More Power to POWER
POWER’s (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights) pushed through a budget action which reduces the work requirements from 32 hours/week to 20 hours/week for parents of children under six. This victory in the legislative session translates into hundreds of hours that parents are able to spend with their young children, without risking losing the benefits they receive from the state—a great triumph for both parents and children!
The organizations in our Groundwork Project have been making the news lately! In addition to “laying the groundwork” for real social change, many of our groups have been kicking off new campaigns and winning policy changes. One such group is POWER (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights).
While many in Washington were struggling to deal with the state deficit and budget cuts, POWER pushed through a budget amendment signed by Governor Chris Gregoire to make some much-needed changes to TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The amendment cuts costs for the state, but more importantly, it helps build and protect strong and healthy families in Washington.
In Washington State, welfare recipients participate in a program called WorkFirst, which places work requirements on those eligible for assistance. Because childcare is expensive, these work requirements increase difficulties for parents of infants and young children to receive the support they need.
POWER’s hard work led to a budget action which reduces the work requirements from 32 hours/week to 20 hours/week for parents of children under six. This victory in the legislative session translates into hundreds of hours that parents are able to spend with their young children, without risking losing the benefits they receive from the state—a great triumph for both parents and children!
Leading up to this victory, POWER brought over 150 low-income members to the state capitol to march, rally, and meet with legislators on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. These members shared their stories of struggling to make ends meet within a system that does not recognize childcare as work. POWER also organized MLK-themed childcare for the event—a fantastic way to learn about social justice at a young age.
The MLK Day event was followed by a dozen POWER members visiting their legislators one-on-one and eight women offering compelling testimony during legislative hearings. POWER truly understands that the most powerful voices in the struggle are the voices of those most affected. Way to go POWER!
Stay tuned for other victories from our Groundwork groups in upcoming e-newsletters.
