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Kristin Ang gives overview of FAN 2025 agenda

Kristin Ang, policy engagement director of the Faith Action Network, recently reported on progress FAN priorities in the 2025 Washington State Legislature.

Kristin Ang spoke at the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.

One focus of FAN’s advocacy is for progressive revenue for the budget, along with advocacy for bills that have advanced, like rent stabilization, immigrant and student protections, and recycling reform.

Kristin has heard from many FAN advocates who are taking action and having an impact on legislators through their civic involvement.

For example, as of late March FAN helped generate 1,586 letters through its Action Network to support rent stabilization, senior nutrition programs, funding immigrant health care and keeping funding for struggling residents.

FAN constituents also sent 1,108 letters to Congress against mass deportations.

Kristin encourages people to continue to take action by signing in PRO for progressive revenue solutions to make Washington’s tax code fairer and fund vital services like education, housing and healthcare.

“We are advocating for bold, equitable tax reform,” said Kristin.

She reported on four revenue bills scheduled for hearings in early April.

SB 5797, Financial Intangibles Tax, would create a 1% tax on financial assets such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds—held by the wealthiest 0.1%—with more than $50 million in assets—raising $4 billion/year.

The House version, HB 2046, Financial Intangibles Tax, establishes a similar tax at a lower rate—$8 per $1,000 of financial assets above $50 million—to ensure the ultra-wealthy contribute fairly.

SB 5796, High Earners Payroll Tax on Employers, closes a loophole in the employer payroll tax by applying a 5% tax on wages over $176,000 for employees at large corporations with payrolls over $7M/year. It would raise $2.3 billion/year.

HB 2045, Restructure B&O Tax to Invest in Families, reforms the outdated Business & Occupation (B&O) tax by adding a 1% surcharge on corporate profits over $250 million and increasing the bank surcharge from 1.2% to 1.9% for institutions making more than $1B/year. It would raise $2B+/year.

Kristin said to follow progress on these bills at fanwa.org

FAN organized people to testify on the progressive revenue bills to counter testimony by companies and wealthy people who don’t want to pay more taxes, said Kristin.

In addition, Elizabeth Dickinson, partnership coordinator—dickinson@fanwa.org—recruited folks from congregations to share stories of their experiences with food banks, senior nutrition, mental health programs, immigrant/refugee support to show the need for progressive revenue.

A recent email from Kristin included links for writing letters on rent stabilization at actionnetwork.org/letters/stabilize-rent-for-washingtonians-this-2025-legislative-session, on preserving funding for struggling state residents at actionnetwork.org/letters/preserve-funding-for-vital-programs-for-struggling-wa-residents, on fully funding immigrant health care in Washington at actionnetwork.org/letters/fully-fund-immigrant-healthcare-in-washington-state/?source=direct_link& and signing on to FAN’s senior nutrition funding letter at actionnetwork.org/letters/support-senior-nutrition-in-washington-state.

FAN also encourages people to use the legislative hotline (1-800-562-6000) to send comments on bills based on its recommendations.

Some bills FAN is supporting include SB 5284, the Solid Waste/Recycling Reform Act, SB 5284 the Recycling Reform Act, HB 1232 the Private Detention Facilities Accountability and Transparency Act, SB 5436, Prohibiting Interference with Access to a Place of Worship.

“This year’s budget debate is a defining moment for Washington’s values,” said Kristin. “With a $15 billion shortfall, now is the time to push for fair, sustainable revenue solutions that don’t fall hardest on those with the least. The proposed taxes on extreme wealth, high corporate payrolls and outdated exemptions are important steps toward a more equitable system—one that can fund education, housing, food security and public safety for all Washingtonians.”

She continues to monitor the budget negotiations and advocate for revenue options that reflect values of equity, compassion, and justice.

Other bills FAN is supporting include a permit to purchase firearms, state recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state unpaid holidays, improving access to mental health and substance use disorder services, unemployment insurance for striking or lockout workers.

Kristin testified for a bill, SB 5436, Protecting Access to Religious Worship, which protects the right to enter and leave places of worship without fear, obstruction or threats.

“Faith communities in Washington have reported increased harassment, vandalism, and threats,” she said. “This legislation responds to the rise in religiously motivated hate crimes and reaffirms our state’s commitment to religious liberty and community safety.”

FAN urged lawmakers in the Senate Human Services Committee to pass Private Detention Facilities Accountability, which seeks greater transparency and oversight for private immigration detention facilities like Tacoma’s Northwest Detention Center.

“Oversight agencies, including health professionals and legal monitors, have been denied access to investigate complaints of abuse,” she said. “We must address ongoing human rights violations there.”

For information, visit call 206-625-9790 or visit fanwa.org.

 

Pacific Northwest Conference United Church News Copyright © April 2025

 

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