Some bills that now have numbers--heads up!

[eridani]

House Bill 1360 (Regarding public financing of campaigns.):
Introduced by Rep. Mark Miloscia on January 17, 2007, to publicly finance state office elections. Among other things, this bill would create a Citizens Public Campaign Fund in the State Treasury. Participating candidates would voluntarily accept limits on political campaign contributions .

Details and Comments: http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=49270
See alsothe Clean Elections website

Hello, Clean Elections Supporters:

Below - news about:
1- Actions in the WA Legislature
2- WPC staff changes
3- Your WPC membership
4- Clean Elections Forum, video-on-demand
---------------------------------------------------------

1. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

As expected, several bills have now been introduced in the WA Legislature,
- to establish a statewide program of Clean Elections,
- to provide public funding for judicial races, and
- to remove the current state ban on public funding options for local cities and districts.

WEBSITE INFO: Detailed information is at - www.washclean.org Click the "Legislative Action" button for a page with the
bills introduced. To find your legislator, click on the top menu bar -Contacting Legislators. Deadlines and Legislative Hearings Info - Click on "Calendar" on the top menu bar.

ACTION ITEM: If we want Clean Elections, we must tell our
legislators without delay!

Personalized, short messages from YOU make a HUGE difference! There are 1,700 people on our mailing list - twice as many as 6 months ago! We have district captains and committees in 29 of the 49 legislative districts! You are one of 1,700 people rallying for Clean Elections! You can make a difference!

So, today! - Call, write a short personal letter, or email your legislators - all three of them! Tell them you support Clean Elections - and want to see it enacted!


House Bill 1362 (Regarding campaign finance reform.):
Introduced by Rep. Mark Miloscia on January 17, 2007, to achieve campaign finance reform. This bill would limit candidates to contributions of $5,000 or less from all political committees except for bona fide political parties or caucus political committees. No person would be able to contribute more than $1,000 a year to a political committee or more than $3,500 a year to all political committees. Corporations and other entities would also be limited in their contributions .

Details and Comments: http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=49272

Senate Bill 5372 (Creating the Puget Sound partnership.):
Introduced by Sen. Phil Rockefeller on January 17, 2007, to create the Puget Sound Partnership as an independent state agency. The partnership would be lead by a 7 member commission and Executive Directed appointed by the Governor. The Commission would be responsible for setting goals for cleaning up Puget Sound by 2020.

Details and Comments: http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=49353

Senate Concurrent Resolution 8403 (Creating a joint select committee concerning Latino accessibility to higher education.):
Introduced by Sen. Ken Jacobsen on January 17, 2007, to create a Joint Select Committee on Latino Accessibility to Higher Education. The overall goal of the committee would be to increase higher education enrollments of the Latino community. The committee would consist of 4 members from the Senate and 4 members of the House of Representatives.

Details and Comments: http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=49356


Last summer, the Washington Supreme Court swept away a 30-year history of protecting people with disabilities and replaced the Washington Law Against Discrimination that protects people with disabilities from discrimination with more restrictive federal standards (McClarty v. Totem Electric).

As a result, persons with disabilities in Washington state are more vulnerable to discrimination in employment and housing, and have fewer legal rights to protect them.

This unfair decision needs to be reversed to reinstate our tradition of protecting the rights of people with disabilities. Our state’s groundbreaking Washington Law Against Discrimination should not be destroyed in favor of the more restrictive Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Urge your state legislators to protect people with disabilities. http://ga3.org/campaign/discrimination_mcclarty?rk=edAn79p1bUN%5fE

The Washington State Legislature is considering bills that would overturn the discriminatory McClarty v. Totem Electric decision and provide justice to all people with disabilities. These bills have been introduced formally as Senate Bill 5340 (prime sponsored by Sen. Adam Kline) and as House Bill 1322 (prime sponsored by Rep. John McCoy). A strong coalition backs these bills including the Washington Protective Advocates Society, Washington Network for Civil Justice & Accountability, Washington State Human Rights Commission and many other disability groups around the state.

[eridani]

1. More from the ACLU

Three civil liberties priority bills are scheduled for hearings in Olympia next week. We encourage you to attend one of the hearings if you can! If you can't attend a hearing, listen to a hearing online on TVW.

REAL ID (SB 5087)

We are urging legislators to block the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act in Washington. The Act requires states to produce driver’s licenses conforming to a national standard and to store drivers’ information in nationally shared databases making it more vulnerable to identity theft and misuse. Implementing REAL ID would cost Washington taxpayers $50 million annually for the first five years and would be a bureaucratic nightmare.

Participate

Senate Bill 5087 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation on Tues., Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Read more http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=A4M01SEx6zVAeT8WX6BTAg..or take action now http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=VuePCLyuqE-JN9kOz6ntRQ..

Sex Education (HB 1297,SB 5297)

We support the Healthy Youth Act to require public schools that teach sex education to provide comprehensive, medically accurate sex education that complies with the state Department of Health guidelines. This legislation would ensure that teens receive information to help protect them from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Participate

House Bill 1297 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on Thurs., Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. Read more http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=K85Rwmq_m-ZDHSirNsTXyw.. or take action now http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=5dPKRnclRLZ0unliqgkZRw..

