Despite a nasty move to kill the proposal in committee, we’ve revived the Homeless Housing and Assistance Surcharge bill (HB 2368) thanks to repeated phone calls, e-mails, and a whole lot of media attention. Great work … but we aren’t out of the woods yet. We have TWO DAYS to continue to apply pressure to those lawmakers who are seeking to reduce or eliminate the resources we desperately need to help house people in Washington.
The original Homeless Housing and Assistance Surcharge Bill (aka Document Recording Fee bill), which had strong bi-partisan support, is being overshadowed by an alternative bill (SB 5875). Senators in the Majority Coalition Caucus say the alternative is a “compromise,” but this is simply not true. Help us to overcome this disruptive noise with your strong messages (especially if you live or work in Auburn or Puyallup!) — the legislature must pass ESHB 2368!
Here’s how YOU can take action today:
- Send an e-mail to your Senator.
- Call your Senator directly, or use the FREE Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000) to leave a message.
- Share these ways of speaking up to your co-workers and others!
Here’s a sample message (and feel free to personalize it):
I am a voter in your district, and I consider cuts to homeless housing and services unacceptable. I urge you to work with your colleagues, especially Senators Fain and Dammeier, to make sure the Senate passes E-S-H-B 2368 this year. This bill will save over 50% of the state funds that are working to prevent and end homelessness in our community. Thank you!
Do you live or work in AUBURN or PUYALLUP?
We especially need you to contact your Senators, because they are in key negotiating positions on this critical funding bill. If you are in District 47 (Sen. Fain, Auburn), or District 25 ( Sen. Dammeier, Puyallup), please consider adding this to your message:
Please make sure your caucus stops blocking this bill, and that the Senate passes it before session ends. I oppose SB 5875. I want you to vote to pass ESHB 2368 during this Legislative Session, because otherwise we will see more people homeless in our community. Thank you!
Friends, we know your advocacy works! Remember, the Youth Opportunities Act and the Homeless Children’s Education Act both passed, with strong and consistent support from many people reading this message.Thank you for your continued advocacy.