Committee News

[See the Web Log for prior Committee News write-ups.]

We are working on a messaging campaign for use in all media that ends with the tagline, “—you might be a Democrat,”  Take a look at our current list of messages on this Google Sheet. If you have more catchy lines, please send them to secretary@bencodems.org.

Buttons for Committees and Affinity Organizations:

LPO’s, Caucuses, and Parent Party Organizations

Ag and Rural Caucus

4TH CD and RURAL AMERICANS UNITED

15th LD placeholder

Simon Rosenberg

From the Chair

Franklin County Democrats Invitation

Please sign-up to staff the Democrats Booth and/or walk in the parade

From the City of Pasco page:

Join Us!
As we come together as nuestra familia de corazon, the Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of what makes our community unique and vibrant. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience. Gather your friends and family, and make plans to attend. We look forward to celebrating with you

Event Overview
Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and community spirit at Pasco’s annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival! This year, we’re bringing together the best of traditional festivities and contemporary entertainment for an unforgettable weekend. Everyone is invited to join us in the heart of Pasco on Saturday, May 3rd begins at 10 AM. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the parade, taste traditional foods, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event.

Delivering Results from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Legislation Committee

Follow the progress of Bills of Interest in this linked chart.

Platform and Resolutions

The Platform and Resolutions Committee is starting resolutions work this year. Below are two resolutions in need of a review. Please read and comment.

For those wishing to propose a resolution, below is a link to a template you can use to craft your resolution.

This is a link to a chart of our current resolutions plan and actions taken.

The 2024 Platform has been adopted. Many thanks to the platform committee and the folks who contributed their precious time.

The following resolutions have been passed by the Central Committee and forwarded to the State party.

• Agrivoltaics Benefits to Eastern Washington
• Reinstate ban on naked credit default swaps
• Limit ratio of Executive v Employee pay

The following resolutions have been passed by the State party.

• Reinstate Restrictions on Stock Buybacks (final)
• Recovery Government Funded IP & Patents developed in whole or in part with taxpayer investments: Modification of Bayh-Dole Act 1980
• Faith and Credit-Debt Ceiling
• Reforming SCOTUS Nomination and Confirmation Process

The following resolutions are available for comments as they are being worked on by the committee:

• RESOLUTION ON USING TAX DEFERMENT TO IMPROVE EQUITY IN SUPPORT OF CLEAN ENERGY
• Agrivoltaics

• Rittenhouse Resolution

Link to our Rittenhouse Resolution:

This is a link to the current State Party resolutions.

Organization Committee

Here’s a complete list of all our PCO’s, elected, appointed, and acting:

Benton County Democratic Precinct Committee Officers

Here’s a link to more information about being a PCO.

Elections Committee

Run for Something! Offices up for Election in 2025

Campaign Plan Template from NDTC
Candidates take notice!

As filing week (May 5 – 9) approaches, the Public Disclosure Commission would like to share resources we hope you’ll pass on to candidates subject to the state’s campaign disclosure laws, including our updated 2025 fact sheet for new candidates.

We also have free, virtual trainings each month, helpful videos on our YouTube channel and more information on filing at pdc.wa.gov.

Please consider following the PDC online on Facebook and X and sharing our posts with your followers.

In addition to our regularly scheduled trainings, organizations can request presentations customized for your audience as the PDC’s schedule allows. Please also consider inviting us to attend any candidate workshop or training scheduled in your area. 

WA Public Disclosure Commission
711 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98504

Greetings,

The Benton County Canvassing Board will be meeting at various times during the April 22, 2025 Special Election cycle.  This is to advise you of the current ballot processing schedule and canvassing board meetings for this election. 

Commencing Monday, April 7th, 2025 the following processes may occur daily, depending on the level of ballots returned on a day-to-day basis.  Please note that this Election only includes the Finley School District.

• Official L&A test – Tuesday, March 25th 2:00 pm
• Ballot Drop Boxes will be opened – April 1st – Please keep in mind that not all drop boxes will be opened for the April.  Please check the website for information on which boxes are open.
• Ballots Mailed – April 2nd
• Ballot Runs will be once a week due to the size of the election.  We’re looking at April 7th, 14th, 21st and 22nd for ballot runs and signature verification.
• We will open and scan all ballots for the April on Monday, April 21st
  • May 1st– Pre-Certification processes begin for the April Special Election @ 9 am
  • May 2nd – Certification of the April Special Election @ 9am

The processing schedule may be modified from time to time depending on the number of ballots received daily.

