State Legislative Season

2015 Washington State Legislature

The 2015 Washington State Legislative session starts January 12th and continues for 105 days. It is a biennial (2 year) Budget session for 2015-2017. Information on the Legislature is available at this link: WA Legislature Info This link includes rosters of legislators, information on the legislative process, and also is your access to all advocacy days (listed under events).

As those concerned with the Common Good, we have various versions of Legislative advocacy available to us. Faith Action Network has an advocacy agenda that includes thess issues: Reducing Wealth Inequality, Forging a Sustainable Budget, Dismantling the Culture of Violence, Protect Housing and Prevent Homelessness, and Sustaining Washington’s Environment. More information may be secured on their webpage (click FAN ). Interfaith Advocacy Day is Thursday February 19. You may register at their webpage.

More specific to policies for safe, healthy, affordable homes, raising wages for jobs that can afford a home, and other efforts to raise revenue, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance also has a Legislative agenda that may be found on its webpage (click their name). Additionally, on Tuesday February 17 the Housing Homelessness Advocacy Day is held. Last year more than 600 persons came to the Capitol and advocated on these issues.

Your local area more than likely has specific advocacy agendas that direct attention to issues that are more local but require State attention. Be in touch with your local Continuum of Care (for homelessness, usually your local County staff), with nonprofits who work with: children, domestic violence victims, seniors, veterans, those battling mental health, those struggling with substance abuse, and so on.

Your voice is necessary and important as we seek to be just with regard to the least, the lost, the lonely, the left behind, and the lowest on the economic ladder.  If you have questions, you may contact me: The Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett, Director, Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness, University Congregational UCC Seattle member, itfh@comcast.net, 425-442-5418.

The Justice and Witness Ministry (JWM) Committee of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (PNC) is dedicated to assisting individuals and congregations of the PNC to get involved in the work of justice and peace.

We believe that such work is the work of the whole faith community. If you and/or your congregation would like to work on an issue of peace or justice, or if you would like to acquire particular skills (such as legislative advocacy) to carry out that work, please feel free to contact us for assistance.