Letter to the Editor by SEIU 775 Caregiver, Laurel Jennings
During this pandemic, thousands of families across Washington are struggling to get by. I know this firsthand because I am one of the people struggling to pay my bills due to the rising cost of living. I’m a long-term caregiver, and if my hours get cut, I still need to provide for my family by putting food on the table and keeping a roof over our heads. Hazard pay has made a huge difference throughout this pandemic, and still a lot of us are taking out loans just to pay our bills.
This is why lawmakers should pass the updated Working Families Tax Credit — HB 1297 – so that families have additional cash to meet all of our needs. The Working Families Tax Credit will provide an extra $500 to $950 each year, which will make it a lot easier to pay our living expenses.
A recovery rebate through HB 1297 would go a long way with me. Flexible cash for us working families would provide help to the families like mine get by during this difficult time. This is why I urge lawmakers to deliver this relief to families. Pass HB 1297, the updated Working Families Tax Credit.