Update & Action Alert from AHNC

Update & Action Alert  Legislator Meetings in Olympia (week 2): The second week of session was full of meetings with legislators to talk about our coalition's priorities. As we meet with lawmakers, we are hearing their questions and concerns and beginning to develop additional information and policy papers to address these issues. A great example is the Children's Alliance's new "Hunger Hurts Academic Success" and "State Food Assistance policy brief". Check them out on our website here:http://www.wsahnc.org/our-priorities-in-olympia/#.UQHzGu_kLRY   Next week we will be sending out a sign on letter of community support for State Food Assistance - keep your eye out for it and sign on your organization's support! Legislators Need to Hear Support for Tax Reform to Pay for Basic Needs: After cutting more than $10.5 billion from state services in just 4 years, we face another deficit that could be close to $2 billion, including WA's obligation to spend more on education. In almost every meeting in Olympia as we talk about the need for restoring services and adding funding to hunger programs, legislators are asking where the money will come from. As a member of "Our Economic Future" coalition, AHNC supports reforming our tax code so there is enough money to pay for basic needs - not another all-cuts budget. A step backwards would be House Bill 1161 - a proposal from Costco to clarify definitions in liquor re-sales to restaurants. This will result in an (unofficially) estimated $2.8 million revenue decrease. The Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, in partnership with Our Economic Future coalition, opposes this legislation. On Thurs., Jan. 24, the bill had a hearing in the House Government Accountability and Oversight Committee. Learn more about our tax structure and solutions that don't hurt low-income families atWashington Budget & Policy Center. For information about what your organization can do to support positive tax reform and create new revenue, contact Our Economic Future.  Senate Champion Secured for Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) ask: The Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition has secured a Senate champion for our EFAP ask -- Sen. Hatfield, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee agreed to send a letter to Sen. Hill, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, with our ask for adding $3.7 million for EFAP. We will be working with his office and Rep. Blake's office on a process for gathering signatures of support from other legislators. Lobby Days Galore for our Legislative Priorities: Wed., January 30: Join Children's Alliance members for Have a Heart for Kids Day!  Sign up here or just head to Olympia on Wed. to speak up for kids and restoring State Food Assistance! Mon., February 4: Come to Food & Farming Day to speak up for AHNC's priority: restore our state's innovative and essential Farm to School and Small Farms Programs at WSDA! RSVP here. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 is Hunger Action Day! This is the lobby day sponsored by AHNC and powered by you! Our goal is to beat last year's attendance of 170 people so sign up now! We provide training, set appointments with your legislators, and give you a chance to network with anti-hunger allies across the state. Sign up and spread the word TODAY.       Follow us on