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Local Level Actions
Sign Petition in Support of Maru Mora
Description: Sign this petition
Background: Maru Mora is a local activist and mother who is being targeted for deportation by ICE in retaliation for her activism. From the petition:
“The Seattle office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has served a “Notice to Appear,” otherwise known as a deportation notice, to Washington-based community activist and mother, Maru Mora-Villalpando.
Maru leads Northwest Detention Center Resistance (NWDCR), an organization that was co-founded when immigrants held at the Northwest Detention Center began a series of hunger strikes in 2014 protesting their inhumane treatment. Mora-Villalpando’s efforts have transformed the NWDC from an ignored facility in an out-of-the-way location to a key site of local resistance, with weekly rallies and vigils outside its gates.
Now, in an unprecedented and arbitrary act of retaliation ICE has chosen to target Mora-Villalpando directly. ICE is now purposely targeting people such as Mora-Villalpando who are organizing against the agency and the Trump administration’s racially-motivated deportation agenda.
“ICE only knows about me because of my political work,” explains Mora-Villalpando. “I have spoken out to defend immigrants in detention and shared my story as an undocumented mother. I have sat in meetings with immigration officials and challenged their practices. They are an agency whose actions have already been devastating to my community. But with the letter they delivered to my house, they are showing themselves to be an agency that silences any opposition to their practices,” she concluded.”
Vote in the Whatcom Conservation District Election by March 13th
Source: Whatcom Conservation District
Description: Complete and mail your ballot by 3/13 for the election to fill one open seat on the Whatcom Conservation District Board! Riveters Collective has officially endorsed Alan Chapman.
If you did not request a mail-in ballot, you may vote in person on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the District’s office at 6975 Hannegan Road, Lynden. Polls will be open between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. All registered voters residing within Whatcom County may vote in person at that date, place, and time or by mail.
Responses to RC questionnaire: Our R&R! committee sent questions to the candidates. Two candidates responded. Their responses are linked below.
- Alan B. Chapman
Responses to RC Questions
- Larry Helm
- David M. Kroontje
Responses to RC Questions
For more information, see the WCD Elections Website.
Ask Bellingham City Council to Pass Proposed Resolution to Go 100% Renewable by 2030
Source: 350 Bellingham/Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition
Description: By 3/11, ask the City Council to pass a resolution that includes strong 100% renewable energy goals.
Background: The City Council is looking to pass a resolution to adopt the 2017 Update to the Climate Protection Action Plan, and members of the Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition have been working to incorporate both stronger 100% renewable energy targets and the commitment to determine actions necessary to achieve those goals. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to discuss the ordinance on 3/12, and Council may vote on it as early as that evening. We need to make sure they know that this is a priority for our community!
Contact Information: ccmail@cob.org
Suggested Script: As you adopt and direct staff to implement the update to the City’s Climate Action Plan, I urge you to both adopt goals of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and commit to determining actions necessary to achieve those goals. In addition to contributing to helping meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, taking climate action at the local level will create jobs, cut waste and pollution, improve health, save money, and enrich the community. Thank you for taking bold action to protect the climate.
Additional Information:
Climate Protection Action Plan
Contact Your Legislators to Fully Fund Public Education
Source: Washington’s Paramount Duty
Description: Call/Email your legislators and ask them to fully fund education and include new progressive revenue, such as a capital gains tax.
Background:
here is still a lot of work to do in order to fully and amply fund our public schools, as you well know. Right now legislators are about to vote on a budget that will help get us toward that goal, and they need to hear from you before they vote!
The Supreme Court was clear: legislators must add an extra $1 billion for our schools this year, in 2018. Saying ‘no’ to the Court is not an option.
The State House and State Senate both propose to deliver that funding, thanks in part to your calls and emails! But their remaining budgets still aren’t aligned.
Their plans are like two pieces of bread — one with peanut butter and one with jelly. Legislators should simply put them together and pass a capital gains tax that raises enough revenue to provide the additional $1 billion in funding for our schools ordered by the Supreme Court. If we don’t find new, progressive revenue, then we risk seeing the new funding vanish if there’s a recession.
