ACTION NEEDED:
Push HB 1398 Through the House Rules Committee!
HB 1398 has progressed to the House Rules Committee!
The House Rules Committee considers all bills reported from policy and fiscal committees and determines whether, and in what order, to schedule their consideration on the floor of the House. The Rules Committee also reviews, adopts and schedules consideration of floor resolutions. OUR BILL MUST PASS THROUGH THIS COMMITTEE TO PROGRESS.
Your action at this step in our bill’s progression is critical. 85% of bills fail at this stage. We need your help to show legislators how urgent this bill is. We recommend setting aside one hour to make an impact by emailing each committee member to vote in support. We understand this is a big commitment, but the more voices we have, the stronger our message will be!
What We Need You to do:
- Email every House Rules Committee Member and their Legislative Aides. You can find their names and districts below.
- Yes, this will take time. There are 22 members of this committee. Emailing them individually is best. Bonus points if you are in one of their districts! You can verify your district here.
- A draft email is posted below. You may adapt it to make it more personal, but please keep this centered on our ask to the committee.
- SHARE THIS WITH YOUR COMMUNITIES!
Please send questions to Courtney@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org
Email List:
To:
Peter.Abbarno@leg.wa.gov; Hunter.Abell@leg.wa.gov; Stephanie.Barnard@leg.wa.gov; April.Connors@leg.wa.gov; chris.corry@leg.wa.gov; lauren.davis@leg.wa.gov; jeremie.dufault@leg.wa.gov; Darya.Farivar@leg.wa.gov; joe.fitzgibbon@leg.wa.gov; laurie.jinkins@leg.wa.gov; Mark.Klicker@leg.wa.gov; mari.leavitt@leg.wa.gov; debra.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov; melanie.morgan@leg.wa.gov; lillian.ortiz-self@leg.wa.gov; alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov; Tarra.Simmons@leg.wa.gov; larry.springer@leg.wa.gov; Chris.Stearns@leg.wa.gov; drew.stokesbary@leg.wa.gov; monica.stonier@leg.wa.gov; my-linh.thai@leg.wa.gov; Joe.Timmons@leg.wa.gov; Kevin.Waters@leg.wa.gov
Cc:
Catherine.Word@leg.wa.gov; Rebecca.Ann@leg.wa.gov; Brooke.Myrland@leg.wa.gov; William.Burch@leg.wa.gov; Camille.Nelson@leg.wa.gov; Vivian.Marrero@leg.wa.gov; Jon.Hough@leg.wa.gov; Sunshine.Cheng@leg.wa.gov; Oksana.Reva@leg.wa.gov; Gretchen.Mazikowski@leg.wa.gov; Dianna.Hawkins@leg.wa.gov; Kat.Bryant@leg.wa.gov; Devon.McBride@leg.wa.gov; Samantha.Cruz-Mendoza@leg.wa.gov; Amanda.Hubik@leg.wa.gov; Zach.Ellis@leg.wa.gov; Emily.Wills@leg.wa.gov; Darci.Suttle@leg.wa.gov; Gina.Palermo@leg.wa.gov; Megan.Filippello@leg.wa.gov; Carmen.Tuncap@leg.wa.gov; Helen.Dahl@leg.wa.gov; Wanda.Scharfe@leg.wa.gov
Email Template:
Subject Line: Adult Family Homes need HB1398 to ensure long-term care can be maintained!
Good Morning, [Legislator]
My name is [Your Name]. I am a [What role you play in adult family homes] in Legislative District [Your District]. I am also a member of The Adult Family Home Council, which represents all adult family homes (AFHs) in Washington State.
I am emailing you to ask that you vote in support of HB 1398, a bill that is crucial to achieving pay equity for adult family homes. During this legislative session, we are seeking pay equity. Washington currently has more than 5,100 homes serving 30,000 vulnerable adults, and the industry has grown by 58% since 2021. This significant growth shows the urgency of investing in long-term care for vulnerable adults. Long-term care is not an option, but a reality we must invest in.
On 1/28/25, HB 1398 was heard in the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee with nearly 1,400 people signed in pro with 0 opposed. You can find the bill at: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Htm/Bills/House%20Bills/1398.htm. This bill will modify existing law in RCW 41.56.465 to eliminate disparities in pay and working conditions, thus establishing an equitable caregiving environment.
With nearly 65% of beds funded by Medicaid in AFHs, Medicaid’s low reimbursement rates have led to higher turnover, disrupting continuity of care, and adversely affecting residents’ health and safety. Recognizing AFHs in this legislation will eliminate disparities in pay and working conditions, thus establishing an equitable caregiving environment.
Our ask is simple: please include adult family homes in existing law to ensure that we receive equitable compensation. Supporting and passing HB1398 is an issue of equity and a step in the right direction.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.