From LWVWA Legislative 2/9/25 newsletter action items:

Many bills that have been introduced have fiscal impacts. Notably, there has not been the anticipated public discussion of progressive new revenue sources to help address the budget shortfall. Governor Ferguson has requested operational budget cuts first. And so some of the policy committees are asking about the relative importance of various policies that have fiscal impacts relative to other costs. 

Keep Medicare Costs Lower. A memorial to the US Congress and President regarding Medicare, SJM 8002, would oppose proposed federal changes to the Medicare program. These changes would further privatize the system, increasing the cost to both government and public. It is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee at 10:30 am on February 11. Sign in PRO to support SJM 8002 HERE before 9:30 am on Tuesday, February 11..

Provide More Clean Energy Access to Low-Income Households. Community solar projects are medium-sized solar arrays sited on landfills, former industrial sites, private lands, and other preferred areas near utility customers they will serve, including households, small businesses, and public service organizations. All project participants reduce their energy bills with the clean energy. HB 1598 and SB 5515, the Fair Access to Community solar projects bills, update rules to enable more low-income residents to access and benefit from solar energy with system installation funding from already established sources such as the Federal Inflation Reduction Act. Implementation of renewable energy is necessary at every opportunity to meet the WA state commitment of net zero emissions by 2050. Find more details on community solar from WSU. Sign in PRO to support HB 1598 HERE before 12:30 pm on Monday, February 10.

Establish Intercity Passenger Rail Improvements. These bills, SB 5667 and HB 1837 address the long-standing neglect of the intercity rail system, which should be integral to the State’s transportation system. It sets targets for Amtrak service that include more frequent and reliable services and more reliable on-time service. These improvements are needed to support the state’s goals for climate, public health, equity, and mobility. More people would use the train if these standards were met. SB 5667 has not yet been scheduled for public hearing. HB 1337 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Transportation Committee at 4:00 pm, Monday, February 10. Sign in PRO to support HB 1837 HERE before 3:00 pm on Monday, February 10.

Amending voter registration challenges and managing voter registration lists. HB1916 clarifies the rules around how a voter is removed from the rolls once that person is confirmed to have dies, or moved out of state or otherwise wishes to be removed. This is scheduled for a hearing in the State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 1:30pm. Sign in PRO on HB 1916 HERE before 12:30 on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Relating to local licensing and regulation of child care providers. HB 1033, no sooner than July 1, 2025 counties are allowed to adopt and maintain ordinances for the licensing and regulation of child care centers and family home providers, and in lieu of the state, assume the authority to license and regulate center and family home providers. Public hearing scheduled in House Early Learning & Human Services Feb. 12 at 1:30pm. Sign in CON on HB 1033 here by Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 12:30.

Automatic Voter Registration Expansion. SB 5077 Expands WA’s Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) system to other state agencies that have the ability to confirm citizenship such at the Health Benefit Exchange, Naturalization agencies, and the Department of Corrections.  AVR lowers barriers to registration, streamlines voter registration updates, and increases the accuracy of voter roll information. This bill is on the Senate floor calendar. Please Comment in support of SB 5077 HERE.

For additional action items, which help pass bills the League supports on specific issues, click on the see all action alerts, and take action on the ones you are most interested in. The Lobby Team is very grateful for our members’ and others’ help.

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