All election processes will take place at the Benton County Voting Center, located at 7122 W. Okanogan Pl., Bldg. F, Kennewick. 

During processing, no persons except those employed and authorized by the county auditor may touch any ballot, ballot container, or vote tallying system.  We also ask that no photos be taken without the approval of the Election Manager.

To determine which processes are being conducted on a given day, we advise that observers contact our office directly.

Please let me know if you should have any questions.

Amanda Hatfield
Elections Manager
Benton County Auditor | Elections Division
(509) 737-3931  
Email: amanda.hatfield@co.benton.wa.us
www.bentoncountywa.gov/auditor

Communications Committee

Table of Contents

• Alinsky’s Power Tactics
• Use the Right Framing
• Gallery: Steal These Memes

Links to Activism Resources

• The Visibility Brigade Toolkit
• The Visibility Brigade – Toolkit – version 2
• WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW!

Alinsky’s Power Tactics 

Alinksy offers a list of rules of “power tactics,” meant as basic guidelines for organizers and community activists:

1. Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.
2. Never go outside the experience of your people.
3. Wherever possible go outside of the experience of the enemy.
4. Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules.
5. Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.
6. A good tactic is one that your people enjoy.
7. A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.
8. Keep the pressure on.
9. The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
10. The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition.
11. If you push a negative hard and deep enough it will break through into its counterside.
12. The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.
13. Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

Use the Right Framing

H/T to Antonia Scatton in the Reframing America substack.

Link to the Scatton Do Not Associate Handout

Link to the Scatton Do Associate Handout

Experts on tyranny point out that people are ill equipped to handle fascism because they make it look inevitable, and we lose our ability to envision the alternative.

Trump and Musk are trying to gaslight us all into believing we live in their FANTASY WORLD in which everyone bows before their power. Comedy of this type works by snapping us out of the brain fog and back into the real world where – oh yeah – Elon Musk is not a God, he’s just an a-hole.

That is what our messaging needs to do for people right now, especially for ourselves.

As you have heard me say many times before: what we talk about is what appears in people’s minds, even if we are making the case against it.

If we talk about Elon Musk’s actions as a “coup d’état,” we make people envision him succeeding. It makes the task of stopping him feel insurmountable, which increases their ability to scare people into obeying in advance.

If we talk about Elon Musk being on a CRIME SPREE, we make people envision what inevitably happens to people on a crime spree: they end up on the run from the U.S. Marshalls.

We need to talk like we live in a world where people like Trump and Musk get stopped, because we DO live in that world! Our successful court challenges, which are happening with remarkable speed, might get overshadowed by the atrocity of the day, but they are still happening.

Our job is to make it possible for people to envision that we can and will defeat these Bozos.

DON’T

Don’t defend “the Government” at all costs. Many Americans understandably believe government is badly broken and harbor deep resentment toward institutional bureaucracy. MAGA, meanwhile, has successfully cast Democrats as defenders of a rotten status quo. As Trump and his cronies take a wrecking ball to our government, Democrats can’t keep reflexively defending it as if it’s working. They must acknowledge government dysfunction and offer a vision to make it accountable and responsive to everyday people.

The “Do Not Associate” List

WARNING: DO NOT POST the actual “Do Not Associate” list or parts of it on your social media. That will create the associations we are trying to stop! Post this instead:

Condemning and correcting just spreads the DISINFO we are trying to defeat. Here is how to stop doing it, with a LIST OF TERMS WE SHOULD NEVER USE in association with vaccines, Ukraine, immigrants, etc. and WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD: 

DO NOT ASSOCIATE:

• TRUMP with DICTATOR
• TRUMP with TARIFFS. (See below.)
• ECONOMIC DOWNTURN with BIDEN ECONOMY or BIDEN ‘HANGOVER.’
• SEN. MARK KELLY with TRAITOR.
• MEASLES with VITAMINS or POOR DIET AND HEALTH.
• CANADA with FENTANYL LABS.
• GEORGE SOROS with TESLA PROTESTS.
• PROTESTS with ILLEGAL or ANTI-AMERICAN SPEECH or PAID AGITATORS.
• MAHMOUD KHALIL with CRIME or HAMAS or TERRORIST.
• VACCINES with AUTISM.
• MEDICAID with WORK REQUIREMENTS.
• IMMIGRANTS with INVASION, CRIME or HIGH HOUSING COSTS.
• UKRAINE with X CYBERATTACK.
• UKRAINE with PROVOKING RUSSIA.
• ZELENSKY with DICTATOR.
• REPUBLICANS with FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE.
• REPUBLICANS with FREEDOM OF SPEECH or RELIGION.
• SOCIAL SECURITY with PONZI SCHEMES or ENTITLEMENTS.
• FEDERAL WORKERS with LAZY.
• AIRPLANE CRASHES with DEI or DISABILITY.
• USAID with RADICAL LUNATICS or CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION.
• MUSK with GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY (OK to use “DOGE.”)
• The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT with WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE.
• TRUMP with MANDATE.
• THE RICH with CREATE JOBS.
• BALANCE THE BUDGET with CUT SPENDING.
• TRANSGENDER PEOPLE with PREDATORS.
• PEOPLE who receive PUBLIC ASSISTANCE with PARASITES

Do not repeat their claims, not even to refute them. Whichever message people are exposed to first is the one that gets neurologically “switched on.”

Do not repeat their claims and assume they speak for themselves.

Do not state the offending opinion first.

Do not expose people to bad headlines in images.

DO

Communicate on corruption early and often, showing how MAGA billionaires are poised to use taxpayer dollars to line their already bulging pockets. With neither party currently trusted on corruption, Democrats need to get out early and aggressively to claim the upper hand. It is not enough just to villainize billionaires like Musk for their wealth. It’s essential to highlight how these actors are using their outsized influence.

Most importantly, show how MAGA’s corruption harms Americans. In an environment where voters assume most politicians are corrupt, simply describing corruption and self-dealing only goes so far. Democrats need to show how Republican corruption is harming Americans, through cuts to vital programs, weakened regulations, and higher costs of living. Then fight like hell to defend them.

Corruption isn’t just a winning message. It’s the winning message—one with clear connections to the rising costs of living that have driven voters toward despondency. But for Democrats to credibly claim it, voters need to see them fighting for the people in earnest—not pretending that institutions will save us, agreeing to fast-track confirmations for Trump’s loyalist cabinet members, or telling us that Trump’s bootlickers are “honorable guys.”

This isn’t just about Elon Musk. It’s about whether Democrats are willing to stand up and defend the American people—or whether they’ll let a billionaire-bought GOP gut the government and hand over the keys to the highest bidder.

Frame 1: Our Constitutional Freedom vs. Corporate Control

“Our Constitution established government of, by, and for the people—not rule by unaccountable billionaires. When corporate dictators defy our Congress, courts, and constitutional checks, they’re not showing strength—they’re betraying the very freedom our founders fought to secure.”

Moral Core: This frame builds collective ownership of our democratic heritage while activating shared defense of constitutional principles.

Frame 2: Our Public Protections vs. Corporate Takeover

“The public agencies we built together—protecting our food, defending our skies, caring for our veterans—aren’t just ‘bureaucracy.’ They’re the tools we created to protect ourselves and our families. When corporate outsiders dismantle these protections, they’re demanding we surrender our freedom to their greedy and dictatorial whims.”

Moral Core: This reframes public agencies as our shared instruments of self-protection, making the threat personal and immediate.

Frame 3: Our Democratic Freedom vs. CEO Dictatorship

“Real freedom means having a voice in decisions that affect our lives. When corporate dictators replace our experienced public servants with yes-men, block our congressional oversight, and seize control of our government systems, they’re not ‘modernizing’—they’re methodically dismantling our constitutional right to self-governance.”

Moral Core: This builds collective ownership of both the threat and the response, making democracy defense a shared mission.

Some Tactical Responses:

1. “In our America, freedom means we don’t bow to kings OR billionaire CEOs”
2. “Our constitutional freedom includes the right to govern ourselves democratically and lawfully. An attack on our Constitution, our democracy, our government or our laws is an attack on our freedom.”
3. “An attack on the United States Constitution is an attack on American freedom.”
4. “No CEO should have absolute power over our democracy, where power comes from the people.”

Bottom Line: This is an attack on freedom, which is the defining American value.

SAY THIS:

Trump’s self-imposed trade war and unconstitutional purge of federal government employees are already hurting the economy. February job numbers are down and it’s only going to get worse. No wonder he’s trying to spin his way out of the bad news.