Domestic Parnerships (HB 1351, SB 5336)

We support legislation to enable unmarried couples to register as domestic partners with the state. This registration would protect the right to make medical care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, and to consult with the partner’s doctors. The registry will also give a registered partner the property rights enjoyed by married couples in this state.

Participate

Senate Bill 5336 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections on Thurs., Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Read more http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=1JqqfntzgeMbbGmU18fLYg.. or take action now http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=RRqsff9ukmVamLY9u5ZChA..


ACLU Lobby Day
http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_LobbyDay07

ACLU Advocacy Trainings near you!

Even if you can't join us in Olympia on Lobby Day, you can still learn about the issues and find out how to contact your elected officials! We're holding Advocacy Trainings around the state to let folks know what our civil liberties priorities are this legislative session.

Advocacy Trainings are free, and no RSVP is required.

Vancouver*
Thursday, Jan. 25
6:30 p.m.
Round table Pizza
5016 NE Thurston Way, Vancovuer

Ellensburg*
Thursday, Feb. 1
6:30 p.m.
Hal Holmes Center,
201 N. Ruby St., Ellensburg

Tacoma*
Wednesday, Feb. 7
6 p.m.
Tacoma Public Library,
1102 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma

Bellingham*
Thursday, Feb. 8
6 p.m.
2300 James Street Ste. 207, Bellingham

[eridani]

10. ACLU March update

Wednesday was a key deadline for bills to get out of committee in the state Legislature. Several civil liberties priority bills survived; others did not. Please keep urging your legislators to support civil liberties issues!

REAL ID ( SB 5087)
We are urging legislators to block the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act in Washington. REAL ID requires states to produce driver’s licenses conforming to a national standard and to store drivers’ information in nationally shared databases; it would cost Washington taxpayers $50 million annually for the first five years and would be a bureaucratic nightmare. Read more. http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=hfwHJcuqVKt0JT94h1JnXw..
Status: Could be called to a floor vote.


Implementation Measures Announced for REAL ID

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released 160 pages of regulations intended to guide states in implementing REAL ID. Rather than fix the many problems with the Act, the regulations punted on significant questions and made some of REAL ID's difficulties worse. Read the ACLU's statement on the new regulations. http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=3UWYtZsB0Zqr9nVrYFzD2g..

Domestic Partnerships (HB 1351, SB 5336)
We support legislation to enable unmarried couples to register as domestic partners with the state. This registration would protect the right to make medical care decisions for a sick partner, to visit a partner in the hospital, and to consult with the partner’s doctors. The registry will also give a registered partner the property rights enjoyed by married spouses in this state.
Status: SB 5336 was passed by the Senate with a vote of 28 in favor and 19 against. It now moves on to the House!

Sex Education (HB 1855, SB 5297)
We support the Healthy Youth Act to require public schools that teach sex education to provide comprehensive, medically accurate sex education that complies with the state Department of Health guidelines. This legislation would ensure that teens receive information to help protect them from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Status: Both bills could be called to a floor vote.

Comprehensive Sex Education: "Dirty Words!"

One senator doesn't think youth should learn words that will enable them to make responsible decisions. When SB 5297 had a hearing two weeks ago, Sen. Janéa Holmquist thought some words should be off-limits. Listen to the hearing; testimony on the bill begins about halfway through the audio archive. http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=V7Z9uYyiUOR0LBVT0TN6XA..

Voting Rights (HB 1473, SB 5530)
The state currently has a very complicated, confusing process for restoring voting rights to ex-felons. The ACLU is supporting legislation to automatically restore the franchise to individuals upon release from prison. This would create a clear system: People who are in prison cannot vote, and people who are out of prison can vote.
Status: HB 1473 did not make it out of committee.
SB 5530 could be called to a floor vote.

Death Penalty (HB 1518, SB 5786)
These bills would create and fund a task force to study the death penalty and make recommendations. Recognizing a need to focus critical attention on capital punishment, we support the establishment of a commission to study how the death penalty is applied in Washington. The commission would examine its costs, methods, and fairness. We also would support a moratorium on executions until the commission’s work is complete.
Status: Both bills have until March 5 to get out of committee.

Mentally Ill Exemption (HB 1707, SB 5787)
These bills would exempt individuals from the death penalty who are suffering from a "severe mental illness or disorder" at the time of their crime. People who are found guilty by reason of insanity are not subject to the death penalty. We support this legislation to prevent the execution of individuals with serious mental diseases, even if they do not meet the legal definition of "insanity."
Status: Neither bill made it out of committee by the deadline.

Medical Marijuana ( SB 6032)
In 1998, the people of Washington passed the Medical Use of Marijuana Act (I-692) to enable patients to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, with their physician’s recommendation. The Act intends to protect qualified medical marijuana patients and their caregivers from criminal prosecution. Yet eight years later, courts are still convicting medical marijuana patients and caregivers. We support legislation that will clarify the Act’s definition of a caregiver and will protect seriously ill patients and their caregivers from convictions for possessing or providing marijuana. Senate Bill 6032 offers several major needed amendments to the medical marijuana law.
Status: Could be called to a floor vote.

Court removes misleading terms in initiative ballot title
A Thurston County Superior Court judge has ordered the removal of misleading language in the ballot title for I-963, an initiative that would roll back state protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The challenge of the ballot title was filed by the ACLU and the Northwest Women’s Law Center. Read more. http://action.aclu-wa.org/site/R?i=xasM2piTrgQAMTdRLaf-vQ..

