New bill would give laid-off federal workers preference in hiring for WA state jobs
Federal workers throughout Washington state who are being laid off under sweeping cuts enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration would get a leg up as they look for new jobs, under a bill being considered by state lawmakers.
Senate Bill 5767, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña of Seattle, would offer hiring preferences to federal workers affected by Trump’s recent executive orders that prompted mass layoffs and took aim at remote-work arrangements.
Saldaña said in a Feb. 20 news release that Trump’s policies have harmed federal workers by jeopardizing their financial stability and job security.
“Here in this Washington,” she continued, “we’re taking concrete steps to support and uplift them, making sure those who’ve dedicated their careers to serving the public can continue their service in our state government.”
Other Washington leaders have spoken out against the ongoing federal layoffs. Earlier the week of Feb. 17, for instance, Gov. Bob Ferguson and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray warned that cuts to the Bonneville Power Administration are putting the state’s energy grid at risk.
Saldaña’s bill would provide similar preferences to federal workers as Washington state’s current hiring-preference practices for veterans. It would grant priority consideration to displaced federal employees seeking positions in state agencies, also giving them a leg up in promotion processes.
Proponents say that in addition to helping impacted workers, SB 5767 would act to strengthen the state’s public-sector workforce.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure that federal workers’ experience and dedication to public service are not overlooked while also strengthening our state’s public workforce,” Saldaña said.
SB 5767 received a first reading on Feb. 19 and has been referred to the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs and Election Committee.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM.
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