Federal Judge, James Boasberg, is demanding answers from Trump, who defied his order to stop flying immigrants to El Salvador without checking first to see if they had actually broken any laws.

Trump doesn’t seem to understand how the judicial branch works. The entire point is to provide checks and balances, and that means judges can order people – even presidents – to stop when they violate the constitution. That’s literally their job!

The average price of a dozen eggs is still $4.95. Trump either doesn’t know the price of eggs or he’s just lying.

Without the Department of Education, only rich kids will get a quality education or be able to afford college. Trump wants to shut it down.

The DOE helps fund local schools in low-income areas and supports kids with disabilities. It promotes high quality teaching through research and helps our young people afford college and training.

Did you know that there are about the same number of people working for the federal government now as there were fifty years ago, even though the population has gone up more than 50%?

Our civil servants work harder than private sector workers and for lower pay. Now Trump is firing them for political reasons, violating their contracts and insulting their character. He’s the one who doesn’t work.

Planes are falling out of the sky. We need more air traffic controllers, not less. Trump’s solution? Fire some of them and for those who remain, take away their union rights. Trump is screwing over workers and putting our lives in danger.

“Those who attack government are attacking all of us, the American people. We have the right to exercise our collective power to shape the society in which we live, particularly when it comes to fighting for economic fairness against the overwhelming power of concentrated wealth.”

We change the entire dynamic of the debate by refusing to fight on their terms and launching a new fight around the questions we should be asking.

Social Security and Medicare were paid for by American workers and their employers. Benefits should go up, not get cut. If you want to balance the budget, close the giant revenue gap caused by decades of the super-rich getting fat off public benefits, research and government contracts and skipping out on the bill.

Putin invaded Ukraine in violation of a treaty signed by Russia. He routinely violates the terms of peace agreements and has his political rivals thrown out of windows or blown up in airplanes. Why is Trump so afraid to stand up to him, or to label him the dictator that he is? And why does he attack Zelensky, who heroically defends the freedom and lives of the Ukrainian people?

The WRONG FIGHT: “Which spending/programs we should cut.”

The RIGHT FIGHT: “Which revenues should we increase?”

OUR POSITION: No cuts. First, we figure out what people need from their government. Then, we raise the revenue to fund the government we need.

SAY THIS:

“The federal government we have now is the output of collective decision making by generations of Americans on both sides of the aisle. Every program we have exists for a damned good reason. If anything, we need more staff and more funding, not less.”

We don’t have to apologize for defending the so-called “status quo” but that doesn’t mean we have to stop there. We can fight for something even better.

The RIGHT FIGHT: “How do we increase revenues?”

OUR POSITION: We reverse the revenue gap created by decades of allowing corporations and the obscenely rich to grow fat off the benefits of government and hand the bill to the American people.

SAY THIS:

“You want to talk about balancing the budget? Let’s talk about how Trump’s tax cuts for the rich blew a giant hole in the revenue side of the equation.”

Expose the Unnatural Hierarchy:

Frame every Trump-Musk interaction through the lens of Trump’s submission to a billionaire who wasn’t “chosen by the people.” Use language that triggers conservative concerns about proper authority: “Trump takes orders from his billionaire boss,” “President surrenders American sovereignty to tech oligarch,” “Who’s really in charge?” This disrupts the conservative moral framework where authority must flow from a single, legitimate father figure.

1. Highlight the Betrayal of American Values: Connect Musk’s control to tangible threats to traditional American institutions. Frame their alliance as “unelected billionaire dismantling American government,” “Silicon Valley oligarch replacing American workers with algorithms,” “Tech dictators experimenting with your family’s safety.” This activates both conservative fears about outside threats and progressive concerns about democratic institutions.
2. Demonstrate the Cost to Regular Americans: Create clear narrative threads linking the Trump-Musk alliance to specific harms to working families. For example, “While your air safety officials were fired to save pennies, Musk made millions that same hour.” “Your children’s school lunch program was cut to fund tax breaks for billionaires.” “Your public services were decimated while Musk’s companies got government handouts.” This unites conservative and progressive moral frameworks around fairness and the protection of the family unit.

Trump is running what amounts to a protection racket against America’s allies. The people of Ukraine are putting their lives on the line to protect their freedom and ours, and Trump is shaking them down for protection money, using Russia as the muscle to extort Ukraine to surrender its natural resources and its independence and become an economic colony of the United States.