The two budgets are going to be voted on by the House and Senate in the next few days! Washington’s Paramount Duty is asking you to please email or call call your legislators, and spread the word to others.
Call Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen (360) 786-7682
Representative Luanne Van Werven (360) 786 – 7980
Representative Vincent Buys (360) 786 – 7854
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker (360) 786-7678
Representative Kristine Lytton (360) 786 – 7800
Representative Jeff R. Morris (360) 786 – 7970
Script:
“The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am calling to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.”
Try the legislative hotline! You get to talk with a friendly staffer and they pass your message to ALL THREE legislators. 800-562-6000
Email Information:
42nd district:
Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District:
Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
WA State House and Senate Democratic caucus and budget leads emails:
frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov sharon.nelson@leg.wa.gov Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov
Script:
Subject: $1 Billion Needed in Education Funding; New & Fair Revenue from Capital Gains Now!
The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for educator salaries in our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am emailing to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.
Sincerely,
{Your name and address}
Last Chance: Call Your Legislators to Support Important Legislation on Climate
Source: Re Sources
Description: The legislative session is due to end March 8, and March 2nd is the deadline to vote bills out of the opposite chamber unless the bill is necessary to implement the budget. Call your legislators ASAP to ask them to support important legislation on climate and oil transportation safety.
Background:
The following bills are still in play this session:
- HB2995: Concerning Washington’s clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
- SB6081: Concerning distributed generation (Net metering for solar power)
- SB6203: Reducing carbon pollution by moving to a clean energy economy.
- SB6269: Strengthening oil transportation safety
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682, Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980, Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854, Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678, Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800, Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970, Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
Suggested Script: Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge [legislator] to vote yes on HB 2995, SB 6081, SB 6203, and SB 6269. Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Volunteer with Whole Washington (Single-Payer Healthcare)
Join the Whole Washington Volunteers’ Facebook group to learn how to gather signatures
Attend meeting this Tuesday the 6th, 3:00 at Terra. Contact Paula Smith on Facebook for more info about the meeting, or for general info about Whole Washington.
Ask State Legislators to Support Housing Bills
Source: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Description: Send legislators a message asking them to support eight housing bills. WLIHA has a handy form! Enter your address here.
This action is in support of the following bills:
- House Bill 2578 to ban discrimination based on a renter’s source of income;
- House Bill 2667 to remove barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors;
- House Bill 1570 to increase and protect a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness;
- House Bill 2437 to increase local resources to invest in affordable homes (see more below about how it works);
- House Bill 2444 to clarify tax requirements for affordable housing nonprofits;
- House Bill 1831 to update asset limits for applicants of public assistance;
- House Bill 1239 to access free medical records when appealing SSI or SSDI denials; and
- House Bill 2382 to allow surplus public lands to be used for affordable housing.
Join the 'Let's Talk' Book Club Online Discussion
Description: We’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race, and chatting about it in this facebook event within our group. Join us!
Need a copy of the book? Village Books is stocking them on the book club shelf.
Description: Sign this petition
Background: Maru Mora is a local activist and mother who is being targeted for deportation by ICE in retaliation for her activism. From the petition:
“The Seattle office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has served a “Notice to Appear,” otherwise known as a deportation notice, to Washington-based community activist and mother, Maru Mora-Villalpando.
Maru leads Northwest Detention Center Resistance (NWDCR), an organization that was co-founded when immigrants held at the Northwest Detention Center began a series of hunger strikes in 2014 protesting their inhumane treatment. Mora-Villalpando’s efforts have transformed the NWDC from an ignored facility in an out-of-the-way location to a key site of local resistance, with weekly rallies and vigils outside its gates.
Now, in an unprecedented and arbitrary act of retaliation ICE has chosen to target Mora-Villalpando directly. ICE is now purposely targeting people such as Mora-Villalpando who are organizing against the agency and the Trump administration’s racially-motivated deportation agenda.
