Manny Ellis, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor are just a few of the people who have died as a result of tactics such as chokeholds and no-knock warrants. House Bill 1054 bans these dangerous actions and also limits the use of military equipment, tear gas, and vehicular pursuits. Ask your Senator to vote yes on HB 1054.

Senate Bill 5399 will create a universal health care commission that will develop a plan by 2026 to create a health care system in Washington that provides coverage and access through a universal publically financed and privately delivered system. Send a message to your legislators today to vote yes on SB 5399.

The Legislature is considering multiple bills that would amend the Growth Management Act. These amendments — House Bill 1117, House Bill 1099, and House Bill 1241 — are needed to assure that local jurisdictions plan for future sustainability in new, more detailed ways reflecting their responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect human and environmental health and improve environmental justice, including salmon restoration, and in consultation with tribes.

These bills are all needed. We do not want them modified significantly or to have one chosen over another. Please help by contacting your Senator in support of all of them.

Over the past year, it has become more evident than ever that there is a scarcity of affordable child care in our state. Without it, children fall behind their peers, working parents suffer, and our economy falters. Senate Bill 5237 ("Fair Start for Kids") will create comprehensive affordable child care services to ensure that every child in Washington flourishes. Funding this critical service promotes equity by ensuring that children of all backgrounds are supported in their social, emotional, and physical growth. Ask the House to pass the Fair Start for Kids Act now!

Visit the Current Actions page to learn how to support all actions.

By Kirstin Mueller, Election Security Issue Chair   Today is the beginning of week 10 of the 2021 legislative session, which lasts six more weeks ending on April 25. The house of origin cut-off occurred last Tuesday. If a bill didn't pass out of its house of origin it is dead for this session, unless the bill is necessary to implement the budget.  

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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.

Elections | Voting Rights Restoration Act moves forward.

           

Natural Resources | Take a look, all Natural Resource bills we supported move forward!

ENSURING SOCIAL JUSTICE

     

IMPROVE EDUCATION

ESTABLISHING FAIR REVENUE

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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.  

• 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.

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Calendar

• Monday, March 15—Legislative Districts 2, 17, 32, and 36 Town Halls.
 
• Wednesday, March 17—Legislative Districts 10, 11, 14, 21, and 45 Town Halls.
 
• Thursday, March 18—Legislative District 34 Town Hall.
 
• Saturday, March 20—Legislative Districts 8, 25, 28, and 40 Town Halls.
   
• Saturday, March 20—LWV of Snohomish County and Skagit County present Speak Up School training to prepare testimonies before the Redistricting Commission.
     
• Saturday, March 20—LWV of Clark County presents Speak Up School training to prepare testimonies before the Redistricting Commission.
   
• Monday, March 22—LWV of Snohomish County and Skagit County present Speak Up School training to prepare testimonies before the Redistricting Commission.
 

Other ways to follow the state legislature

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