Key Words and Phrases

ABUSE OF POWER, CORRUPTION.
We need the terms “abuse of power” and “corruption” to appear more in the public debate than “fraud” and “waste.”

EXTORTION, PROTECTION, RACKET, SHAKEDOWN, “MUSCLE,” THREATS OF VIOLENCE, ECONOMIC or POLITICAL HARM.

MAFIA, ORGANIZED CRIME, CRIME, CRIMINAL. Trump “acting like a” or “playing the role of” a MAFIA DON.

Refer to the war in Ukraine as the UNPROVOKED INVASION of a FREE, INDEPENDENT and DEMOCRATIC NATION .

COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA.

BRIBERY, BRIBE, PAYOFF, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WHITE COLLAR CRIME

FREEDOM, THE RULE OF LAW, THE CONSTITUTION, CIVIL LIBERTIES, SEPARATION OF POWERS, LIMITS OF POWER, CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, FREEDOM, NATIONAL SECURITY

The “Do Associate” List

Feel free to share these however you like!

DO associate:

• MEDICAID with RURAL HOSPITALS and PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
• MEDICARE with MOST COST-EFFECTIVE HEALTH PLAN IN AMERICA.
• SOCIAL SECURITY with RETIREMENT SECURITY and EARNED BENEFITS.
• VACCINES with SAVING LIVES or PREVENTING MEASLES or MEDICAL MIRACLE.
• ZELENSKY or UKRAINE with HEROIC.
• The PEOPLE OF UKRAINE with FIGHTING and DYING FOR THEIR FREEDOM.
• SUPPORTING UKRAINE with KEEPING OUR WORD and HOLDING UP OUR END OF THE AGREEMENT. (See Budapest Memorandum.)
• SUPPORTING UKRAINE with PROTECTING OUR NATO ALLIES (who fought with us after we were attacked on 9-11.)
• PUTIN with DICTATOR.
• RUSSIA with DICTATORSHIP, INVADING UKRAINE, THREAT TO EUROPE.
• CANADA or MEXICO with NEIGHBOR, FRIEND, and ALLY.
• MAHMOUD KHALIL or DEMONSTRATION with FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
• CREATE JOBS with INCREASE DEMAND and INCREASE WAGES.
• BALANCE THE BUDGET with RAISING REVENUE.
• RENEWABLE ENERGY with STABILIZING THE CLIMATE.
• CRYPTOCURRENCY with PONZI SCHEMES.
• BILLIONAIRES with PARASITES.
• IMMIGRANTS with HARD WORKING, TAXPAYING AMERICANS.
• IMMIGRANT DETENTION CENTERS with CONCENTRATION CAMPS.

DO associate TRUMP with:

• ABUSE OF POWER.
• CRASH THE ECONOMY, RECESSION, STOCK MARKET PLUNGE, INFLATION.
• START A TRADE WAR (with our neighbors and allies.)
• BETRAY OUR ALLIES, ISOLATE THE U.S. from the rest of the world.
• BETRAY THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE.
• AMBUSH, ATTACK ZELENSKY.
• THREATEN TO INVADE CANADA, GREENLAND.
• TRAITOR.
• DEMENTIA.
• COMPROMISED BY RUSSIA, PUTIN.
• ENDANGER OUR NATIONAL SECURITY.
• ABUSE HIS POSITION to ATTACK POLITICAL OPPOSITION, REWARD FRIENDS.
• ABUSE HIS POSITION to CASH IN ON CRYPTO.
• USES HIS CRYPTO to ACCEPT SECRET BRIBES.
• POLITICIZE THE FBI, JUSTICE DEPARTMENT.
• MAFIA STATE, MOB BOSS, EXTORTION, THREATS, BRIBERY.
• VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION.
• PARDON CRIMINALS (especially J6, Silk Road Founder)
• SELL US OUT TO BILLIONAIRES, SOLICIT BRIBES.
• BETRAY WORKERS.
• CHEATED HIS CONTRACTORS.
• BANKRUPTED HIS BUSINESSES.
• SOLD the PRESIDENCY to ELON MUSK.