“ICE only knows about me because of my political work,” explains Mora-Villalpando. “I have spoken out to defend immigrants in detention and shared my story as an undocumented mother. I have sat in meetings with immigration officials and challenged their practices. They are an agency whose actions have already been devastating to my community. But with the letter they delivered to my house, they are showing themselves to be an agency that silences any opposition to their practices,” she concluded.”
Vote in the Whatcom Conservation District Election by March 13th
Source: Whatcom Conservation District
Description: Complete and mail your ballot by 3/13 for the election to fill one open seat on the Whatcom Conservation District Board! Riveters Collective has officially endorsed Alan Chapman.
If you did not request a mail-in ballot, you may vote in person on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the District’s office at 6975 Hannegan Road, Lynden. Polls will be open between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. All registered voters residing within Whatcom County may vote in person at that date, place, and time or by mail.
Responses to RC questionnaire: Our R&R! committee sent questions to the candidates. Two candidates responded. Their responses are linked below.
- Alan B. Chapman
Responses to RC Questions - Larry Helm
- David M. Kroontje
Responses to RC Questions
For more information, see the WCD Elections Website.
Ask Bellingham City Council to Pass Proposed Resolution to Go 100% Renewable by 2030
Source: 350 Bellingham/Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition
Description: By 3/11, ask the City Council to pass a resolution that includes strong 100% renewable energy goals.
Background: The City Council is looking to pass a resolution to adopt the 2017 Update to the Climate Protection Action Plan, and members of the Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition have been working to incorporate both stronger 100% renewable energy targets and the commitment to determine actions necessary to achieve those goals. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to discuss the ordinance on 3/12, and Council may vote on it as early as that evening. We need to make sure they know that this is a priority for our community!
Contact Information: ccmail@cob.org
Suggested Script: As you adopt and direct staff to implement the update to the City’s Climate Action Plan, I urge you to both adopt goals of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and commit to determining actions necessary to achieve those goals. In addition to contributing to helping meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, taking climate action at the local level will create jobs, cut waste and pollution, improve health, save money, and enrich the community. Thank you for taking bold action to protect the climate.
Additional Information:
Climate Protection Action Plan
Contact Your Legislators to Fully Fund Public Education
Source: Washington’s Paramount Duty
Description: Call/Email your legislators and ask them to fully fund education and include new progressive revenue, such as a capital gains tax.
Background:
here is still a lot of work to do in order to fully and amply fund our public schools, as you well know. Right now legislators are about to vote on a budget that will help get us toward that goal, and they need to hear from you before they vote!
The Supreme Court was clear: legislators must add an extra $1 billion for our schools this year, in 2018. Saying ‘no’ to the Court is not an option.
The State House and State Senate both propose to deliver that funding, thanks in part to your calls and emails! But their remaining budgets still aren’t aligned.
Their plans are like two pieces of bread — one with peanut butter and one with jelly. Legislators should simply put them together and pass a capital gains tax that raises enough revenue to provide the additional $1 billion in funding for our schools ordered by the Supreme Court. If we don’t find new, progressive revenue, then we risk seeing the new funding vanish if there’s a recession.
The two budgets are going to be voted on by the House and Senate in the next few days! Washington’s Paramount Duty is asking you to please email or call call your legislators, and spread the word to others.
Call Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen (360) 786-7682
Representative Luanne Van Werven (360) 786 – 7980
Representative Vincent Buys (360) 786 – 7854
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker (360) 786-7678
Representative Kristine Lytton (360) 786 – 7800
Representative Jeff R. Morris (360) 786 – 7970
Script:
“The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am calling to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.”
Try the legislative hotline! You get to talk with a friendly staffer and they pass your message to ALL THREE legislators. 800-562-6000
Email Information:
42nd district:
Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District:
Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
WA State House and Senate Democratic caucus and budget leads emails:
frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov sharon.nelson@leg.wa.gov Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov
Script:
Subject: $1 Billion Needed in Education Funding; New & Fair Revenue from Capital Gains Now!
The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for educator salaries in our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am emailing to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.
