose to balance the budget at the expense of low-income Washingtonians, children, and people with disabilities through devastating cuts over passing more equitable and progressive revenue. Now, they have the perfect opportunity this session to right those wrongs. Lawmakers must pass multiple progressive revenue solutions to fund the programs and services that help make Washington communities affordable and a desirable place to live. Read more about our legislative agenda: https://lnkd.in/gyiEUVgU

I scream, you scream, we all scream for... legislative updates! We're excited to invite you to our first-ever mid-session event, FYI with EOI: Session Scoop. Please register today to get the latest scoop from Olympia, up-to-date progress on our legislative agenda, and ways to power progress. Register at tinyurl.com/session-scoop. See you next month ??

Time is running out to register for the 2025 Changemakers Dinner at our special early-bird ticket price! Join us on Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at Fisher Pavilion to celebrate progress and connect with fellow changemakers. You’ll hear from our Executive Director, Rian Watt, as he reflects on his first full year of leadership and enjoy a powerful panel discussion on core values of fairness, care, and opportunity. Register now to secure your spot at this inspiring event. Don’t wait: Early bird pricing ends Friday! Grab your seat for just $99 if you register by January 31 using this link: https://lnkd.in/gVnqKqdk

Have you noticed how your local hospitals are quietly being bought up by huge health care corporations?? ? These corporations aren't just changing names on buildings - they're completely reshaping how our communities access care. Once they dominate a region, they can pretty much do whatever they want: increase prices by 40%, shut down "unprofitable" reproductive and material health care services — leaving communities with no real alternatives to access care.?? ? As health advocates, this raises serious questions about the future of health care in our communities.? ? We're watching rural areas lose their only hospitals and families driving hours for basic care. This problem is made even worse when a Catholic health system buys your local hospital and denies reproductive care due to religious directives.??? ? Have you seen this happen in your community? Share with us in the comments.

A few hundred dollars a month in extra costs can make or break family budgets, as many hard-earned dollars go toward basic needs. What public investments will improve the everyday lives of Washingtonians and offer access to real opportunities to thrive? In our latest report, progressive revenue policy expert Carolyn Brotherton discusses Washington's current tax code and affordability across our state and explores changes to the costs of living in Washington. One thing is clear: Progressive revenue can increase affordability for working families. Read more by visiting https://lnkd.in/gUv_wiTv

Taxation is often made to be very polarizing. As Washington state lawmakers face a budget shortfall, reactions to progressive revenue options vary. But what do we know? We know that Washingtonians overwhelmingly support a wealth tax. People across our state voted against harmful cuts to essential programs and services; and in a recent poll, people across the political spectrum (66%) support taxing the ultra-wealthy. We know, after an in-depth look at the Department of Revenue's Wealth Tax Study, that a wealth tax on financial property can be reasonably and effectively implemented in Washington state. Read our latest, from progressive revenue expert Carolyn Brotherton, to learn more about an effective approach to a wealth tax.

Help support our transition to EveryAction. We are seeking a consultant to support migrating data to Bonterra/EveryAction. We will need you to: - Guide best practices for data entry and management, including support with creating a database user manual - Integrate Bonterra forms into our website - Support with data clean-up after migration - Train staff on website integration and reports ? Applications are due January 31 to [email protected]. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/g3in55py

Attention Changemakers! We have some good news to share as we enter the new year: The early bird special for our 2025 Changemakers Dinner has been extended. To take advantage of this offer, secure your tickets by January 31. You won't want to miss this night of celebration, reflection, and connection. For more information and to get your ticket today, visit https://lnkd.in/gSJDR3Wh

The legislative session starts in less than a week. Lawmakers have several policy options to fund public services amid a colossal budget deficit. "Once again declining sales tax receipts and an overwhelming lack of progressive taxes are part of the problem. Washington state is home to the country’s second-most regressive tax code, ahead of only Florida. This time around, our state legislators must make a different choice than they did in the last recession: they must make the wealthy finally pay what they owe. This is the only path to balance the budget and keep our state affordable for working people." Read more from our Executive Director, Rian Watt, and Balance Our Tax Code's Emma Scalzo: https://lnkd.in/gK9bzwxv

It’s in our name, but what does it mean? At EOI, we know that opportunity is not about ambition — it’s about having the tools and security to pursue your dreams. Unfortunately, not everyone starts from the same place, and structural inequities hold too many Washingtonians back. The wealth gap continues to grow while the ultra-wealthy continue to benefit from systems designed to keep them ahead at the expense of a level economic playing field for everyone else. Opportunity is about embedding security into our economy and giving everyone the chance to thrive. By building a framework of systemic opportunity, we’re ensuring that everyone has a chance to succeed on their own terms. Whether it’s fairness, care, or opportunity, all of our work is connected and can empower individuals across our state, building our collective solidarity and safeguarding our rights. Help us unlock opportunity for all by supporting our end-of-year campaign today! Your support makes our work possible. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gBGq7Tdt