There is no workforce in the state of Washington that has more at stake in decisions made by the Legislature.

Ensuring language access for our fellow Washingonians is rewarding, but we are facing challenges like never before. To provide the quality public services our state relies on, we need quality people.

That means:

• The Legislature still must approve the 2.5% pay increase in hourly rates our union negotiated for interpreters in DSHS-HCA appointments.
• We must stop the Department of Social and Health Services from offshoring appointments. State agencies should not be using state budget dollars to pay for interpreter services outside the US or outside our state, especially when there are so many interpreters in Washington looking for work.
• We need state-funded medical insurance for interpreters
• We need increased support for interpreters working in languages of low demand

We are the experts.

Lawmakers need to hear from us how we have and continue to serve our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing essential services.