[eridani]

2. Marriage equality

Register for Equality Day!


Registration is now available for Equality Day in Olympia on February 26, 2007. On Equality Day, clergy and people of faith—both straight and gay—will gather with other allies and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to lobby their legislators to end legal discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and families.

A noontime rally will provide legislators and others an opportunity to hear prominent clergy & community leaders speak in support of gay rights. The Equality Day rally typically draws over 1,500 attendees. Past speakers have included Rev. Monica Corsaro, Rabbi Jonathon Singer, Governor Christine Gregoire, and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown.

Here's What You Can Do in Support of Marriage Equality

We've made it easy for you to take action! Help us in our quest to gain full civil rights and marriage equality in Washington State.

--Register for Lobby Day, February 26th in Olympia http://eqfed.org/erw/events/EqualityDay2007/details.tcl

Write a testimonial explaining why you support marriage equality. http://eqfed.org/erw/events/EqualityDay2007/details.tcl

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Join a local equality team, work on issues in your area!Contact us at 206-324-2570.

Stick an "I do support marriage equality" bumper sticker on your car. Purchase a bumper sticker here-- http://www.lmaw.org/bumperstickers.htm

Host a house party to raise funds and educate your friends, neighbors and coworkers about marriage equality. To get started, contact Kathy at 206-324-2570.

Volunteer at ERW's Seattle office, located at 209 Harvard Ave. E , just north of Olive Way , on Seattle 's Capitol Hill. Volunteers are also needed in our office. Call us at 206-324-2570 or e-mail info {at} equalrightswashington.org

Make a contribution to support the work of ERW. https://secure.ga4.org/01/erw_membership

Talk to people in your social circle about marriage equality. Did you know that most people who have a gay friend or family member have never talked to them about the issue? If you're a straight ally, please talk to everyone you know.

Vow to Take a Stand

Dates have been set for the Vow to Take a Stand Meetings, a series of five events to be held around the state to build momentum for LGBT civil rights, discuss ERW's 2007 legislative agenda, and prepare for Equality Day on February 26th. Working with Lambda Legal, local organizations, and leaders, ERW is planning activities in the following cities:

Olympia February 1
12 noon, First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St.

Tacoma February 3
4 p.m., Freight House Square, 430 E. 25th St.

Spokane February 7
7 p.m., UU Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Dr.

Seattle February 8
6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave.

Vancouver February 11
3 p.m., Vancouver Heights Methodist Church, 5701 McArthur Blvd.



If you belong to an organization that is interested in being a co-sponsor of Equality Day or Vow to Take a Stand, please send an e-mail to info {at} equalrightswashington.org or call the ERW office at 206-324-2570

[eridani]

3. More on clean elections

Come if you can! We need a strong showing:

First Clean Elections Bill Hearing in Olympia:
Thursday, January 25 3:30 p.m.

Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee
Senate Hearing Room 2
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing:
1. SB 5226, Providing for public funding of judicial campaigns

===================================
IMPORTANT: If you can attend, RSVP to:
Sarajane Siegfriedt (WPC Lobbyist)
[e-mail]

Arrive at the Hearing by 3 p.m. to sign in as PRO and get a seat.

All Clean Elections supporters who can come early: Rendezvous (optional) from 1:00 p.m. on, in the Cherberg Building ora nearby church, location to be posted soon on our website (www.washclean.org). This will be a pre-hearing briefing, with information packets for everyone.

EVERYONE: Prior to Thursday, please email each of the legislators on the committee with a few sentences saying why you support this bill. Use the bill number in the subject line and give your legislative district with your signature.

========================================
Members, Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee:

Darlene Fairley, Chair (D) - 32nd LD fairley.darlene {at}leg.wa.gov
Eric Oemig, Vice Chair (D) - 45th LD oemig.eric {at}leg.wa.gov
Pam Roach, Ranking Minority Mbr (R) 31st LD roach.pam {at}leg.wa.gov
Don Benton (R) 17th LD benton.don {at}leg.wa.gov
Adam Kline (D) 37th LD kline.adam {at}leg.wa.gov
Craig Pridemore (D) 49th LD pridemore.craig {at}leg.wa.gov
Dan Swecker (R) 20th LD swecker.dan {at}leg.wa.gov

4 Democrats and 3 Republicans

Please copy Sarajane Siegfriedt bcc on your emails.
Sarajane3h {at} comcast.net

GOOD NEWS! - Bills have been filed to establish a Clean Elections program in Washington State (Details: www.washclean.org)

NOW IT'S UP TO US! - to force these bills out of Senate and House committees - so there will be full review by the Legislature, media attention, and public awareness that Clean Elections can bring back "government of, by, and for the people."

We need EVERYONE to call, email or write your legislator - saying we want Clean Elections Now! Keep writing; keep up the pressure. A moment of your time could change history - We must do it!

Below are key committees, their legislators and district. If you live in any of these districts, you MUST help!

But contact your legislator anyway - they all vote in caucus.

