January 2, 2023 Newsletter

Connect with the Commission

Help Advance Pro-LGBTQ Legislation in 2023

The Washington State Legislature will convene for legislative session starting on Monday, January 9^th. Throughout session, the WA State LGBTQ Commission monitors legislation that directly or indirectly affects our community in the state. The Commission works with legislators and community advocates to ensure that our community has a clear voice in the process. Staff and Commissioners regularly meet with legislators to advise on issues that affect our community and what they can do to help advance LGBTQ protections and opportunities in our state.

The WA State LGBTQ Commission keeps an updated list of legislation that impacts our community through this link.

An integral part of the legislative process in Washington is the direct involvement of all residents. If you are looking for ways to connect with the Legislature during this legislative session, you can check out the different resources and tools available to the public through the WA Legislature’s website.

Overview of the Legislative Process

Find your district and state legislators

Read the bills submitted during the legislative session

Learn how to testify in committee

WA Department of Health – Youth Advisory Council – Apply Today!

Cancelled - WA State LGBTQ Commission Reception

January 20, 2023 WA State LGBTQ Commission Reception has been canceled.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the LGBTQ Commission Reception scheduled for Friday, January 20^th has been cancelled. We look forward to having other opportunities to connect with our community during other opportunities throughout 2023.

Opportunities for the Community

WA Department of Health – Youth Advisory Council – Apply Today!

Get involved and get a $50 gift card! We’re recruiting people ages 13-22 to serve on our Youth Advisory Council. We’re looking for young people from all walks of life with a variety of lived experiences (BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+, disability experiences, rural communities and more).

Youth Advisory Council members will share their thoughts, opinions, and recommendations about important health topics to help guide public health projects for Washington’s young people. You’ll earn a $50 gift card for each activity you participate in! Learn more and apply by January 31. Find the link in our bio.   https://waportal.org/partners/home/adolescent-health/youth-advisors

Working Families Tax Credit - A New Tax Credit for Washington Workers

Starting in 2023, the Working Families Tax Credit is a new tax refund that helps Washington workers and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program. The purpose of the Working Families Tax Credit is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity, and support the financial stability and well-being of low-to-moderate income Washington residents and their families. This credit program is managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR), the state’s tax administration agency. Find out more information about this program by visiting the Working Families Tax Credit page through this link.

Interested in serving on Commissions and Boards?

Monthly Upcoming Appointment Opportunities

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of Washingtonians. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government. We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities. As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities.  Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application.  Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved! Thank you for your assistance in helping Governor Inslee find well-rounded candidates with significant talent and diverse experiences. Please feel free to reach out to Boards and Commissions staff with any questions you might have.  Thank you for your time.

Jobs Opportunities for LGBTQ Washingtonians

Check out the list of job opportunities for the community on our Careers Opportunities page by visiting this link.

We are excited to share job postings sent to the LGBTQ Commission. There are three requirements to be included on our page:

• The job needs to be able to be done in Washington State (virtual works)
• The business must have an inclusivity and/or equal opportunity statement
• The job posting must include a salary range.

 Please send any job opportunity to share with the community to our Program Manager, Tracey Carlos (she/her) to tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov

Have something you want to share in our newsletter?  Please send any submissions to Tracey Carlos, Program Manager, at tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov  

Deadline for all submissions is Thursdays by 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

Published Monday mornings.