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Legislative Black Caucus previews 2026 priorities and warns HR‑1 could tighten SNAP and Medicaid access
Summary
Representative Kristine Reeves, LBC chair, told the commission the caucus will have 14 members in 2026 and outlined risks from HR‑1, including stricter SNAP eligibility, potential Medicaid verification changes, and increased food insecurity for Black Washingtonians.
Representative Kristine Reeves, introduced as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, briefed the commission on the caucus composition and priorities for the 2026 session, saying the caucus "is made up of 14 Black legislators" and naming caucus leadership. She highlighted that four caucus members won committee leadership roles in 2025 and listed key issue areas they will press in 2026, including police accountability, community reinvestment and homeownership, social equity in cannabis, and a legislative reparations study.
Reeves warned about the potential state‑level impacts of HR‑1, presenting a list of ten budget and program effects and identifying three likely direct consequences for Black Washingtonians: stricter SNAP eligibility and higher state administrative burdens; changes to Medicaid eligibility and verification that could disrupt coverage; and increased food insecurity widening racial disparities. The commission received the briefing for situational awareness; no policy vote followed at this meeting.
