WBBA’s Vision for the 2025 Legislative Session
The dawn of the 2025 legislative session in Washington State brings with it a host of challenges and opportunities. As we prepare to tackle the pressing issues facing our communities, the Washington Build Back Black Alliance (WBBA) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing equity, economic justice, and systemic change.
Through our lens, this year’s legislative agenda is both a reflection of the needs of our communities and a call to action for state leadership, including Governor Bob Ferguson, the legislature, and Attorney General Nick Brown.
Governor Ferguson: Charting a Path Forward
Governor Ferguson begins his first full term facing significant headwinds. With a projected budget deficit looming over $12 billion, his administration must navigate the delicate balance of fiscal responsibility while ensuring that critical investments in education, housing, and public health are not sacrificed.
Governor Ferguson has outlined a bold agenda that includes key priorities such as advancing affordable housing, addressing climate resilience, investing in mental health services, and ensuring public safety. His full agenda, available at Governor Ferguson’s Priorities, reflects a vision for building a more equitable and sustainable Washington. The WBBA applauds these priorities and urges the administration to ensure that equity remains at the forefront of every policy decision.
The Deficit: Test of Leadership
The state’s $12 billion budget deficit poses a stark challenge, with ripple effects likely to impact every corner of public life. For Black-owned small businesses, which represent over 99% of businesses in our state, this is not just a fiscal challenge but a potential existential threat. Cuts to programs that support economic development, workforce training, and small business growth would disproportionately harm the very communities that are already struggling to recover from the economic fallout of recent years. The WBBA will push for innovative revenue solutions that protect critical programs while promoting equitable growth.
The Legislature: Diverse Voices, United Action
As the legislature convenes, the balance of power remains tight, with Democrats maintaining control but facing increasing pressure from a more vocal and energized Republican minority. Bipartisan cooperation will be essential to pass meaningful legislation, and the WBBA will be watching closely to ensure that the needs of Black and underserved communities are not sidelined. Key legislative priorities for the WBBA include:
Economic Equity:
Strengthening prompt payment laws for subcontractors, expanding access to capital for minority-owned businesses, and advocating for the $200 million Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP), which funded more than 17 grants across Washington State to Black, Latino, and Indigenous businesses.
Housing Justice:
Supporting tenant protections, increased affordable housing funding, and anti displacement measures.
Education Equity:
Advancing 9th-grade student success initiatives, expanding Early Learning programs, and ensuring robust funding for K-12 education.
Attorney General Nick Brown: Accountability and Advocacy
Attorney General Nick Brown, the first Black statewide elected official in Washington’s history, has made clear his intent to prioritize consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, and environmental justice. This historic milestone reflects a significant step forward for representation and equity in our state’s leadership.
The WBBA views the AG’s commitment to holding corporations accountable as a crucial step toward leveling the playing field for small businesses and communities of color. We also look to the AG’s office to take bold action in addressing systemic racism within state institutions and advocating for policies that promote economic and social justice.
A Call to Action
The 2025 legislative session represents a pivotal moment for Washington State. As the WBBA continues to advocate for policies that reflect the lived experiences of Black and underserved communities, we urge our state leaders to lead with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Together, we can turn the challenges of this session into opportunities for transformative change. Let’s not waste this moment—our communities deserve nothing less.
By Paula Sardinas, Chief Advocate, WBBA
The 2025 legislative session represents a pivotal moment for Washington State. As the WBBA continues to advocate for policies that reflect the lived experiences of Black and underserved communities, we urge our state leaders to lead with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Together, we can turn the challenges of this session into opportunities for transformative change. Let’s not waste this moment—our communities deserve nothing less.
– Paula Sardinas
