Benton County Democratic Central Committee

As we mark the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, a day that profoundly underscored the critical intersection between gun violence and the health of our democracy, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey we have embarked upon here in Washington State. This event is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the irresponsible use of firearms, which catalyzed another nationwide call for meaningful gun responsibility reforms.

In Washington, we’ve made commendable strides in gun violence prevention, a testament to our collective commitment and advocacy. As we approach the beginning of the legislative session on January 8th, it’s crucial to acknowledge our achievements and the work that still lies ahead.

Our state has been a beacon of progress, enacting laws that enhance public safety and respect the rights of responsible gun owners. Our focus on evidence-based policies and community-driven initiatives has yielded tangible results, making our communities safer and more resilient.

This year, we have set forth an ambitious policy agenda, particularly emphasizing the implementation of a permit-to-purchase system. This system is designed to ensure that firearms are acquired responsibly and legally, adding a crucial layer of oversight that aligns with our core mission – reducing gun violence within our communities. By requiring permits for firearm purchases, we aim to close loopholes, strengthen background checks, and ensure that those who possess firearms do so with the utmost responsibility.

As we enter the legislative session, let us channel the spirit of resilience and determination that has guided us thus far. With your continued support and advocacy, we can make significant strides towards a safer and more responsible society. Your voice, vote, and unwavering commitment are crucial in this endeavor.

Let’s continue to work together for a future where the horrors of events like the January 6th insurrection are relegated to history, never to be repeated. Join us in advocating for the critical measures that will safeguard our communities and uphold the values we cherish.

Thank you for your dedication to this cause. We look forward to another year of impactful advocacy and meaningful change.

Sincerely,

Renée Hopkins 
CEO, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

ACLU Supporter –

There is a growing understanding that young adults need to be treated differently in the criminal legal system, particularly juveniles given long sentences. While there are some opportunities for sentencing review, incarcerated individuals over the age of 18 are left out. Does current Washington law align with modern brain science? Take the quiz and find out!

Complete the quiz to learn more and find links to additional resources:

ACLU of Washington
P.O. Box 2728
Seattle, WA 98111-2728

Dear Friend,

The new year brings a new Washington state legislative session! With only 60 days in this year’s session, we’re looking forward to pushing quickly on everything from making Big Oil corporations pay to clean up their pollution to building enough affordable housing for everyone to have a home.

Our legislative priorities this year were shaped by your responses to our member survey in December, as well as conversations with partners and community leaders. The issues we will be working on this year include:

• Expanding affordable housing across Washington. No matter how much money we have, we should all be able to live in a home we can afford. We’re fighting for limits on rent increases so that families can stay in their homes, and for our state to be able to build more affordable homes every year through a permanent funding source created by rebalancing the tax rates on the sale of multi-million dollar properties.
• Rebalancing our upside-down tax code and fighting wealth inequality. We’re going to continue the fight to make sure that Washington’s ultra-wealthy pay their share for the community services that we all rely on by supporting new approaches to taxing wealth. We’re also working to expand the Working Families Tax Credit and supporting a Guaranteed Basic Income that would help struggling working families afford rent and put food on the table.
• Extending life-saving benefits to all working Washington residents. Immigrant workers who pay taxes in our state deserve to access the same kinds of health care and unemployment insurance benefits as other workers, so we’re joining with immigrant justice partners to make this right.
• Stopping Big Oil from price gouging Washington residents. We’re supporting legislation to hold Big Oil corporations and other polluters accountable for price gouging the people of Washington. They should pay to clean up the pollution they create.

With such a short session this year, developments will happen quickly and progressives will need to be ready to respond quickly to help these bills pass. Follow us on social media to keep up to date on everything happening this session, and for opportunities to have your voice heard in Olympia.

Thank you for all you do,
Rosey and the entire team at Fuse

P.S. It’s going to take a big grassroots push to enact these progressive policy changes. Will you chip in $5 to fund our organizing and communications campaign to push lawmakers to build a more progressive Washington?

Want to support our work? Become a monthly donor!

Fuse is the state’s largest progressive organization — people creating change online, on the ground, and on issues that matter.

Together for Progress

Join us at
fusewashington.org

ACLU Supporter –

At the ACLU of Washington, we show up to work every day choosing to believe in the power of our work, communities, and collective imagination. When we dwell in possibility, we’re able to create a brighter future for all – one that is rooted in equity, justice, and fairness.We invite you to read our 2023 Annual Report to learn about our commitment to protecting and advancing equity and justice for all, including our efforts to:

1. support policies to make Washington a leader in protecting and expanding access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care,
2. advance first-of-its-kind legislation to protect consumer health care data from abuse – a particularly important safeguard in a post-Roe world,
3. fight alongside people impacted by police violence on a groundbreaking effort to eliminate racially biased traffic stops,
4. and so much more.

The work doesn’t stop when the calendar changes. 2023 may be behind us, but our commitment to a just and humane Washington persists in the coming year and beyond.

Thank you,
ACLU of Washington

ACLU of Washington
P.O. Box 2728
Seattle, WA 98111-2728

Did you argue with your family over politics this holiday season? We sure as hell did. Many families won’t talk about politics at gatherings anymore– it’s gotten too hard. 

Women’s March is formally launching an initiative called WTF is Even Happening? As you may have picked up from the name, this campaign is set to help us understand what the actual fuck is going on around our kitchen tables, in our communities, and across the country. WTF is Even Happening is an intervention to help us make heads or tails of the current political moments as they unfold, and give us the tools to help move those we care about from where they are to where we all need to be. 

We know we need to meet folks where they are, but we must not leave them there. Click here to get early access to WTF is Even Happening content!

We won’t ever win by disengaging from people that we don’t agree with. Over the next months and years, we need to deepen our commitment to organizing and educating if we are going to grow to the scale necessary to win for our communities in 2024 and defend those wins in the future. 

WTF is Even Happening will 

• Organize the feminist movement to align vision, strategy, and messaging
• Build in-person and digital spaces for feminists (both experienced and new activists) to convene, build community, and build power
• Welcome, onboard, and catapult new activists into the feminist movement
• Sharpen and clarify our priorities, people, and plans
• Build a feminist movement that is sharp and sustainable

Are you trying to learn more? You have friends that would be interested in WTF is Even Happening? Family you want to volunteer as tribute? Sign up here for insider updates and early access to WTF is Even Happening programming. 

In service & gratitude, 

Team Women’s March

As this year comes to a close, the League of Women Voters of Washington reflects on all that has happened and all that is before us in 2024.

This coming year, an important presidential election year, will have much impact on our democracy.

The League cannot do this vital work without your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps the League empower voters and defend democracy.

Thank you.  

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Mary Coltrane, President

League of Women Voters of Washington

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters of Washington
1511 Third Ave, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
United States