Our current private/for-profit healthcare system is in crisis: 522,000 Washington State residents don’t have any healthcare coverage, many more are under-insured, and rates are going up 19% in our state this year. These stats represent real people and genuine hardship that requires urgent action.

Healthcare is the number one concern of most voters, and there’s a solution supported by a majority. In Washington, more than 60% want a government-funded, universal healthcare option. Some legislators are listening. Senator Bob Hasegawa has filed SB 5222, to implement the Whole Washington Health Trust. If this bill passes, every single Washington resident would have quality care, including vision, dental, and mental health services. And there are some unique strengths about this bill to consider:

• It can be implemented with the same efficient timeline as Governor Inslee’s Cascade Care bill announced on January 8th.
• It’s been reviewed and vetted by the Department of Revenue and the Employment Securities Department.
• It’s based on I-1600, which was endorsed by the Washington State Green Party.
• It’s backed by a study by Dr. Gerald Friedman, a world-renowned healthcare economist.
• It will save Washington residents billions annually. That’s billions with a ‘b’.
• It doesn’t contract with for-profit insurance companies. It’s universal healthcare.
• It’s fully funded and has a transition phase that doesn’t rely on federal waivers.

Please comment on the bill and call your representatives to demand they let this bill have a hearing and out of committee.

Getting these bills out of Committee will take a huge Grassroots effort by Washington Citizens. Please take a few minutes of your day to have your voice heard in Olympia. We have only until Feb. 22nd to move this bill out of committee in Olympia and onto the floor for a vote.

This bill is ready, and the time to act is now!

Go to the Whole Washington website to learn more and Get Active to help establish Universal Healthcare in WA State!

Cities and towns in Washington could soon have the freedom to choose better elections, thanks to bills filed in our legislature. HB 1722 and SB 5708 offer local jurisdictions the option to use ranked choice voting (RCV) for elections.

RCV is engaging voters and invigorating democracy in the 22 cities and counties around the U.S. that have already adopted it for their elections. Under this bill, Washington communities will be able to enjoy these benefits, too.

But without an immediate response from RCV supporters around the state, the Local Options bill is at risk of dying in committee. 

Please contact your three state legislators RIGHT NOW, to urge their support for advancing the Local Options Bill. 

It’s simple and quick:

• Click on this link to either bill (doesn’t matter which one): HB 1722 or SB 5708.
• Next, click on the dark green “Comment on this bill” button, at the top right of the page.
• Fill in your address.
• Click on the light green button, “Verify District”
• Select all three of your legislators.
• Click “Yes” if you would like a response.
• Enter your contact information.
• Click on “Support” to indicate your Position.
• In the comment field, please express your view in your own words. Urge your legislators to ensure that the bill advances out of committee before February 22nd. Say why you think it’s important to allow local jurisdictions in our state to be able to use ranked choice voting i.e. giving voters more choices and decreasing negative campaigning.

What exactly does the Local Options Bill do?

It allows local jurisdictions to opt out of state-mandated primary elections in favor of a general election conducted using ranked choice voting. Alternatively, jurisdictions can keep the primary, but use a “top five” rather than a “top two” primary (with both elections conducted under ranked choice voting.)

How can I learn more?

Look here for an excellent article about our Local Options Bill by Kristin Eberhard of Sightline Institute. And check out this recent press release issued by FairVote WA.

What more can I do to help?

• Spread the word! Encourage your friends and family to contact their legislators too.
• Go to the FairVote WA website to learn how you can Get Involved with the growing movement to bring ranked choice voting to Washington state!

Thank you for contacting your three legislators TODAY!

In Solidarity,
Green Party of Washington and FairVote WA