Washingtonians from every corner of the state are expected to attend, with hometowns noted on the signs they'll be waving. More than 160 groups and organizations from around Washington are co-sponsoring the event.
Activist Nancy Amidei said that the larger the crowd, the more likely it is to see action from the Legislature. "We can't impress Legislators with our numbers if we don't have numbers" of people there, she said. The event is being held on the President's Day holiday so more families and children can attend.
"We want to remind legislators that they have a sworn, constitutional duty to 'promote the general welfare' of all Washingtonians," said Human Services Day co-chair Bob Swanson, the Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Community Action Agencies.
"Responding to the needs of low income children, developmentally disabled people, hungry families and individuals, and a host of other problems will help us all," added event co-chair Tom Rembiesa of the Ruth Dykeman Children's Center.
Every Senator and Representative, the Governor, and other officials will be invited to the noon rally on the capitol steps to hear about issues they need to address as they write a biennial budget.