The Washington state legislature convened this week for the start of the 2022 legislative session. As a reminder, the 2022 session is what’s called a “short” session, meaning we have just 60 days to pass our priority legislation. Things are already moving quickly, so read on for how you can help keep the momentum going.
Legislative Update
Things have been a little quiet with our top WA Can’t Wait priorities this week. HB1099 is still sitting in the House Rules Committee, but we anticipate it will be scheduled for a debate and vote on the House Floor within the next few days.
Similarly, SB5042 is in the Senate Rules Committee and our lobbyist Bryce is hard at work to ensure that we have enough votes in the Senate to move SB5042 off of the Senate Floor and over to the House of Representatives.
If you haven’t yet, NOW is the time to use the following action alerts to send your legislators in both chambers a quick email to ask them to vote YES on both of these bills to ensure that they move along in the legislative process:
1) Ask your legislators to vote YES on HB1099
2) Ask your legislators to vote YES on SB5042
Upcoming Advocacy Events
In partnership with the Washington Environmental Council, the WA Sierra Club, and the Environmental Priorities Coalition, we are putting on three exciting advocacy events this month that you can participate in to help us make BIG changes to the Growth Management Act this year.
Text Bank for SB 5042: Close the GMA Sprawl Loophole!
Wednesday, January 19th, 6-7:30 PM
Text Bank for HB 1099: Add Climate to the GMA!
Wednesday, January 26th, 6-7:30 PM
Environmental Lobby Days Training
Thursday, January 20th, 6-7 PM
Environmental Lobby Days
January 25th – 27th
Futurewise in the Press
We know we need support from every corner of Washington to get these bills passed, so we’re thrilled to share our first press hits on the Washington Can’t Wait priority bills. Thank you to Futurewise supporters Ryan DiRaimo, Kristi Weir, Laureen France, and Kirk Kirkland for making your voices heard in your local papers! Washington Can’t Wait priorities were also included in round-ups in Crosscut, The Urbanist, and the Tri-Cities Herald of top bills being considered this session.
Help us spread the word about why we need critical GMA updates to protect the climate, advance housing affordability and prevent sprawl. Use this guide to submit your own letter to the editor or op-ed to your local paper.