 About the hub: Our goal is to aid in the access of resources, tools and factual information. The Hub will be updated daily and we welcome for suggestions on the type of information and resources you would like us to share.
CHA's 2025 Trello Board is now live with our priority legislative watch list. In our Trello Board you will find bills that are separated in Committee, updates on bills, upcoming dates on hearings and more. Head to cha.wa.gov and click on Legislative Priorities to check it out.
Make Yourself the Expert
Before you address an issue, ask some questions so you can understand the whole issue: who it affects, what others feel about it, how it will influence future trends, and any other information you are able to gather. This initial research allows you to present your viewpoint with confidence and credibility, and, combined with your personal experience, is the most effective information you can provide. For more information leg.wa.gov
 Flyer from Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
Are you considering starting a business, or did you recently start one and still have lots of questions?
This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. You'll connect with business liaisons from the Governor's Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, the Secretary of State's Office, and the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor and Industries, who will also provide you information about many free or low-cost assistance programs
2025 Live Webinars - Sign up today
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Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) - Start a Business in WA
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Tuesday, February 4, 2025 9:00 AM - Register
Thursday, March 6, 2025 11:00 AM - Register
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:00 PM - Register
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 AM - Register
Thursday, September 4, 2025 11:00 AM - Register
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 1:00 PM - Register
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Access all upcoming events
Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The Clinic welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.
The next Clinic will be held April 24 – 27, 2025 at Seattle Center.
If you need immediate care, please do not wait for the Clinic. Click here to find free and affordable resources near you.
New language options enhance WIC access for families across Washington state
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce that WICShopper, the free smartphone application for families in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, is now available in 22 language options for Washington state participants. This expansion provides a better shopping experience for non-English speaking families enrolled in the program by offering real-time translations of WIC benefits, along with other resources like recipes, lists of participating retailers, and more. It is estimated that 90% of WIC participants in Washington use the WICShopper app.
“Washington state’s WIC program serves a diverse population who speak a variety of languages,” said Michele Roberts, Assistant Secretary for Prevention and Community Health, DOH. “Supporting WIC participants in their preferred language is a crucial way we can work towards eliminating accessibility barriers. Our hope is that this expansion makes it easier for participants to access vital nutrition benefits and support healthy choices for themselves and their families.” Read more.
David Almonte Memorial Scholarship
The David Almonte Memorial Scholarship is named after a former Mi Centro board member and is available to graduating or recently graduated seniors from any high school in Tacoma Public Schools district. The scholarship supports students who share David Almonte's values of leadership, advocacy, and service.
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  WSAC Statement on Financial Aid Applicant Privacy
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has been asked to share our perspective on student data privacy. Many colleges, community partners, students, and families have also asked WSAC for resources to help those applying for financial aid when there are concerns about disclosing a student’s or family member’s immigration status.
All people living in Washington have the right to receive an education free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and immigration or citizenship status. This is central to WSAC’s work in managing state financial aid programs.
WSAC takes the privacy of personal information extremely seriously and is committed to taking all available legal measures to protect student data. Consistent with the Keep Washington Working Act, WSAC does not use “agency funds, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, cooperate with, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal registration or surveillance programs or any other laws, rules, or policies that target Washington residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration, or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin.” WSAC also protects students’ personally identifiable information as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Read WSAC's full statement on Financial Aid Applicant Privacy.
 Sea Mar Scholarships
Since 1998, Sea Mar has been committed to help students who face economic barriers by providing scholarships in order for them to go to college, accomplish their goals, and succeed in life.
 Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Applications for the 2025-2027 Cohort open January 22nd, 2025
Each year, LYAC seeks passionate youth to represent their peers in the state legislature. Annually, the council holds an annual youth Action Day in Olympia to provide an opportunity for students throughout the state to meet community leaders, participate in policy discussions, and to facilitate direct meetings between youth and legislators. We meet frequently in committees and monthly as a whole council. The council also meets up to six times in person each year. Serving as a council member means advocating for vital policy issues on behalf of Washington's youth. You will have the chance to influence state government by lobbying, testifying before the legislature, and organizing events that matter. Join us as we work to elevate youth voices and foster meaningful change in our communities.
We look forward to learning about you through your application.
Learn More.
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Some significant changes involving Washington worker rights and pay take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. From the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), here’s what workers and employers need to know:
Vea abajo para esta información en español.
State minimum wage
The state’s minimum wage will increase to $16.66 an hour, up 2.35 percent from 2024. It applies to workers age 16 and up. Employers may pay 85 percent of that wage or $14.16 an hour to workers ages 14-15.
Overtime exempt workers
The salary threshold used to determine if certain workers are exempt from overtime pay is going up to $1,332.80 a week ($69,305.60 a year) for employers with up to 50 employees, and $1,499.40 a week ($77,968.80 a year) for employers with 51 or more employees. The rate affects executive, administrative, and professional workers, plus computer professionals and outside salespeople. That means, if workers in those categories do not get paid for overtime, they must get paid at least those salaries.
The hourly wage for exempt computer professionals will be $58.31, or 3.5 times the minimum wage. Read more.
 ConsultApp Contigo is a new app that will help Mexican nationals and migrants protect themselves. The App has been launched by the Mexican government as a new tool to help Mexican national and immigrants living in the United States. The app is free to download and available on Android and apple store. If a user faces detention, a button on the app will alert all emergency contacts and consulate officials.
This feature is only operational within U.S. borders. Additionally, the app allows people to schedule appointments with the consulate. This way, they can access passport services and find the nearest consulate.
This app is intended to make it an easy process to communicate with the consulates anytime, especially now that many people are concerned about the possible mass deportation threats with the change of the new administration.
 Get ready for Valentine's Day at LETI's LETI's Second Feria de Emprendedores. Don't miss this opportunity to shop for unique gifts and support local Latino artists!
This will be held on Saturday, February 8th, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at LETI's Everett Training Center: 9930 Evergreen Way, Building Y, Everett, WA.
We look forward to seeing you there!
 Since 2020, Latinos En Spokane has diligently organized free monthly legal and immigration clinics in partnership with Gonzaga Law School, the Spokane County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program, and Washington Courts. These clinics offer free legal consultations and advice, assistance with navigating court processes, reviewing documents, and court self-help services.
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Monthly Legal Clinics: Come in to talk to an attorney for FREE - 3rd Wednesday of every month from 5-7pm
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Monthly Immigration Clinics: Come in to talk to an attorney for FREE - 2nd Thursday of every month from 5-7pm
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