Sincerely,
{Your name and address}
Last Chance: Call Your Legislators to Support Important Legislation on Climate
Source: Re Sources
Description: The legislative session is due to end March 8, and March 2nd is the deadline to vote bills out of the opposite chamber unless the bill is necessary to implement the budget. Call your legislators ASAP to ask them to support important legislation on climate and oil transportation safety.
Background:
The following bills are still in play this session:
- HB2995: Concerning Washington’s clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
- SB6081: Concerning distributed generation (Net metering for solar power)
- SB6203: Reducing carbon pollution by moving to a clean energy economy.
- SB6269: Strengthening oil transportation safety
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682, Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980, Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854, Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678, Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800, Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970, Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
Suggested Script: Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge [legislator] to vote yes on HB 2995, SB 6081, SB 6203, and SB 6269. Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Volunteer with Whole Washington (Single-Payer Healthcare)
Join the Whole Washington Volunteers’ Facebook group to learn how to gather signatures
Attend meeting this Tuesday the 6th, 3:00 at Terra. Contact Paula Smith on Facebook for more info about the meeting, or for general info about Whole Washington.
Ask State Legislators to Support Housing Bills
Source: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Description: Send legislators a message asking them to support eight housing bills. WLIHA has a handy form! Enter your address here.
This action is in support of the following bills:
- House Bill 2578 to ban discrimination based on a renter’s source of income;
- House Bill 2667 to remove barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors;
- House Bill 1570 to increase and protect a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness;
- House Bill 2437 to increase local resources to invest in affordable homes (see more below about how it works);
- House Bill 2444 to clarify tax requirements for affordable housing nonprofits;
- House Bill 1831 to update asset limits for applicants of public assistance;
- House Bill 1239 to access free medical records when appealing SSI or SSDI denials; and
- House Bill 2382 to allow surplus public lands to be used for affordable housing.
Join the 'Let's Talk' Book Club Online Discussion
Description: We’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race, and chatting about it in this facebook event within our group. Join us!
Need a copy of the book? Village Books is stocking them on the book club shelf.
Source: 350 Bellingham/Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition
Description: By 3/11, ask the City Council to pass a resolution that includes strong 100% renewable energy goals.
Background: The City Council is looking to pass a resolution to adopt the 2017 Update to the Climate Protection Action Plan, and members of the Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition have been working to incorporate both stronger 100% renewable energy targets and the commitment to determine actions necessary to achieve those goals. The Committee of the Whole is scheduled to discuss the ordinance on 3/12, and Council may vote on it as early as that evening. We need to make sure they know that this is a priority for our community!
Contact Information: ccmail@cob.org
Suggested Script: As you adopt and direct staff to implement the update to the City’s Climate Action Plan, I urge you to both adopt goals of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and commit to determining actions necessary to achieve those goals. In addition to contributing to helping meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, taking climate action at the local level will create jobs, cut waste and pollution, improve health, save money, and enrich the community. Thank you for taking bold action to protect the climate.
Additional Information:
Climate Protection Action Plan
Contact Your Legislators to Fully Fund Public Education
Source: Washington’s Paramount Duty
Description: Call/Email your legislators and ask them to fully fund education and include new progressive revenue, such as a capital gains tax.
Background:
here is still a lot of work to do in order to fully and amply fund our public schools, as you well know. Right now legislators are about to vote on a budget that will help get us toward that goal, and they need to hear from you before they vote!
The Supreme Court was clear: legislators must add an extra $1 billion for our schools this year, in 2018. Saying ‘no’ to the Court is not an option.
The State House and State Senate both propose to deliver that funding, thanks in part to your calls and emails! But their remaining budgets still aren’t aligned.
Their plans are like two pieces of bread — one with peanut butter and one with jelly. Legislators should simply put them together and pass a capital gains tax that raises enough revenue to provide the additional $1 billion in funding for our schools ordered by the Supreme Court. If we don’t find new, progressive revenue, then we risk seeing the new funding vanish if there’s a recession.
