Week of March 15th: Legislative Update
It’s official: we’re halfway through the legislative session. Only 44 days left to pass our Washington Can’t Wait campaign priorities. With that in mind, let’s dive right in!
Join us for our Week of Action!
We’re rallying supporters every day this week to keep up the momentum on our Washington Can’t Wait bills, HB 1099 and HB 1220. Check out this schedule for a full rundown of this week’s actions and to register for tomorrow’s Week of Action Launch from 12 – 1 PM! You will hear from bill sponsors and learn about our path to victory through the Senate. Will we see you there?
Senate Hearings for HB 1099 and HB 1220
HB 1099 has its first Senate hearing in the Housing and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, 3/16, at 8 AM. This hearing is our chance to make our voices heard and advocate for comprehensive planning processes that will address climate change by planning for climate resiliency and mitigation, as well as reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
Sign in PRO: futurewise.org/1099pro
HB 1220 has its first Senate hearing in the Housing and Local Government Committee on Thursday, 3/18 at 8AM. HB 1220 is a crucial housing justice bill that has an uphill climb in the Senate. That’s why it’s critical that senators hear from supporters all over the state, especially in our suburban cities, that we need policy to promote fair housing in all our communities.
Sign in PRO: futurewise.org/1220pro
Vesting Update: We’ll Be Back
For the last 12 years, Futurewise has worked to close a crucial loophole in the GMA known as the vesting loophole. In 2021, our bill to close the vesting loophole, SB 5042, came closer than it ever has to passage. But unfortunately, overwhelming opposition from the Building Industries Association of Washington, the Washington Realtors, and the Association of Washington Business tanked the bill.
Vesting is a critical, but niche, land-use issue, which presents challenges in building a broad coalition that can stand up to business interests. We’re already strategizing about how to build the power we’ll need to pass this vesting bill in 2022. Stay tuned after the session wraps up to learn how you can help.