To find what district you are in:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

SENATE - Government Operations and Elections
Darlene Fairley, Chair (D) - 32nd legislative district
Eric Oemig, Vice Chair (D) - 45th
Pam Roach (R) - 31st
Don Benton (R) - 17th
Adam Kline (D) - 37th
Craig Pridemore (D) - 49th
Dan Swecker (R) - 20th
ALSO --
Lisa Brown, Senate Majority Leader (D) - 3rd

HOUSE - State Government and Tribal Affairs
Sam Hunt, Chair (D) - 22nd
Sherry Appleton, Vice Chair (D) - 23rd
Bruce Chandler, Ranking Minority Member (R) - 15th
Mike Armstrong, Asst Ranking Minority Member (R) - 12th
Tami Green (D) - 28th
Joel Kretz (R) - 7th
Joe McDermott (D) - 34th
Mark Miloscia (D) - 30th
Timm Ormsby (D) - 3rd
ALSO --
Frank Chopp, Speaker (D) - 43rd
Lynn Kessler, Majority Leader (D) - 24th
Helen Sommers, Chair, Appropriations (D) - 36th

Let's let them know: We want Clean Elections NOW!

With Clean Elections -- Here are the facts:

No more "dialing for dollars" - more time with voters

91% of incumbents in Maine, running Clean, were re-elected

It's easy to qualify - and then candidates get FULL public
financing for their primary and general campaigns - and Matching Funds, to keep pace with traditionally-funded candidates or "Swift Boat" ads in opposition.

Less that $4 per year, per resident, would finance a complete Clean Elections program, for all state executive, legislative and judicial races.

WHAT A DEAL - Let's tell them!

We want legislators free to vote what's good for voters in the district - without worrying what powerful monied interests think. The answer is: Clean Elections - NOW!


=================
Craig Salins
WPC Executive Coordinator
206-784-9695
craig {at} washclean.org

[eridani]

4. And still more--

SENATE HEARING on Clean Elections bills
February 1st Thursday, at 3:30 pm, in Olympia, J.A.Cherberg Building, Hearing Room 2

The Senate Government Operations Committee will hold a Public Hearing on SB 5278, to eliminate the ban on local jurisdictions establishing programs of public financing of campaigns for local races.

ALSO, SB 5226, Public funding of judicial campaigns, will be discussed that day in executive session. The public is entitled to listen and watch.

JOIN us in Olympia, if you can, for this Hearing. Arrive no later than 2:45 pm, stand in line to sign up. If you arrive early, come to the Pritchart Cafeteria, and look for Clean Elections supporters

Last year the Senate approved this bill, but the House cancelled a vote at the last minute.

This year we are back! We need to make sure it is enacted. If your senator sits on the Government Operations Committee, please call 1-800-562-600 and ask them to support this bill. For info: www.washclean.org Click on Legislative Action

=================
SAVE THIS DATE !!
===================
HOUSE HEARING on Clean Elections Bill HB 1360
February 7th, at 1:30 pm, in Olympia, John O Brien Building, Hearing Room D

This is the comprehensive Clean Elections proposal we need, by Rep. Mark Miloscia.

We need a massive show of support for this bill! It is our single chance to demonstrate: Clean Elections NOW! Arrive no later than 12:45 pm, to sign up for the hearing.

If you can possibly come to Olympia for this hearing, please do! If you have to choose between the hearings on Feb. 1st and Feb. 7th, please choose to come to this hearing on February 7t!

Prior to this Hearing, contact your state representative, ask them to support HB 1360 in the House. Info on how to Contact Your Legislator on our website.

More information and directions to Olympia on our website.
www.washclean.org


LAST WEEK's Senate Hearing report:

Many Clean Elections supporters took the day off and traveled to Olympia last week, to show support at a Senate Hearing on the Governor's proposal for public funding of judicial races. Although many of us were denied the opportunity to testify, it was very clear to the legislators, the media and to everyone in attendance, that Washington Public Campaigns is on the scene, and the people demanding Clean Elections cannot be ignored!

Former Senator and Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge, and State Representative Mark Miloscia each presented a powerful case on our behalf, for Clean Elections now!

Opponents cited mis-information and negative propaganda, which we have already refuted in writing to the Senate Committee.

Clean Elections was well-represented by the many of you who came to our state capitol, and by Washington Public Campaigns in testimony submitted in writing and in followup reports and data.

Let's keep it up! Through citizen action, we will achieve Clean Elections!

========================
Craig Salins
WPC Executive Coordinator
206-784-9695
craig {at} washclean.org

[eridani]

5. Family leave

Dear Seattle-area MomsRising member,

We have a rare opportunity to share with you--one where you can truly make a difference... You are invited to a special meeting with Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp this coming Saturday morning with a focus on sharing our support for family leave in Washington. This issue is critically important to mothers, and all who have mothers. Just imagine the powerful message we can send together!

WHEN: This coming Saturday, February 3rd
TIME: 10:00am
PLACE: Fremont Baptist Church, 717 North 36th Street (1 block east of Fremont Ave—toward the troll sculpture—on 36th Ave). We'll be in the main sanctuary.
RSVP: Katie {at} momsrising.org with "Family Leave or Bust!" in the Subject line



This meeting is a huge opportunity for you to have a major impact on the direction of Washington policy. As the Speaker of the House, Representative Frank Chopp is THE decision maker on which policies move forward and which policies stall. Your participation can truly give this family and medical leave insurance "legs." Bring friends, children, your partner, parents, relatives, and neighbors! Let's fill the room to overflowing!