The two budgets are going to be voted on by the House and Senate in the next few days! Washington’s Paramount Duty is asking you to please email or call call your legislators, and spread the word to others.
Call Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen (360) 786-7682
Representative Luanne Van Werven (360) 786 – 7980
Representative Vincent Buys (360) 786 – 7854
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker (360) 786-7678
Representative Kristine Lytton (360) 786 – 7800
Representative Jeff R. Morris (360) 786 – 7970
Script:
“The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am calling to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.”
Try the legislative hotline! You get to talk with a friendly staffer and they pass your message to ALL THREE legislators. 800-562-6000
Email Information:
42nd district:
Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District:
Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
WA State House and Senate Democratic caucus and budget leads emails:
frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov June.Robinson@leg.wa.gov sharon.nelson@leg.wa.gov Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov
Script:
Subject: $1 Billion Needed in Education Funding; New & Fair Revenue from Capital Gains Now!
The Supreme Court of Washington ruled in November that legislators needed to come up with an extra $1 billion in funding for educator salaries in our public schools. Our students desperately need the teachers, programs, and materials that this funding will make possible.
I am emailing to ask you to support legislation that uses new and progressive revenue, including a capital gains tax, to raise that $1 billion to amply fund all public schools for every child. Thank you for your service to our district and state.
Sincerely,
{Your name and address}
Last Chance: Call Your Legislators to Support Important Legislation on Climate
Source: Re Sources
Description: The legislative session is due to end March 8, and March 2nd is the deadline to vote bills out of the opposite chamber unless the bill is necessary to implement the budget. Call your legislators ASAP to ask them to support important legislation on climate and oil transportation safety.
Background:
The following bills are still in play this session:
- HB2995: Concerning Washington’s clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
- SB6081: Concerning distributed generation (Net metering for solar power)
- SB6203: Reducing carbon pollution by moving to a clean energy economy.
- SB6269: Strengthening oil transportation safety
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682, Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980, Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854, Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678, Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800, Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970, Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
Suggested Script: Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge [legislator] to vote yes on HB 2995, SB 6081, SB 6203, and SB 6269. Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Volunteer with Whole Washington (Single-Payer Healthcare)
Join the Whole Washington Volunteers’ Facebook group to learn how to gather signatures
Attend meeting this Tuesday the 6th, 3:00 at Terra. Contact Paula Smith on Facebook for more info about the meeting, or for general info about Whole Washington.
Ask State Legislators to Support Housing Bills
Source: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Description: Send legislators a message asking them to support eight housing bills. WLIHA has a handy form! Enter your address here.
This action is in support of the following bills:
- House Bill 2578 to ban discrimination based on a renter’s source of income;
- House Bill 2667 to remove barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors;
- House Bill 1570 to increase and protect a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness;
- House Bill 2437 to increase local resources to invest in affordable homes (see more below about how it works);
- House Bill 2444 to clarify tax requirements for affordable housing nonprofits;
- House Bill 1831 to update asset limits for applicants of public assistance;
- House Bill 1239 to access free medical records when appealing SSI or SSDI denials; and
- House Bill 2382 to allow surplus public lands to be used for affordable housing.
Join the 'Let's Talk' Book Club Online Discussion
Description: We’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race, and chatting about it in this facebook event within our group. Join us!
Need a copy of the book? Village Books is stocking them on the book club shelf.
Source: Re Sources
Description: The legislative session is due to end March 8, and March 2nd is the deadline to vote bills out of the opposite chamber unless the bill is necessary to implement the budget. Call your legislators ASAP to ask them to support important legislation on climate and oil transportation safety.
Background:
The following bills are still in play this session:
- HB2995: Concerning Washington’s clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
- SB6081: Concerning distributed generation (Net metering for solar power)
- SB6203: Reducing carbon pollution by moving to a clean energy economy.
