11th District Housing and Homelessness Survey

From the office of State Representative Steve Bergquist

This year, you told me the top legislative priority for the 11th District is addressing the lack of affordable housing and rising homelessness. There have already been multiple legislative proposals this session on how Washington state can continue to address this ever-growing issue.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this short survey, which is designed to get your input on those proposals and the general efforts to combat this crisis. 
1.In Governor Inslee's budget proposal for the 2020 session, which was released in December, he proposes addressing homelessness through increasing funding for and expanding services such as transitional housing, the Housing and Essential Needs program, and permanent supportive housing, as well as constructing new shelters and providing grants to local governments. This proposal would cost $146 million in the current operating budget and more than $300 million over the next three years.

In order to pay for these investments, the governor has proposed tapping the state's emergency reserve, also known as the "Rainy Day Fund," which is projected to contain about $2.5 billion at the end of the next biennium.
Do you agree with this proposal?
2.When you think about affordable housing, what does affordable mean to you and your family? (Ranges based on Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Washington state.)
3.In your opinion, what is the single biggest contributor to homelessness? 
4.Please use this space to elaborate on how Washington state should address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing, or any other issue you would like to see the Legislature address.
5.Your responses are anonymous, so if you'd like a personal reply:
a. Send me an email; or
b. Leave your name and phone number (optional)