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United Way of King County has been significantly involved in the roll-out of 2-1-1, an innovative information and referral strategy that ensures that all people have the ability to connect with available resources in their community. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide 2-1-1 service 24/7/365 for every Washingtonian.

In our public policy advocacy work, we will:

• Support maintaining state operating funding for the 2-1-1 universal access telephone information and referral system for health and human services in Washington.

2-1-1 Funding Vetoed by Governor in 2008

While the legislature approved an additional $750,000 in funding to Washington Information Network 2-1-1, the governor vetoed the measure on April 1. The governor's decision was part of an overall effort to commit an additional $15 million to the state reserve fund. The additional funding to 2-1-1 was intended to enhance its capacity and provide support in flood-affected areas.

Legislature invests $2 million in 2-1-1 in 2007

Access to Services/2-1-1: Despite a phenomenal, statewide grassroots effort, support from emergency first response personnel recognizing the value of 2-1-1 as a counter-part to 9-1-1 after a large-scale emergency, we did not fare as well in maintaining the state's contribution to the 2-1-1 budget in 2007, and the legislature actually decreased funding by about 2/3 (the system was funded at $2 million for two years, in comparison with $2.5 million for one year in 2006). We are grateful to Senators Rockefeller and Hobbs and Representatives Haigh, Linville and Ericks for their leadership on 2-1-1 funding in 2007 even though our full funding request and need was unmet.

For more information and other legislative initiatives, please see our detailed 2008 Public Policy Agenda or contact our public policy team.

Additional resources

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