Human services networks meet with state legislators

On December 16 three large human services networks which serve North King County joined to sponsor a breakfast meeting with the nine legislators from three districts, the 1st, 32nd, and 45th. The purpose was to provide information to the legislators, some of them newly elected, about the human services needs in North King County.

Standing room only at the Legislative Breakfast December 16

Over 50 people attended the event, held in the Lake Forest Park Council Chambers.

The human services organizations sponsoring the event were:

• NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance)
• FACES North (focuses on early childhood needs)
• Northshore/Shoreline Community Network

Legislators or their delegates who attended:

• Ruth Kagi (32nd Dist)
• Cindy Ryu (32nd Dist)
• Luis Moscuso (1st District)
• Ehsan Aleaziz, Aide for Derek Stanford (1st District)

L to R: Ehsan Aleaziz, Luis Moscuso, Cindy Ryu

Judy Parsons, from the Northshore/Shoreline Community Network, said that this is the first time that the three key organizations have come together to organize this type of event.

"It is obvious," she said, "that it is time for organizations to start working together to support human services in North King County.  As the funding decreases, more and more many services are eliminated.  Working together we can have a stronger voice to support our organizations."

Rep. Ruth Kagi, 32nd District

Ruth Kagi, returning for another term as Representative from the 32nd District, painted a grim picture of state funding for human services, but said she would do everything she could to protect programs for the vulnerable citizens.

New representatives said this was a great opportunity for community members to meet and establish a personal contact with their legislators. They said this would give them a greater understanding of community needs.

The basic message from all was that the budget is tight and they won't really know what is happening until the session starts.

They urged the attendees to email them regularly to let them know what is happening in the district. They said to provide some background information when calling or writing, so they will know what the concern is and where it fits in the work that is being done in Olympia.