Lunell Haught, President

Joan Lawson, Advocacy Portfolio Director

Hayley Day, Editor

Jan. 24, 2021 Vol. 53, Issue 03

ACTION ALERTS

Click on the links below to learn more about a bill currently being reviewed in the state legislature. You can "take action" on these most pressing bills by sending a suggested, editable email to legislators, encouraging them to vote to promote the League issue in question. There is also still time to act on these Action Alerts.

Preserve public safety and civil speech in the capitol and communities

SB 5038 prohibits openly carried weapons — not just firearms — on the state capitol grounds and at rallies and gatherings on public property. The bill not only protects public safety but also enables free unintimidated speech.
If a shot is fired intentionally or accidentally at a crowded gathering where many participants are openly carrying firearms, local law enforcement cannot easily find the shooter. Violence and threats of violence have erupted in our nation's capitol and in state capitals, including Washington. Please urge your senator to support SB 5038 and move it out of committee. This issue cannot wait.

Support whistleblowers who stand up for workers

Despite numerous laws protecting workers from unfair wages, unsafe working conditions and discrimination on the job, these problems persist. Enforcement agencies face a backlog of cases, and workers are paying the price. HB 1076 enhances worker protections by allowing individuals and organizations to sue employers for workplace violations on behalf of the state. Ask your state representatives to vote yes on HB 1076.

Tell legislature to reduce potent greenhouse gas emissions from fluorinated gases

HB 1050 had a hearing in the House Energy and Environment Committee Jan. 15. It is scheduled for a vote Jan. 26. If your representative serves on the House Committee on Environment and Energy (Fitzgibbon, Duerr, Dye, Klicker, Abbarno, Berry, Boehnke, Fey, Goehner, Harris-Talley, Ramel, Shewmake, Slatter) you can urge them to support this important climate bill.

CONTINUE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY

By Alison McCaffree, Census and Redistricting Chair

In this week of transition and a revitalized faith in democracy, the work of the League of Women Voters has never been more important. Our focus at the League of Women Voters of Washington advocacy team is to convince our state representatives that the League's well-researched positions are worthy of passing into laws.

Despite the added complications of a new process, this year's virtual legislative session is increasing access to our government for people all around our great state. Do your part: Respond to the action alerts above. Sign in to committee hearings. And, talk to your friends, families and neighbors about the issues most important to you.

Save the dates: We will hold Democracy Lobby Week from Feb. 22-26. This inspirational week will include talks from bill prime sponsors and chances to meet with your own legislators.

LWVWA ISSUES

The LWVWA supports the following League Legislative Issues in the current Washington state legislative session. Click on an issue to learn more, including current and upcoming bills affecting the issue. In this virtual legislative session, you can also testify for a bill online.

DEMOCRACY

Elections | Protecting ballots, the democratic process and free speech from threats of violence..

Election Security | Ensure secure, accurate and transparent elections.

Money in Politics | Revolving door bill returns. Please sign on to support by Tuesday.

Redistricting and Census | Speak Up for districts you can believe in. Learn how Speak Up Schools are making the 2021 Redistricting Commission accountable.

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS

Climate Change | More climate bills and votes in the Legislature this week.

Energy | Advocate for clean and renewable sources.

Natural Resources | Protect natural resources that are impacted by climate change and provide resilience.

Transportation | A new transportation budget will be adopted this year and emphasis will be on reducing the net impact of transportation systems on climate change.

ENSURING SOCIAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice | Take action to support police accountability and voting rights for formerly incarcerated people.

Social Justice | Expand economic, political and social opportunities and protections for historically marginalized groups.

Gun Safety | Bills on open carry and large capacity magazines in Senate hearings this week.

Housing and Homelessness | Emphasis will be on obtaining increased investment in affordable housing and retention of, at minimum, current levels of rental assistance and other homelessness prevention programs.

Health Care, Behavioral Health and Reproductive Rights | Take action to protect patients' rights.

IMPROVE EDUCATION

Public Education | Fully fund K-12 education and increase funding for student support services, including broadband access.

ESTABLISHING FAIR REVENUE

Adequate and Fair Revenue and Budget | Help needed on capital gains tax.

HOW TO TESTIFY FOR A BILL ONLINE

In addition to contacting your legislators via Action Alerts, bill comments, emails and phone calls, you can register to testify remotely, submit written testimony or have your position noted for the legislative record. Speak for yourself and explain your personal interest in the bill. Unless you obtain permission, you should not emphasize the League in testimony.

Just follow these steps:

Visit the "Participating in Committee Hearings" section of the Washington State Legislature's website.
Press the "Register to Testify Remotely" button, even if you just want to submit written testimony or have your position noted for the record.
Select House or Senate.
Use the dropdown menus at the top to select the committee and the hearing date and time.
Select the bill you’re interested in, then select the type of testimony — oral, written or noting your position for the record — and follow the directions provided.
Fill out your identifying information, then hit "Submit" at the bottom.

CALENDAR

Friday, Feb. 15—Last day to pass bills out of committee in the state legislature and read them into the record on the floor in the bills' house of origin, except for the House fiscal committees; Senate Ways and Means Committee; and transportation committees in the house of origin.

Monday, Feb. 18—LWV of Snohomish County presents "Redistricting 101" in the morning and evening.

Week of Feb. 22—LWVWA and Fix Democracy First presents "Democracy Lobby Week."

Friday, Feb. 22—Last day to pass bills out of committee in the state legislature and read them into the record on the floor for the House fiscal committees; Senate Ways and Means Committee; and
transportation committees in the house of origin.

OTHER WAYS TO FOLLOW THE STATE LEGISLATURE

Washington State Legislature website, leg.wa.gov.
Washington state's public affairs TV network, TVW.org.