- SB6269: Strengthening oil transportation safety
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682, Doug.Ericksen@leg.wa.gov
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980, Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854, Vincent.Buys@leg.wa.gov
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678, Kevin.Ranker@leg.wa.gov
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800, Kristine.Lytton@leg.wa.gov
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970, Jeff.Morris@leg.wa.gov
Suggested Script: Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge [legislator] to vote yes on HB 2995, SB 6081, SB 6203, and SB 6269. Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Volunteer with Whole Washington (Single-Payer Healthcare)
Join the Whole Washington Volunteers’ Facebook group to learn how to gather signatures
Attend meeting this Tuesday the 6th, 3:00 at Terra. Contact Paula Smith on Facebook for more info about the meeting, or for general info about Whole Washington.
Ask State Legislators to Support Housing Bills
Source: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Description: Send legislators a message asking them to support eight housing bills. WLIHA has a handy form! Enter your address here.
This action is in support of the following bills:
- House Bill 2578 to ban discrimination based on a renter’s source of income;
- House Bill 2667 to remove barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors;
- House Bill 1570 to increase and protect a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness;
- House Bill 2437 to increase local resources to invest in affordable homes (see more below about how it works);
- House Bill 2444 to clarify tax requirements for affordable housing nonprofits;
- House Bill 1831 to update asset limits for applicants of public assistance;
- House Bill 1239 to access free medical records when appealing SSI or SSDI denials; and
- House Bill 2382 to allow surplus public lands to be used for affordable housing.
Join the 'Let's Talk' Book Club Online Discussion
Description: We’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race, and chatting about it in this facebook event within our group. Join us!
Need a copy of the book? Village Books is stocking them on the book club shelf.
Source: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Description: Send legislators a message asking them to support eight housing bills. WLIHA has a handy form! Enter your address here.
This action is in support of the following bills:
- House Bill 2578 to ban discrimination based on a renter’s source of income;
- House Bill 2667 to remove barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors;
- House Bill 1570 to increase and protect a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness;
- House Bill 2437 to increase local resources to invest in affordable homes (see more below about how it works);
- House Bill 2444 to clarify tax requirements for affordable housing nonprofits;
- House Bill 1831 to update asset limits for applicants of public assistance;
- House Bill 1239 to access free medical records when appealing SSI or SSDI denials; and
- House Bill 2382 to allow surplus public lands to be used for affordable housing.
Join the 'Let's Talk' Book Club Online Discussion
Description: We’re reading Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race, and chatting about it in this facebook event within our group. Join us!
Need a copy of the book? Village Books is stocking them on the book club shelf.
National Level Actions / Other
Act by 3/9: Protect Coasts from Offshore Oil Drilling
Source: WA Wild/Surfrider Foundation
Description: Submit comments by March 9 to oppose the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal to open nearly all waters off the nation’s coastlines to oil and gas drilling, including much of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Background: Last month, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke proposed a sweeping plan to open nearly all waters off the nation’s coastlines to oil and gas drilling, including a major new lease sale off Oregon and Washington proposed for 2021. The proposal aims to expand offshore drilling on over 90% of the Outer Continental Shelf along America’s coastline, which includes Washington’s own wild and rugged coast. In northern Washington, the proposal includes much of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, where the regulations currently prohibit “exploring for, developing or producing oil.” In addition, the coast of the Olympic Peninsula is home to the coastal strip of Olympic National Park, most of which is protected as Wilderness. Areas like Second Beach, Ruby Beach and Lake Ozette are a major source of tourism and economic benefit for local economies. Other conservation lands on the Washington coast include San Juan Islands National Monument, Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge, Copalis National Wildlife Refuge and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Drilling just offshore of these national treasures is unacceptable and irresponsible.
Contact Information: Click here to submit comment online.
Suggested Script:
I am strongly opposed to offshore oil drilling in new areas, especially off the Washington coast. From the dramatic headlands and lush forest of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary to the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores, Washington’s Pacific coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are vital recreational, economic, and ecological resources.