THE FACTS ON THE ISSUE: The United States is one of only 4 countries in the world that doesn't offer some form of paid leave to new mothers--we join Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, and Lesotho with that dubious distinction. It's time to catch up with the rest of the world. Paid family leave has been shown to reduce infant mortality by as much as 20% (and the U.S. ranks a low 37th of all countries in infant mortality), as well as to help keep families out of poverty.

Right now, having a baby is a leading cause of "poverty spells" in this country (poverty spells are a time when income dips below what's needed for basic living expenses like food and rent). And a full quarter of families with children under six years old live in poverty here. We need paid family leave YESTERDAY!

WHY THE MEETING? MomsRising members are coming together to thank Speaker Chopp for his previous support of family-friendly legislation--and to share that we heartily support paid family and medical leave insurance for Washington right now... and hope he will as well. This meeting is a key (and rare) opportunity to help make Washington State the 2nd state in the U.S. to offer family and medical leave insurance for the birth or placement of a new child; care of a seriously ill parent, child, spouse, or domestic partner; or for the employees own illness. This program is proposed to be funded by employees through a very small paycheck deduction of about $3.50 per month.

Businesses will not have to pay.

WHO SHOULD COME? You, your partner, children, friends, parents, and family members. Let's fill the room. Just please RSVP to Katie@ {at} omsrising.org so we have an idea of how many will be joining us. The more, the merrier! Let's show Speaker Chopp that mothers, and all who have mothers, support this issue!

THE LOWDOWN ON THE MEETING: Starting at 10am (feel free to arrive a bit early), we'll watch a short film clip with Speaker Chopp, then hear the stories of a few families who are deeply impacted by this issue. Afterward, we'll open up the discussion so that you can tell Speaker Chopp why family-friendly policies like paid family and medical leave are important to you. If you don't want to speak, don't worry! We'll be handing out cards so you can write down your own personal message. We'll present Speaker Chopp with a basket of cards at the end. The meeting will be over by 11am.

WHAT TO WEAR? If you have a MomsRising t-shirt, then by all means please wear it! Don't worry about dressing up—this is a casual meeting where the most important thing is that you are there and comfortable.

TO RSVP: Send an email to [e-mail] with "Family Leave or Bust!" in the Subject section.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to make a face to face connection with Speaker Chopp.

Hope to see you there! - Katie, Colleen, Yvonne, Marisa, Leslie, Diane, and Kristin

p.s. Want to see the bill? Check out HB 1658, Family and Medical Leave Insurance, at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1658&year=2007. The bill provides partial pay when employees must take leave to care for a newborn or newly placed adopted or foster child; care for a seriously ill child, spouse, domestic partner, or parent; or recover from their own serious illness. The benefit provided would be $250 per week for up to 5 weeks, and would be financed by a 2 cents per hour employee paycheck deduction (not by business owners). This comes out to about $3.50 per month, or $40 per year for a full-time employee.

[eridani]

6. Priorities for a Healthy Washington--environmental legislation

Priorities for a Healthy Washington

Lobby Day

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Time: All-day event
Location: United Churches, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia

Cost: $15 -- includes breakfast, coffee, lunch and late-afternoon party with drinks and appetizers.

On Valentine's Day 2007, hundreds of concerned people from all over the state will come to the state capital to show their love of Washington's cherished natural environment.

We will meet one-on-one with our elected representatives to push for the passage of the Priorities for a Healthy Washington legislative package.

These four priorities include legislation to save our Sound, eliminate toxic flame retardants, promote clean fuels and clean air, and double the funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

Register today so we can schedule meetings with all your legislators!

http://pugetsound.org/index/lobbyday

With your help last year the Priorities for a Healthy Washington coalition was successful in passing three of our four environmental priorities.

During Lobby Day 2007 you will play a key role in advancing this year's priorities --

Learn about the issues: Get briefed by experts on the top priority environmental issues facing the state. Attend lobbying trainings: Learn the basic “how-to” from top environmental lobbyists. Meet face-to-face with your legislators: Put your knowledge into action in a face-to-face meeting with your legislator. Attend an important committee hearing in the House or Senate. Don't forget the party: Celebrate the day with free drinks, appetizers and prizes from 4-7:00 pm at the post-lobby day party hosted by Audubon Washington.


Looking for a ride?

We will be coordinating carpooling. In addition, if you're coming from the North Sound there will be a free bus -- Hop on our bus in Bellingham (5:30 a.m.), Mount Vernon (6:15 a.m.), Everett (7:00 a.m.) and Seattle at (7:45 am). To learn more, contact Rein Attemann at rattemann {at} pugetsound.org or 206-382-7007.

Register today so we can schedule meetings with all your legislators!

http://pugetsound.org/index/lobbyday

or contact Rein Attemann at rattemann {at} pugetsound.org or 206-382-7007.

To learn more about the four 2007 Priorities for a Healthy Washington:
http://www.environmentalpriorities.org

Sincerely,
Kerri Cechovic

[eridani]

8. Update

The results from our online petition and e-mails to Washington state's legislature to protect Puget Sound from PBDEs has been outstanding.

Next week there is a great opportunity for you to meet face-to-face with your elected officials and tell them why you care about protecting Puget Sound.