DO associate MUSK with:

• CONFLICT OF INTEREST and ENRICHING HIMSELF.
• HOSTILE TAKEOVER.
• BAD MANAGEMENT, BREAK THINGS, RUIN X, RUIN TESLA.
• ROCKET CRASH, TESLA CRASH, PLANE CRASH.
• VIOLATING OUR PRIVACY and STEALING OUR DATA.
• STEALING OUR TECHNOLOGY.
• RECKLESS and DANGEROUS.
• UNELECTED and UNCONFIRMED.
• POLITICIZE the INDEPENDENT CIVIL SERVICE.

DO associate GOVERNMENT with working to:

• TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.
• IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
• INVEST IN OUR FUTURE.
• SUPPORT FARMERS.
• DO CANCER RESEARCH, MEDICAL RESEARCH.
• INVEST IN MANUFACTURING. BUILD ROADS AND BRIDGES.
• STAND UP TO BIG CORPORATIONS, FIGHT MONOPOLIES.
• PROTECT OUR RIGHTS AS CONSUMERS.
• KEEP BANKS FROM DEFRAUDING CUSTOMERS.
• PROTECT OUR RIGHTS AS WORKERS.
• MAKE OUR ECONOMY MORE FAIR.
• KEEP OUR FOOD SAFE.
• FIGHT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE (here and overseas).
• MAKE IT SAFE TO FLY ON PLANES.
• DELIVER MAIL TO EVERYONE.
• EDUCATE EVERY CHILD, FEED KIDS.
• MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO GO TO COLLEGE.
• RETIREMENT SECURITY, SOCIAL SECURITY.
• FIGHT CRIME AND CORRUPTION.
• GIVE MORE PEOPLE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.
• STABILIZE THE CLIMATE and SLOW THE INCREASE IN DANGEROUS WEATHER.
• Etc.

DO associate WASTE, FRAUD and ABUSE with:

• PRIVATE CONTRACTORS.
• OUTSOURCE TO FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES.
• WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS.
• MEDICARE ADVANTAGE.

Use the Right Framing

Experts on tyranny point out that people are ill equipped to handle fascism because they make it look inevitable, and we lose our ability to envision the alternative.

Trump and Musk are trying to gaslight us all into believing we live in their FANTASY WORLD in which everyone bows before their power. Comedy of this type works by snapping us out of the brain fog and back into the real world where – oh yeah – Elon Musk is not a God, he’s just an a-hole.

That is what our messaging needs to do for people right now, especially for ourselves.

As you have heard me say many times before: what we talk about is what appears in people’s minds, even if we are making the case against it.

If we talk about Elon Musk’s actions as a “coup d’état,” we make people envision him succeeding. It makes the task of stopping him feel insurmountable, which increases their ability to scare people into obeying in advance.

If we talk about Elon Musk being on a CRIME SPREE, we make people envision what inevitably happens to people on a crime spree: they end up on the run from the U.S. Marshalls.

We need to talk like we live in a world where people like Trump and Musk get stopped, because we DO live in that world! Our successful court challenges, which are happening with remarkable speed, might get overshadowed by the atrocity of the day, but they are still happening.

Our job is to make it possible for people to envision that we can and will defeat these Bozos.

Local Events

Indivisible- TC Upcoming Call-to-Action, April 16

Franklin County Democrats Invitation

Please sign-up to staff the Democrats Booth and/or walk in the parade

From the City of Pasco page:

Join Us!
As we come together as nuestra familia de corazon, the Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of what makes our community unique and vibrant. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience. Gather your friends and family, and make plans to attend. We look forward to celebrating with you

Event Overview
Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and community spirit at Pasco’s annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival! This year, we’re bringing together the best of traditional festivities and contemporary entertainment for an unforgettable weekend. Everyone is invited to join us in the heart of Pasco on Saturday, May 3rd begins at 10 AM. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the parade, taste traditional foods, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event.

Other Local Party
Organizations and Caucuses

 🎉Walk with Us This Cinco de Mayo – Volunteers Needed!

Call to Meeting Thursday April 17, 2025

Free Candidate & Staff Training – March 28-29!

Call to Meeting Thursday March 20, 2025

Call to Meeting Thursday February 20, 2025

REMINDER Call to Meeting – Every 2 Years Reorganization – Thursday, Jan. 9

Call to Meeting – Every 2 Years Reorganization – Thursday, Jan. 9

Happy Holidays! Please hold the date Jan. 9

Call to Meeting this Thursday 11/21 DO SOMETHING #17

4th CD News

April 5th: Stand Up For HANDS OFF!