I am very concerned about the substantial environmental impacts of offshore drilling to these resources. Seismic surveys associated with oil exploration damage or kill marine life and can disrupt migration patterns of marine mammals. Drilling and processing oil releases contaminants that pollute marine waters and sediments. Catastrophic oil spills devastate marine ecosystems and recreation- and fishing-based coastal economies and can take years to clean up. Massive onshore infrastructure associated with offshore drilling destroys coastal habitats and increases air, water, and land pollution to coastal communities. Finally, continued exploitation of fossil fuel reserves will only exacerbate the climate crisis.
Offshore oil drilling and oil spills have the potential to critically impact our vital marine resources and lead to the industrialization of our coastlines. Ultimately, America cannot drill our way out of an oil consumption problem. Rather than drill for fossil fuels off our coasts, we must instead invest in a sustainable “energy portfolio” that includes renewable sources and conservation.
Additional Information:
- Regulations.gov: Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program
- Surfrider Foundation Fact Sheet: Stop New Offshore Drilling
- Seattle Times: Surprise Oil Fight May be Part of the Method to Trump’s Madness
Source: WA Wild/Surfrider Foundation
Description: Submit comments by March 9 to oppose the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal to open nearly all waters off the nation’s coastlines to oil and gas drilling, including much of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Background: Last month, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke proposed a sweeping plan to open nearly all waters off the nation’s coastlines to oil and gas drilling, including a major new lease sale off Oregon and Washington proposed for 2021. The proposal aims to expand offshore drilling on over 90% of the Outer Continental Shelf along America’s coastline, which includes Washington’s own wild and rugged coast. In northern Washington, the proposal includes much of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, where the regulations currently prohibit “exploring for, developing or producing oil.” In addition, the coast of the Olympic Peninsula is home to the coastal strip of Olympic National Park, most of which is protected as Wilderness. Areas like Second Beach, Ruby Beach and Lake Ozette are a major source of tourism and economic benefit for local economies. Other conservation lands on the Washington coast include San Juan Islands National Monument, Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge, Copalis National Wildlife Refuge and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Drilling just offshore of these national treasures is unacceptable and irresponsible.
Contact Information: Click here to submit comment online.
Suggested Script:
I am strongly opposed to offshore oil drilling in new areas, especially off the Washington coast. From the dramatic headlands and lush forest of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary to the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores, Washington’s Pacific coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are vital recreational, economic, and ecological resources.
I am very concerned about the substantial environmental impacts of offshore drilling to these resources. Seismic surveys associated with oil exploration damage or kill marine life and can disrupt migration patterns of marine mammals. Drilling and processing oil releases contaminants that pollute marine waters and sediments. Catastrophic oil spills devastate marine ecosystems and recreation- and fishing-based coastal economies and can take years to clean up. Massive onshore infrastructure associated with offshore drilling destroys coastal habitats and increases air, water, and land pollution to coastal communities. Finally, continued exploitation of fossil fuel reserves will only exacerbate the climate crisis.
Offshore oil drilling and oil spills have the potential to critically impact our vital marine resources and lead to the industrialization of our coastlines. Ultimately, America cannot drill our way out of an oil consumption problem. Rather than drill for fossil fuels off our coasts, we must instead invest in a sustainable “energy portfolio” that includes renewable sources and conservation.
Additional Information:
- Regulations.gov: Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program
- Surfrider Foundation Fact Sheet: Stop New Offshore Drilling
- Seattle Times: Surprise Oil Fight May be Part of the Method to Trump’s Madness
From the Calendar
Link to the Riveters Collective Calendar
Every Monday: Attend a vigil hosted by Racial Justice Coalition and Keep Bellingham Families Working. A vigil will be held from 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. in front of the Whatcom County Courthouse . Support undocumented and immigrant families to live in safety and dignity in our community. Bring your friends and co-workers!
Friday, March 2, 2018 from 4:00-6:00p.m.: Join the DIY Protest Sign event at the Bellingham Public Library-Central Branch, 210 Central Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. For more information, visit the RC calendar page or Facebook.
Friday, March 9, 2018 from 7:00-9:00p.m.: Hear a free presentation by Sunil Yapa, author of “Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist” at the Mount Baker Theatre, Main Stage, 104 N .Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Visit Facebook for more details.