Washington State Freedom Works Agenda Update

Taxes
Governor Locke and the League of Education Voters (LEV) have released their billion-dollar sales tax increase plan, P-16. CSE has vowed to fight this plan every step of the way and we have begun the effort by sending direct emails to the governor to let him know we think there is a better way. Politicians have to learn to live within their means, just like ordinary families do. Exercising fiscal discipline and responsibility is the only way to foster the economic growth that Washington needs and we need to continually repeat this message.

The LEV is a well-funded group and will be formidable opponents in this battle. They are expected to file an initiative for the November ballot in the next couple weeks and we need to be ready to launch an aggressive Decline to Sign campaign. Please keep us updated with email and address changes so we can contact you with timely information. If you have friends and neighbors that would like to join CSE, please refer them to our website to enroll. The only way to win this fight is with a strong grassroots effort.

Liability Reform
On February 10th, the Senate passed ESSB 5728 – comprehensive tort reform – with bipartisan support (27-22). The bill now goes to the House where it will face an uphill battle. This is the same bill that was passed in the Senate a year ago and died in the House because House Judiciary Chairman, Representative Pat Lantz (D-26) refused to allow a vote. All 26th District members should call or write Rep. Lantz and ask her to allow a vote. Representative Mike Carrell (R-28) is leading the effort for passage of ESSB 5728 in the House. Please send him your encouragement and support as he battles the greedy trial lawyer lobby. Both Representatives can be contacted through the toll-free legislative hotline 1-800-562-6000.

School Choice
The House Appropriations Committee passed the charter school bill (SHB 2295) with a bipartisan vote of 16-11 on the evening of February 10th. It must now get a majority of the votes on the floor of the House of Representatives no later than next Tuesday, February 17. This is a weakened version of the original bill but it is important to get a vehicle to the Senate prior to that cut-off date. Urge your representatives to vote yes on charter schools and support real choice for parents.