Economic Opportunity Institute Programs
Working in concert with grassroots organizations, community coalitions and elected officials, we publish research, shape public debate and catalyze policy initiatives that make Washington state a better place to live, work, raise a family and do business. We focus primarily on promoting high-quality education, high-road economic development, modern work-life standards, retirement security, and shared investments in our common future.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Whether caring for their children, an elderly parent, partner or themselves, all workers occasionally need access to paid time off to look after their own and their loved one's health.
That's why, in 2010, EOI brought together representatives from public health groups, businesses, unions, and community organizations to form the Seattle Coalition for a Healthy Workforce. Thanks to a coordinated media strategy, a broad coalition, an outpouring of public support, and ordinance sponsor Nick Licata, the Seattle City Council passed the Paid Sick Days ordinance on September 12th, 2011.
When the new law took effect on September 1st, 2012, an estimated 150,000 people who previously did not earn paid sick days on the job started to accrue them; thousands more are now able to earn additional paid sick days and have additional flexibility for using them. In the years ahead, we will continue working to build an economy that works for everyone, by advancing public policies across Washington state to:
- Protect economic security - like paid sick days, family and medical leave insurance, and a strong minimum wage;
- Promote better childcare and early learning opportunities - so all of Washington’s children grow up healthy, safe and ready to succeed;
- Create opportunities for every worker to have a safe, well-managed, portable retirement plan - ensuring our seniors can live dignified and productive lives; and
- Build a progressive tax system to support the public structures and services we all rely on.