CHAMPIONING PROGRAMS THAT WORK
February 5, 2025 – SkillSource staff and program participants traveled to Olympia for the 2025 Legislative Day and Hill Climb, joining the Washington Workforce Association (WWA) in advocacy of ongoing support for Economic Security for All (EcSA).
The trip provided a valuable opportunity to connect directly with legislators and share firsthand accounts of EcSA’s impact. SkillSource team members, including CEO Lisa Romine, Managing Director Susan Adams, Communications Manager Kelli Martinelli, and Business Engagement Specialist Mayra Eaton-Garcia, engaged in these important conversations, but the stars were special guests, Mima Cole and James Moore, who shared their personal stories of transformation and success thanks to the resources provided by EcSA and the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). Their experiences highlighted the real-world benefits and impact, and underscored its importance in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency, build fulfilling careers, and contribute to the vitality of their communities.
We would like to thank Representatives Mike Steele, Tom Dent, Joe Schmick, and Alex Ybarra, and Senators Judy Warnick and Mark Schoesler for taking the time to meet with us. These meetings, along with conversations with Megan Matthews of the WA State Office of Equity and Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier, demonstrated the bipartisan support for EcSA, which was codified in 2024 and is crucial for ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for Washington communities.
Economic Security for All is an investment in Washington’s future with significant calculable ROI. As the WWA’s top legislative priority, enhancing EcSA resources is vital for increasing service levels and streamlining program administration. EcSA serves as a critical state funding stream, aligning existing workforce and support programs to maximize their collective impact. These funds are essential for connecting businesses with skilled workers and providing individuals with the training and credentials necessary to achieve economic independence. Critically, EcSA prioritizes assisting traditionally underserved communities, including BIPOC, justice-impacted, and rural populations, fostering generational economic success by providing the resources and support needed to thrive in the workforce.
EcSA works. It’s a revenue-generating program where investments in individuals and businesses lead to measurable returns, increasing economic vitality and stability in households and communities. People need these necessary resources to succeed. EcSA, along with guided support, personal commitment and tenacity, enables individuals to pull themselves up and achieve their full potential.
SkillSource extends a special thank you to the WWA, the Hill Climb organizers, and the Association of Washington Business (AWB) for their support in making this legislative day a success. As the legislative session continues, SkillSource, through its local workforce board of directors, will remain engaged to coordinate potential future actions in support of the EcSA initiative and the Community Reinvestment Project. The goal is to ensure that programs like EcSA, which have a proven track record of success, continue to receive the support they need to build a stronger and more equitable Washington.