That's why we want you to join us for Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day. This annual event, sponsored by a variety of Washington environmental organizations, brings together hundreds of citizens from across Washington for meetings with their state Representatives and Senators.

Please join us for this special day on Wednesday,February 14th in Olympia. We arrange the meetings, provide a lobbying training and issue information sessions; all you have to do is show up!

Who: WashPIRG and other state environmental groups
What: Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day
When: Wednesday, February 14th
Where: Olympia

To RSVP for this event, click on the link below or paste it into your web browser. We'll get back with you personally to give you all the details.

http://washpirg.org/WA.asp?id=1996&id4=ES

Background

Do you want your legislators to vote to protect clean water, clean air, natural areas, and sporting opportunities? So do we!

Join us for Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day!
Wednesday, February 14th -RSVP today!

Last year, over 250 Washingtonians just like you descended on the state Capitol to share their environmental values with their State Legislators. Speaking with a unified voice was an energizing day for citizens and the environmental community. It also reinforced to our elected officials the importance of protecting the health of our beautiful state.

This year, there are 4 Priority Issues:
1. Phase out the use of PBDEs
2. Clean Air, Clean Fuels
3. Provide $100 million for WA wilderness areas
4. Save Our Sound

Legislators need to continue to hear from you! Help demonstrate that the majority of citizens in Washington value clean air, clean water, and special places.

I hope to see you at Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day 2007, Wednesday, February 14th!

To RSVP for this event, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:

http://washpirg.org/WA.asp?id=1996&id4=ES

Sincerely,

Bill LaBorde
WashPIRG Program Director
BillLB {at} washpirg.org
http://www.WashPIRG.org


"Doug Dobbins" doug.dobbins {at} gmail.com
If there is anyone on this list who has been working with Krist Novoselic on Instant Runoff Voting, please e-mail directly (off list). This is concerning a media opportunity.

Thanks,

Doug

[eridani]

7. HB 1588 - Mobility Education

HB 1588 on Mobility Education is scheduled for a hearing this Tuesday, February 6, at 3:30 in the House Transportation Committee. If you plan to be in Olympia for Transportation Lobby Day, please drop by and sign in or speak in favor of this legislation. This is one of the priorities identified for Transportation Lobby Day.

HB 1588 will provide mobility education to students in driver training programs. Among other things, mobility education will teach students the importance of safely sharing the road with bicyclists and pedestrians, and the availability of biking and walking as mobility options.

[eridani]

13. Update--calls needed

Substitute House Bill 1588, an act that would provide mobility education to students in driver education programs, passed out of the House on March 10 and will be heard this Thursday, March 22 by the Senate Transportation Committee in Hearing Room 1.

Briefly the substitute bill would add bicycle and pedestrian safety to the list of items that must be part of the driver education curriculums developed by the Department of Licensing and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It also creates mobility education pilot projects in King, Spokane and Kitsap counties.

We support this legislation for following reasons:
1) Youth will be taught equally about all the modes of travel available -- bus, bike, walk and motor vehicles.
2) Bicycle and pedestrian safety education as well as safe bicycle riding skills will be taught. SPEED and VISIBILITY are leading causes of collisions in the right of way. Mobility education teaches everyone in the ROW to take responsibility.
3) Washington is poised to become a leader in mobility education.
4) Mobility education will teach lifelong transit, walking and biking skills and complements graduated license requirements by educating and encouraging youth to think beyond the car.
5) Also complements commute trip reduction programs.

Action needed:

Please contact members of the Senate Transportation Committee ASAP and ask them to support SHB 1588.

Thank you!

Senate Transportation Committee

Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Chair
haugen.Margaret {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Chris Marr, Vice Chair
Marr.chris {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Ed Murray, Vice Chair
murray.ed {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Dan Swecker
swecker.dan {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Don Benton
Benton.don {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Jean Berkey
berkey.jean {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Jim Clements
clements.jim {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Jerome Delvin
delvin.Jerome {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Tracey Eide
eide.tracey {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Janea Holmquist
holmquist.janea {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Ken Jacobsen
Jacobsen.ken {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Jim Kastama
kastama.jim {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Claudia Kauffman
kauffman.Claudia {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Derek Kilmer
kilmer.Derek {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Cheryl Pflug
pflug.Cheryl {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Tim Sheldon
Sheldon.tim {at} leg.wa.gov

Senator Harriet Spanel
spanel.harriet {at} leg.wa.gov



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bicycle Alliance of Washington
PO Box 2904
Seattle, WA 98111
206.224.9252
www.bicyclealliance.org

[eridani]

9. Recommendations from Dems Disability caucus

Dear Friends of the Washington State Democratic Disabilities Issues Caucus (WSDIC),

Message Index:

1. Hearings
2. WSDIC LAC Agenda and Addendum
3. For Little Democrats
4. Tentative Presidential Primary Schedule for 2008
5. Analysis of Democratic Presidential Candidates

1. Hearings - Many thanks for our WSDIC Secretary Maureen Durkan, in her other activist capacities:

Dear Advocates:

We have two important hearings next week;

Monday February 12th at 130 pm in Hearing Room D
Higher education committee
HB 1394 Medical student training bill

Friday February 16th at 8 am (ugh!) House hearing room D
State Gov't & tribal affairs committee
HB 1584 State institutions "base closure bill"

It is very important to pack the hearing on Friday, the Monday hearing we already have three people to testify in favor, certainly more would not hurt, but the Friday hearing a huge turnout is needed and you don't have to testify just be present to have a strong showing against this bill.

