Legislative Session Update:

Why the Next Six Weeks Matter

There are only about six weeks left in the legislative session, and so much is at stake for Adult Family Homes and the people you care for. This is a “short” session with enormous fiscal pressure, and the decisions made in Olympia over the next several weeks will shape the stability of our community for years to come.

The State Budget: Protect What We Have

First off, as you all may already know, there is a projected 2–3 billion dollar budget shortfall. Budget leadership has been signaling a maintenance level approach and urging legislators to limit new spending. In other words, they are trying to maintain funding for the things they are already paying for and have no money for anything additional. In this environment, restoring programs already cut last year, including the Meaningful Day Program, would be extremely challenging and is, frankly, unlikely to happen. Many of you have heard this very similar messaging from Rep. Davis who sits on one of the budget committees on Tuesday during the Virtual Lobby Day. With this shortfall, there is a real risk that long term services and supports, including Home and Community Based Services, could become targets for reductions or delays instead of expansion.

Adult Family Homes are already entering this session absorbing significant cost increases. Licensing fees doubled from 225 dollars to 450 dollars per bed annually as of July 1, 2025, the Meaningful Day Program was ended last session, devastating many homes and the individuals who relied on those supports, and the legislature swept our civil penalty account last year. Against that backdrop, our number one goal this year is simple: PROTECT, PROTECT, PROTECT what we have and prevent any additional cuts to the Adult Family Home community.

The Impact of H.R.1

Another major concern we want to highlight is the fallout from H.R.1. Many may know H.R.1. as either “The Big Beautiful Bill” or “The Big Ugly Bill,” but for long term care in Washington, the impacts are clear and deeply troubling. Earlier this year, Congress passed H.R.1, and the bill threatens the health and well being of thousands of Washington seniors and people with disabilities.

This federal law will cut off Medicaid long term care for an estimated 3,000 residents in Nursing Homes and Adult Family Homes and eliminate health coverage for roughly 30,000 Washingtonians, including people with disabilities. As you heard from Representative Jamila Taylor during Tuesday’s Virtual Lobby Day, the Washington State Legislature is working to protect funding for this vulnerable population to the greatest extent possible at the state level.

Our Focus in Olympia

Our goal in Olympia is to be in constant conversation with legislators from both parties and every region of the state to ensure they understand the critical importance of Adult Family Homes and the services you provide. We are emphasizing three main points in every meeting:

• AFHs are a vital part of the long term care continuum, allowing residents to live in true homes, not institutions.

• Providers are already stretched thin by rising costs, workforce shortages, and the loss of programs like Meaningful Day.

• Any further cuts to Medicaid long term care or HCBS will directly translate into fewer options for residents and more closures in our community.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to keep you updated on key budget decisions, relevant bills, and opportunities to share your stories with lawmakers. Your voices and experiences are essential in making sure Adult Family Homes are not overlooked as the legislature makes difficult choices in a tight budget year.

February Learning Lab Highlights

Practical learning for better care, better compliance,

and better operations.

The February Learning Lab schedule includes a mix of recurring sessions and focused webinars to support AFH providers with marketing and regulatory guidance for running an Adult Family Home. These sessions are designed to address real questions providers face and to offer practical guidance that can be applied in daily operations. Whether you are looking to strengthen your branding and engagement, better understand regulatory expectations, or navigate day-to-day challenges, the Learning Lab offers opportunities to stay informed, build confidence, and feel supported as you navigate your work.  

Mornings With Marketing take place on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 8:30–9:00 AM. These sessions are an open space for AFH providers to ask marketing questions and get practical, actionable guidance to strengthen visibility and outreach.

Mornings With Member Support are hosted on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 8:30–9:30 AM. This is a space to ask compliance-related questions, get regulatory guidance, and receive real-time support from the Council team.

Join us on February 12 from 2:00–3:00 PM for Understanding AFH Requirements Under the Death With Dignity Act. Led by our Regulatory Support Director Maleia Press, this webinar will walk providers through what Adult Family Homes are required to do, why these requirements matter, and how to meet compliance expectations with confidence.

We’ll wrap up the month on February 25 from 10:00–11:00 AM with a special marketing webinar, Telling Your AFH Story Through Photos. This session will explore how to take authentic, compelling photos that reflect your home’s values, culture, and care, without needing professional equipment.