** February Legislative Update
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Hello KCYD!


It has already been a roller coaster of a 2021 Legislative Session, and we are only two weeks in. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of this years’ session is set to be virtual. This provides many exciting opportunities for young people in King County to engage, from virtual testimony, to video conferencing with your legislators in constituent meetings.


We will be collaborating with the Young Democrats of Washington and many other organizations and coalitions that are aligned with some key values that we have outlined that are specific to the needs of young people in King County:


Racial Equity and Policing Issues

Climate Justice

Economic Justice and Tax Reform

Housing Justice and Renter Protections


Of course, there is space for conversation about additional priorities that do not specifically fall under those headers. The legislative session has many twists and turns, so we have to stay on our toes and be nimble.


Due to the pace of session, we will be sending out weekly updates containing important dates, hearings, lobbying opportunities, and action alerts that are upcoming as we continue to track legislation in motion. I am also excited to announce that we will be working to put together a “Leg Sesh 101” video series where the mechanics of the State of Washington’s legislative process, specific bills, and lobbying prep will be covered.


If you have any specific pieces of legislation that you would like my office to track or add to our Legislative Priorities Agenda, I am happy to hear from you and have that conversation. I am hoping that this process can be iterative and collaborative. Also, if you are interested in volunteering your time to aid in the legislative work, let me know! Feel free to reach out to me at 206.468.8559 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) anytime.


Best,

Matthew Lang

Legislative Director

King County Young Democrats


HB 1156 : Increasing representation and voter access in Washington. This bill would make ranked-choice voting a possibility in Washington state, which would open access to candidates who might not typically able to make it through primary because of our current system, and provide voters with a more sophisticated approach towards choosing them.

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations

Monday, Feb 8, 1:30 PM


HB 1301: Clarifying that regional transit agencies can create their own programs to respond to fare non-payment without issuing civil infractions. This bill will help our efforts to get Sound Transit to cut out the court system.

House Transportation Committee

Monday, Feb 8, 3:30pm


HB 1504: This bill modifies the workforce investment act to include $2 million in funding for education access for those who seek to find careers in behavioral and mental health treatment. Washington State ranks 31 out of 50 states for access to mental and behavioral health treatment and intervention, and this is closely linked to the lack of professionals who can practice in these fields. HB 1504 seeks to narrow that gap by increasing the institutional capacity of facilities throughout the state.

College and Workforce Development Committee

Wednesday, February 10, 8:00 AM


HB 1494/HJR 4204: Providing housing, safety, security, and protection for Washington families by creating the anti-displacement property tax exemption. Home ownership is one of the key indicators of economic mobility, and because property taxes are incredibly regressive, and these barriers limit the access and sustainability of home ownership for working families, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and elders. This bill will exempt the first $250,000 of a homes value on property tax valuation, and seeks to combat gentrification and displacement throughout Washington. This bill is accompanied by a constitutional amendment that will allow the exemption, and allow for the legislature to increase the exemption based on market data and the evolving situation.

House Finance Committee

Tuesday, Feb 9, 1:30 PM

HB 1465: Make the state estate tax more progressive and raise rates on large estates. Funds would go to establish the Equity in Housing Fund, targeted to housing prevention and rental assistance in BIPOC communities. (“Nothing is more progressive than taxing dead millionaires” - John Burbank)

House Finance Committee

Tuesday, Feb 9, 1:30 PM

HB 1496: House version of the Capital Gains Tax. This bill will enact a progressive capital gains tax that only affect sales on properties4 of more than $5 million and will fund early childhood learning, as well as a slate of COVID-19 recovery measures.

House Finance Committee

Thursday, Feb 11, 8:00 AM

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