2. WSDIC LAC Agenda and Addendum

At our re-org meeting on January 27, the WSDIC voted to take the following positions on the following bills:

Support:

HB 1393/ SB 5314 - Requiring record checks for developmental disabilities service providers
HB 1394 - Requiring a plan to encourage medical students to work with patients with developmental disabilities.

SHB 1016 - Providing a business and occupation tax credit for the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities.


HB 1050 - Allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies.
HB 1322 - Defining disability in the Washington law against discrimination.

Oppose:

HB 1584 - Creating the institutions review commission.

SB 5016 - Limiting petitions for guardianship by professional guardians
SB 5017 - Allocating guardianship fees and costs to substantially prevailing party
SB 5018 -Prohibiting a professional guardian from serving as both guardian or limited guardian and attorney or guardian ad litem.

You are encouraged to call the Washington State Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 to express your position on the above and other bills in the 2007 Legislative Session. Please give WSDIC's positions your serious consideration.

[eridani]

11. Report from the House Democratic Caucus

House Democrats halfway through session

The state House Democratic caucus is marking the session's legislative halfway cut off point with record-setting activity. As of yesterday evening, 166 bills had been sent to the state Senate – more than three times the number approved by the same time time two years ago during the 2005 legislative session.

Here's an overview of bills, grouped by category, that advanced through the chamber prior to this week's deadline:

Education

HB 1663 establishes a 5-star voluntary rating system for child care centers *
HB 1465 provides child care consultation services to caregivers and parents to equip them with effective strategies in addressing problem behavior in children. *
HB 1051 allows high school completion at local community colleges for students above a certain age. (sent to Senate)
HB 1573 establishes a state-wide, comprehensive dropout prevention plan. *
HB 1096 expands the successful Opportunity Grants program **
HB 1779 provides scholarship money for college students aspiring to be math and science teachers. *
HB 1222 enhances the State Need Grants, providing increased financial aid for low income college students. *
HB 1131 provides college scholarships for foster kids. (on floor calendar)
HB 1880 creates the Skills-Based Economic Growth Planning Program. *
HB 1882 implements the Washington Learns tuition and financial aid recommendations. *
House Appropriations Subcommittee on education sent its recommendations for $1.3 billion new dollars in education spending to the full committee.

Healthcare

HB 1071/SB 5093 extends the provision of health care coverage to all Washington children. *
HB 1095 implements the Medicare Part D co-payment program for low income seniors. (Signed by the Governor)
HB 1569 creates a Health Insurance Connector to simply and improve the purchase of health insurance. *
HB 1201 continues health insurance coverage for former foster children through age 21. (on floor calendar)
HB 1460 bars small group health insurance plans from discriminating against mental health treatment. (Sent to Senate)
SJM 4016 encouraging Congress to continue the vital State Children's Health Insurance Program. **

Jobs & Economic Prosperity

HB 1277 expands the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool.(in Finance)
HB 1091 creates innovation partnership zones. **
HB 1276 provides funds to market Washington as a tourism destination. **
HB 1178 provides more money and resources to strengthen local economic development councils **
HB 1278 reduces unemployment insurance rates for start-up businesses **
HB 1695 creates a tax credit for high tech research and development. **
HB 1715 creates programs to assist small manufacturers in reducing costs and encourages careers in manufacturing. **
HB 1525 identifies and eliminates business regulations creating an undue burden on small businesses. **
HB 1311 continues the state program that helps small farms market their products. **

Family Security

HB 1359 establishes the Affordable Housing for All plan. *
HB 1001 combats auto theft. *
HB 1008 protects vulnerable adults from those who are supposed to be helping them **
HB 1458 requires that property owners be given written notice before their property can be condemned (on floor calendar)
HB 2016 protects private property from being forcibly condemned for economic development (eminent domain – in Rules)
HB 2054 establishes a one-stop reporting system for identity theft crimes *
HB 1347 requires long-term care facilities to develop emergency preparedness plans. (on Floor calendar)

Our Environment

HB 1024 phases out use of a toxic flame retardant known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers used in a wide range of household products such as mattresses and laptops. (in Senate)
HB 1303 encourages the replacement of older school buses with fuel efficient vehicles. *
HB 1374 creates a new state agency called the Puget Sound Partnership tasked with restoring the health of the Puget Sound by 2020. *

* means bill is in Appropriations, ** means bill is in Rules

The state Senate, meanwhile, has passed a landmark domestic partnerships bill (which I wrote about earlier today). However, the simple majority constitutional amendment for public schools has not yet passed the chamber. Please contact your representatives and let them know you favor this critical legislation.


Four bills for public campaign financing are in House and Senate Rules and Appropriations Committees respectively WAITING FOR YOU TO PRY THEM OUT TO GO TO A FLOOR VOTE! Your continuing help is needed to let your legislators, committee chairs, and possibly committee members know that we expect them to take positive action on this issue of great public value BEFORE MARCH 6.

MOST IMPORTANT, and easiest:

On or preferably before Monday, March 5, call your own legislators to urge support for HB1186 and SB5226 funding for judicial races, and HB1551 and SB5278 removing the ban on local jurisdiction financing, using the 800 number above*.

