Priority Actions
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.
Congressional Action Alert
Normally, this newsletter only addresses state level issues. However, we have been asked by the LWV of the United States to take action on a national issue. The League is opposing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (the SAVE Act) and asking members in WA's 3rd Congressional District to take action.
⚠️ If you live in the 3rd Congressional District, contact Representative Gluesenkamp-Perez to register your opposition to the SAVE Act and ask her to vote against it. Contact her by email or by phone:
The LWVWA has also sent out action alerts to members who live in the 3rd Congressional District.
Action Alerts
This Week in the Legislature
The 2025 Legislative Issues