The Washington state Legislature convenes today at a tumultuous moment in our nation’s history. Amidst so much uncertainty, it is abundantly clear that legislators must take bold action right away to support Washingtonians who are hanging on by a thread. The simultaneous public health, economic, environmental, and racial justice crises demand that we come together and demand that lawmakers summon the political will to do right by us all, and not succumb to the political cautiousness that has too often doomed good legislation.
Our legislative priorities this year were shaped by your response to our member survey in December, as well as conversations with partners and community leaders. Here are our top priorities for the 2021 legislative session:
Balancing Our Tax Code to Invest in Washington:
Washington’s wealthiest people and corporations have gained record profits during this pandemic while working families are in dire need of relief. Lawmakers must balance our tax code and ensure the wealthy finally pay their share so that we can invest in communities and promote a just recovery from this emergency. We support a capital gains tax as well as other progressive sources of revenue from those who have profited most during the pandemic. We also believe it’s critical to provide direct cash payments to those who need it in the form of a Working Families Tax Credit. Learn more here: https://balanceourtaxcode.com/.
Fighting Climate Change:
We will continue to expand on our progress from last session by supporting a Clean Fuel Standard, similar to those already implemented in Oregon, California, and British Columbia. It would require that transportation fuels sold in Washington emit less carbon pollution. Given that nearly half of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, this legislation will result in cleaner air and spur local innovation in green technologies.
Racial Justice:
There are countless places the legislature can put efforts into finally pursuing racial justice for all Washingtonians. Given the breadth of this problem, we’re supporting a slate of bills that includes increasing police accountability, support for undocumented Washingtonians, reforming our criminal justice system, voting rights restoration, and environmental justice.
Our agenda is even more ambitious than in past years because the need is so much greater. By joining together across race and place, we can build an equitable, more just, and greener Washington that works for all of us. Will you urge your legislator to support a bold progressive agenda for 2021 that provides the investments Washington families need and deserve?
Our agenda is even more ambitious than in past years because the need is so much greater. By joining together across race and place, we can build an equitable, more just, and greener Washington that works for all of us. Will you urge your legislator to support a bold progressive agenda for 2021 that provides the investments Washington families need and deserve?
