Washington State’s 2014 Legislative Session began on Monday, January 13, 2014 and will continue through its 60th and last day on Thursday, March 13, 2014. It’s a short one, Friends. And this is one of the many reasons why your voice needs to be heard in Olympia today, tomorrow, and throughout this Legislative Session.
Today marks the 22nd day of Session. That means we have 4 (four!) days to get important bills voted out of their respective policy committee by February 7.The naysayers are wrong when they tell you it’s too late, that too much has already been decided. There is still enough time and many opportunities to make a difference. Plenty of good bills need help — your help! — to get through the law-making process. In particular, here are some of those bills and messages (with hyper-linked Factsheets) that we hope you’ll stand with us in supporting:
- Pass the Youth Opportunities Act — ESHB 1651, SB 6469
- Pass the Homeless Children Education Act — HB 2373, SB 6074
- Make Document Recording Fees permanent — HB 2368, SB 6313
- Pass the Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity — HB 2399
- Pass the Fair Tenant Screening Act, Part 3 — HB 2537, SB 6291
- Protect Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) & Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD)
- Fund the Housing Trust Fund
At the Coalition’s Homelessness Advocacy 101 workshops this past Saturday, two Legislative Aides shared with us the “secret” to getting heard in Olympia: tell Legislators that you care, a simple message about why you care, and do it in a way that’s easiest for you. Nancy Amidei, cheerleader for democracy and our Guest Presenter at the workshops, echoed that sentiment, saying that one doesn’t have to be an expert or have a Ph.D. to be an advocate.
Whether you want to send an advocacy postcard, e-mail your Legislators, leave a message through the Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000), or head down to Olympia to meet in-person, your voice is valuable and needed. Communicate with your Legislators what you care about and why to ensure that Everyone Counts 365 days a year.