January is nearly over and that means we’re already halfway through the state legislature’s 60-day session. Time is moving fast, but we know legislators are feeling the pressure to deliver a transportation package that invests in transit service for communities across Washington.
Last week we sent more than 900 letters to state legislators, and we want to keep up the pressure this week. Could you be part of the effort by sending a letter to your representatives today?
Learn more about what’s been going on this past week and our opportunities to win on transportation this session in our weekly Dispatch from Olympia, below.
This Friday, February 4, is Transit Equity Day, a day to “educate, agitate, organize, and recognize transit equity as a civil right.” In celebration we’re hosting Transit Equity Day Action Hour, an online event to take action together for the transportation projects we want to see.
Join an organizational open letter for a package
Does your organization want a transportation package that invests in transit service, biking and pedestrian infrastructure, a fix-it-first approach, and more? Join 16 partner organizations in signing this open letter to legislators. Email Matthew Sutherland to add your org’s name.
Coming up this week
House Transportation Committee — Thursday, February 3 @ 1:30pm
On HB 2026, “Implementing a per mile charge on vehicles.” This Road Usage Charge bill would move forward two of our highest policy priorities: flexible funding and a progressive rate structure. This hearing and work session will be a great place to learn more about the effort.
- Take action: Sign in “pro” to this hearing
Senate Transportation Committee — Thursday, February 3 @ 4:00pm
On SB 5485, “Prohibiting traffic stops for certain traffic violations.” Senators Nguyen and Nobles have reintroduced this bill that would prohibit law enforcement officers from pulling drivers over for certain infractions. We support the reduction of potentially dangerous police-civilian interactions.
- Take action: Sign in “pro” to this hearing
What does it mean to “sign in pro?”
Anyone anywhere can sign in to a committee hearing in support or opposition to a bill. Watch our short video explaining what this is and how to do it.
What happened last week
SB 5510, which removes outdated limitations on transportation taxing authority, moved out of the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously. We look forward to a full vote by the Senate.
SB 5707, which extends an automated enforcement pilot, moved out of the Senate Transportation committee, with all Democrats voting for the legislation as well as Sen. King. We look forward to a full vote by the Senate.
Get more information on our Bill Tracker
Learn more about all the bills we’re paying attention to this session, as well as how each one is proceeding through the legislature on the Bill Tracker page on our website.
