The newly empowered progressive majority in the state Legislature passed sweeping reforms last year during a historically productive session. From beginning to balance our state’s upside-down tax code and passing major climate legislation to expanding voting access and increasing law enforcement accountability, the 2021 session was one for the history books.
The 2022 legislative session begins today with a wave of momentum from last year’s successes and no senators from West Virginia to derail progress. Based on more than 300 responses to our annual member survey in December, here are our top four legislative priorities this year:
- Continuing to balance our tax code was once again voted the top priority for Fuse members. We’re going to keep fighting to make sure that Washington’s wealthy people and corporations pay what they truly owe to our communities in taxes.
- Fighting climate change and protecting our environment was a close second in our survey. No matter where you live or how wealthy you are, we all deserve clean air and water and a healthy place to raise our families.
- Increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness is your newest addition to our legislative priorities. Here in Washington, we believe everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, warm, and affordable. This will require building enough homes for everyone to have one, and preventing landlords from discriminating against tenants based on a conviction history.
- Our final legislative priority is to continue improving voting justice and expanding access to the ballot box. In the wake of the anniversary of the January 6 attack, we’re as committed as ever to ensuring that in America, it is the voters who decide the outcome of our elections.
We need our legislators to build on the momentum from last year’s incredible session and keep pushing for progress. Will you send a message urging them to support a strong progressive agenda in 2022?
P.S. We’re also getting to work on your other top priority from our survey: starting early on our 2022 electoral campaigns. We know we’ll have our work cut out for us supporting our progressive champions in Olympia, electing a Democratic Secretary of State who will protect our elections, and defending the swing 8th Congressional District. We hope you're join us in these critical campaigns!