Then please call House Appropriations Chair Helen Sommers 360-786-7814, Senate Ways and Means Chair Margarita Prentice 360-786-7616; House Rules Chair Frank Chopp 360-786-7920, and Senate Rules Chair Rosa Franklin 360-786-7656 and make the same requests.

Easier, if you have the time:

Individual messages to every member of both Rules, Ways and Means, and Appropriations Committees may be sent using this handy tool: www.democracyforwashington.com/tools. Try it!

Please do this in support of Washington Public Campaigns, the LWVWA, and YOURSELF, leading toward a fairer electoral system for the state of Washington. Thank you for your participation.

Legislators have told us that TEN contacts from THEIR CONSTITUENTS will have an impact. To leave a message for your legislators, the Governor or Lt. Governor, and/or for other information regarding the current legislative session, call 1-800-562-6000, M-F 8-8, Sat 9-1.

For more information about Washington Public Campaigns see www.washclean. org.

Jean Carlson, Volunteer Publicist
Washington Public Campaig
206-329-2725

[eridani]

12. Please act to save Maury Island's water supply!

Dear Progressive Friends,

This is an issue that probably concerns us all. Please send a note or make a call to Representative Springer letting him know where you stand on the Cleanup of Puget Sound and this project in particular. I include my letter for your reference.

All the Best,
Judith



Dear Representative Springer,

Larry,

As I mentioned at the Town Hall forum on Saturday afternoon in Woodinville, I spent some time conversing with the aternate committeeman from the 34th LD at the recent King County Democrats meeting. The conversation concerned the possible development of land owned by Glacier Northwest, a mining company, on Maury Island.

It's my understanding this development is a direct threat to half the island's water supply. I understand there is no mitigation if this mining operation has an adverse effect on the Maury Island aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for thousands of residents.

I understand you have concerns about the water supply issues. Have you received information that satisfies this concern?

It's my understanding the area just off shore of the planned development is a major feeding ground for salmon and a major birthing area for Orcas.

It's my understanding that Glacier has been repeatedly found guilty of environmental damage and has refused a reasonable offer to buy the land. And, I have not addressed the nuisnace noise and pollution those who live nearby will endure if this planned development goes through.

It's my understanding the land is contaminated with arsenic from the old Asarco plant.

It's my understanding, if allowed, the gravel mined wil be used throughout the Puget Sound region for roads and buildings, causing poison that is now contained to be spread throughout the area.

Goodness, surely these must be reasons enough to stop the development!

But, there's also the information I received from the League of Women Voters informing me Glacier Northwest does not have a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers or a State of Washington DNR lease, plus, their permit from King County is under appeal. Further, their hydraulic project approval must be reviewed in May.

The committeeman from the 34th LD, Ivan Weiss, has stated, "the Governor's entire Sound cleanup program is at stake here. How does it make sense to appropriate our hard-earned tax dollars for this worthy goal if this gargantuan-scale mining and barging operation is to be allowed? Surely Sound cleanup is one of the overriding issues for our state, and as such this bill deserves a trip to the House floor."


Are we serious about cleaning up the Sound or we are not?
I urge you to support SB 6011, Creating the Maury Island aquatic reserve.

Thanks for your service,

Judith Shattuck

[eridani]

14. Support home visits for kids with asthma

Would you consider sending a letter something like what I've cut & pasted below to Margarita Prentice -- and passing this onto others in the 11th LD? Here's some background first, as this is something near and dear to my heart.

I'm a volunteer with the American Lung Association's Master Home Environmentalist Program. We go to homes of people who have respiratory concerns and help them identify low and no-cost ways to reduce indoor environmental toxins. For children with asthma -- I've seen how helpful it is to reduce these triggers. (I'm mostly not doing this anymore -- but did back in 1999/2000 -- and recently did a home visit here in SKC).

Anyway, there's a program based on that model that was highly-successful -- the Healthy Homes program here in King County -- that has a good chance to get funded. Healthy Homes has been replicated and written about nationwide. Savings per child -- after the cost of the program-- were over $1,000 annually -- plus less work missed by struggling parents, less school missed by children, less time in the emergency room.

Margarita Prentice has a lot to say about whether this proviso will be turned into an amendment and put into the budget. Thanks for listening, Martha!

Noemie

The Honorable Margarita Prentice, Karen Fraser, Craig Pridemore, and Joseph Zarelli,

(prentice.margarita {at} leg.wa.gov, fraser.karen {at} leg.wa.gov, pridemore.craig {at} leg.wa.gov, zarelli.joseph {at} leg.wa.gov)

Please support the budget proviso for Home Visits for Children with Asthma, which would reduce emergency room visits and school absences for low-income children with moderate to severe asthma and would save healthcare costs in Washington State.

This highly-successful new approach to asthma management is rooted in Washington innovation and looked to as a model nationwide. Children who participated in a similar program, the Seattle King County Healthy Homes Project, experienced fewer school absences and emergency room visits. Health care costs were reduced by over $2,000 per child over a year. Washington has attracted attention nationwide for leading on the development of this approach. This is something really to be proud of. This proviso, I believe, is an important opportunity to take that leadership -- and that help for children -- to the next stage.

Thank you so much for considering,

Noemie Maxwell Vassilakis