Weekly Advocacy Update
Vote PRO on HB 1398!
Jan 30, 2025 Update:
HB 1398 had nearly 1,400 individuals signed in PRO for its hearing on January 28. Thank you to everyone who participated and spread the word! We also want to extend our gratitude to the 12 representatives who sponsored the bill, with a special thank you to Representative Shaun Scott for serving as the primary sponsor.
While we’ve made great progress, our work isn’t finished. There are still important steps we can take to make sure our representatives understand how crucial this bill is for the future of adult family homes.
The Adult Family Home Council is thrilled to announce we’ve championed House Bill 1398, a game-changer that will ensure fair pay for adult family homes by amending RCW 41.56.465. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation our Council has pushed and could set the stage for long-term, positive change in Medicaid rates.
Why Does This Matter?
Adult family homes collectively bargain their Medicaid reimbursement rates. While these rights have helped us make meaningful rate increases, we continue to lag behind other state paid long-term care programs.
Even in our state, in-home caregivers and childcare workers already benefit from provisions that consider, among other things, a comparison of wages, hours, and working conditions of publicly reimbursed workers who provide similar care to clients. These considerations have not been extended to adult family homes.
HB 1398 is our chance to ensure adult family homes receive the equitable pay they deserve.
Sign in PRO for HB1398!
HB 1398 will have a hearing in the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Tuesday, January 28. Show your support by signing in PRO today! We need as many PRO sign ins as possible to demonstrate the critical need for equitable rates.
How to sign in PRO: Visit the Committee Sign In page. The first and most important field on the sign in form is Position. Select “PRO” in the dropdown box to show your support for the bill.
After completing the form, you will be directed to a confirmation page that looks like the image below.
Stay Engaged
- Weekly webinars: Join us for regular updates and insights on the legislative session. Check our events page for upcoming dates.
- Attend Lobby Day on March 25: Register for this free event and directly tell your representatives why HB1398 matters to you.
A Moment to Celebrate
Check out the image below of Representative Shaun Scott introducing HB 1398 in the Hopper. This is how legislators set up bill drafts to be introduced and assigned to a committee. Let’s keep the momentum going!
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.