Final Push to Protect AFH Funding
Take Action TODAY!
The 2025 legislative session has concluded, but Governor Ferguson has until Saturday, May 17 to sign the budget. This gives us a small but mighty window to fight!
We need your help to urge the Governor to veto specific sections of the budget that would:
- End Meaningful Day Services for new residents: Starting July 1, 2025, the state would permanently stop enrolling new residents in these vital programs, cutting off opportunities for skill-building, social connection, and community engagement.
- Raise licensing fees to unsustainable levels: Proposed increases would force providers to pay $450 per bed each year—placing significant financial strain on homes already operating on razor-thin margins.
- Divert funds from the Civil Penalty Account: Instead of using these funds to enhance the quality of life for residents, the budget would allow them to be used for administrative and enforcement expenses—breaking the original promise to residents.
If allowed to stand, these changes would be devastating—threatening services, financial stability, and the well-being of residents across Washington State.
- Veto the sections that eliminate Meaningful Day Services for new residents
- Veto the sections that increase licensing fees beyond sustainable levels
- Veto the sections that expand the use of the Civil Penalty Account
Your voice matters. The future of our homes—and the future of those we serve—depends on it.
Let’s keep this momentum going!
Step 1: Send a Message to Governor Ferguson
Click this link to send a message to Governor Ferguson: https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-ferguson-e-message
Step 2: Use the Email Template Below
*There is an attachment option. Please share a picture of your home or a resident you provide care for.
Email Template:
Good Day,
My name is ( ), and I am a (owner, caregiver, family member). I’m writing to express my deep concern about several budget decisions that will directly impact the stability of adult family homes and the quality of care we provide to our residents.
Specifically, I am urging you to veto the following harmful sections of the budget:
- Protect access to Meaningful Day Services:
Starting July 1, 2025, the budget proposes to stop authorizing these critical services for new residents. Meaningful Day Services are far more than recreational activities—they are a lifeline, offering skill-building, social engagement, and vital community connection. Ending access would create a permanent inequity and isolate vulnerable individuals simply because they live in an adult family home. I respectfully ask you to veto the section ending new enrollments in this program. - Keep licensing fees affordable:
The legislature has increased the adult family home licensing bed fee to $450, a dramatic increase from the current $225. For small providers like myself, this increase is simply unsustainable. We are already absorbing the rising costs of food, staffing, insurance, and compliance requirements. A steep licensing fee hike could force many providers out of business, reducing community-based care options for vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities. I respectfully ask you to veto the sections raising the licensing fee and protect small providers by maintaining it at $225, or capping any increase at no more than $325. - Preserve the Civil Penalty Account for resident-centered improvements:
The Civil Penalty Account was created to fund projects that enhance the quality of life for residents—not to cover administrative overhead, enforcement activities, or unrelated departmental expenses. Diverting these funds away from residents would directly harm the quality of care we can provide. I respectfully ask you to veto the sections that expand the use of the Civil Penalty Account beyond its intended, resident-centered purpose.
As a provider, I am already operating on razor-thin margins, balancing ever-increasing costs with an unwavering commitment to deliver safe, compassionate, high-quality care. These budget changes—if enacted—would place unbearable strain on homes like mine. Without relief, many of us may be forced to close our doors, leaving vulnerable residents without the care and community they deserve.
Please stand with adult family homes and the residents who depend on us. We are counting on your leadership to protect Washington’s most vulnerable.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Questions?
Contact our Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy:
Courtney Williams, MPA
Courtney@adultfamilyhomecouncil.org
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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.