The Speaker asked us to share this special message with you:

"We still have a good chance to pass a jobs package that includes a substantial amount for housing, but it depends on whether people advocate for it. You need to keep fighting for our values — work your individual projects as well as the big picture items like housing as a whole. You can still make a difference, there's no doubt about it."
– Speaker Frank Chopp, 43rd LD

Take action today.

Monday marks day 22 of the 30-day special session. Whether or not the Legislature will be able to finish without another special session remains to be seen. The Governor’s office reported late last week that negotiations are intensive, but that no agreement had been reached and are at the point where it could either come closer together or explode. Word is that both chambers have put their members on standby for a possible Wednesday session, but what that indicates is uncertain.
 
It may not be a bad thing that negotiations are tough. That could indicate that our messages to stand strong and not compromise on the safety net are working. But we know that our allies are under tremendous pressure to fold and go home. Representative Dunshee shared on a call with Housing Alliance members last Thursday, that we need to keep reaching out with messages to protect the safety net and fund the Housing Trust Fund. That is why Speaker Chopp asked us to share his words of encouragement with you.

We asked for a Groundswell and You Delivered

Last Wednesday, we learned that the Washington Association of County Officials (the state auditors association) was lobbying hard for a Governor’s veto of 2048. Why? Because they hold a conservative opposition to fees in general. And as you may recall, tremendous efforts were undertaken throughout this session and last, to address and appease their concerns. Language was added to the bill early on to ensure that the fees only apply to real estate related documents and later, another amendment was added so that the auditors themselves wouldn’t have to determine which documents the fees apply to. Yet still, new complaints were being raised at the last hour.

So we asked for a groundswell of calls to the Governor asking her to sign it in full and to sign it soon. And you delivered. Many people contacted us to share that the Governor’s office was finishing their sentences by the time they called. Then later that night the Governor’s office announced that she would sign bills the next day and 2048 was third on the list! She signed it in full, with no veto. Thank you Governor Gregoire for prioritizing this important bill!

Huge thank you's are of course due to Representative Kenney and Senator Kohl-Welles for their leadership. This was one of Representative Kenney’s last bills — a fine way to close a stellar career in public service. Please send both her and Senator Kohl-Welles a quick email of thanks. Senator Hobbs and every advocate who testified, who met with their elected officials, emailed and made calls — all deserve a huge thank you as well.

You Are Asking Our Champions to Stand Strong, We Need You to do the Same
Speaker Chopp’s words of encouragement couldn’t have come at more critical time. Although the negotiations are all behind closed doors, your messages are being heard. We hope you take his advice to heart and continue to take action until the final decisions are made. We still have a chance to make sure that the Housing Trust Fund receives a healthy allocation and that Housing and Essential Needs, TANF, Disability Lifeline Medical and other safety-net programs are fully funded — and not eliminated. Join us tomorrow to learn more about the impact of your advocacy from Senator Nelson and take action today.

Thank you for your tenacious commitment to standing up for affordable housing and an end to homelessness,
Michele