Read this newsletter in your browser.
 |
|
|
Lunell Haught, President |
April 18, 2021 Vol. 53, Issue 15 |
Among the various proposals this session for progressive new revenue, the only one that could pass at this point is the capital gains tax. In spite of an expected infusion of federal rescue funds, progressive new revenue is essential to support unmet needs that preexisted COVID and will continue. It is needed to provide sustainable funding for the most basic state programs.
The most recent amendment to SB 5096, in the House Finance Committee, dedicates all of the revenue to the Education Legacy Trust Account, which funds common schools and will be available as well for early learning and child care which have been chronically underfunded.
This bill will go to the House floor for a vote within the next couple of days. Please contact your legislators and let them know you want them to vote FOR SB 5096.
► Ask your state legislators to vote yes.
This has been an unusual legislative session, mediated through online access and TVW. It is now entering its last eight days. Many bills have passed both chambers and are moving on to the governor for signature, while bills Necessary to Implement the Budget—such as the capital gains tax and the budget itself—still need support during the concurrence process that resolves differences between the House and Senate.
This is a good point in time to thank our legislators for their hard work on bills we have supported. As one member wrote, “thanking them is not a big task, and they do appreciate it.” Remaining positive, we should urge our legislators to work together in a spirit of cooperation as differences are resolved. Good governance and outcomes that serve all the people of our state require that shared vision and cooperation to achieve it.
In the week ahead, the major effort will be to obtain concurrences and reconciliation with respect to the clean fuels bill, capital gains, and budget differences. Please see our action alerts, as well as the individual issue web pages, to learn more about the issues that require our support in this final week.
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 passes the Senate.
Natural Resources | Get lead out of children's school drinking water now.
IMPROVE EDUCATION
ESTABLISHING FAIR REVENUE
How to testify for a bill online
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
April 25—Last day allowed for regular session under state constitution.
Other ways to follow the state legislature