20,057 New Voters Reached and Thousands Pour Out To Protest!

Voices of Resilience: Yakima County Stands Firm in 2025

Saving The Republican Party: A Democrats Duty

Rural Voting: Lessor Of Two Evils? Choosing Between R’s

More “No on 2117” events scheduled and LD 14 Week of Action Kicks Off!

Two Powerhouse Events: Yakima Action Weekend with Governor Jay Inslee

Navigating the Pulse of Democracy: Key Insights on Politics, Voting, and Leadership

Granny Caravan Adventures, Gov. Inslee’s in Yakima, and The Kamala Kick: A Surge in Voter Registration!

Turning Central & Eastern Washington Blue: The Race is Closer Than Ever

Ag and Rural Caucus

Ag and Rural Caucus for May

Link to Nancy Hirsh session recording:
 https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/KRMGRgJZbNBflPW6pB_cJkgAWf6sYKvuj9OGXfd1cbfef2_wGzmE30_NwJ7dR65G.rsZAMYirDfYEDIs6

Better Practices

6:30 pm Thursday 1 May
State Taxes: How to Message for Rural Washington
 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86197176823?pwd=6BIWfzuGjNJvviW6YvgbeDeLHKF8FA.1
 

Click link or Paste link into browser.

Policy Briefing
6:30 pm Thursday 15 May
JoDee Garretson, Support, Advocacy and Resource Center
"For Your Situational Awareness": Human Trafficking in Central Washington

Our Better Practices roundtable is on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.. Use the link above for 2025.

Our Policy Series is on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Use the link above for 2025. 

Copyright © 2025 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee

Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361

Ag and Rural Caucus for April

Policy Briefing

6:30 pm Thursday 17 April
Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition
PNW Electrical Grid - Got solutions?

Profits - how to share

In my last note I raised the question of power costs to us ratepayers. Don’t get me wrong. I am not wringing my hands about how developers and power companies can make money. They will be fine. There is a lot of money to be made in the power industry. And the power industry is guaranteed a return on their investment.

The good news on this front is that economic incentives will keep power developers coming into our communities with proposals. The better news is that they will have the means to make it worth our while as rural residents to host their project. This is where Community Benefit Agreements come in. We have talked about how CBA’s can compensate counties. Maybe lucrative CBA’s can even move central and eastern Washington county commissioners to smile shyly when a developer walks in with paper in their hand.

CBA’s and county commissioners are not Nancy’s home. But don’t count her out. She can help us.

Don
16 April 2025

What does it cost?

What about dollars? It is fine to advocate for wind turbines, solar farms, and even geothermal. After all, in Washington we do have a legislated requirement to phase out fossil fuels. Not to mention that it is a good idea to counter climate change. But what is it going to cost us?
 
Power generation takes money. Part of its cost is capital – how much does it cost to build the solar farm, for example, and how long will it last. The other part is the cost of operating that solar farm from day to day. What is the story about the relative costs of hydro, solar, wind, and natural gas?

Nancy can bring us up to date. You might even ask if we can expect to pay higher rates in the future, irrespective of whether that power comes from wind or atom smashing/fusing.

Don
16 April 2.025

GETs: The gee whiz of Transmission

The gee whiz just does not stop. GETs - grid enhancing technologies – means that we can procrastinate and not build new transmission lines. We just build in topology optimization, along with thermometers you know..

This is just part of what Nancy Hirsh handles on a daily basis. She may or may not have time to talk about GETs. That depends on you. Bring your questions and see if you can slow her up. If not, the fun just gets better. We win either way.

14 April 2025

Why, What and How

Our Policy Briefing presenter on 17 April, Nancy Hirsh, knows energy. She heads up the NW Energy Coalition.

To level the playing field, Nancy will brief us on climate change and Washington’s staged phase out of fossil fuels.

From there it is open season. She will talk to us about obstacles to our transition, e.g., rapid increase in electricity demand from EV’s, data centers et al., bottlenecks in moving energy from generation to consumption (transmission constraints), maybe even some of the political problems we have been talking about.

Solutions, or at least mitigations, are on the table too. Ideas like GET (grid-enhancing technologies), distributed generation and microgrids. Nancy has ideas, and is eager to share. Join the conversation.

Don
8 April 2025

This is an example of a poster for tomorrow’s event happening around the state. This one is for Walla Walla, Check the website FiftyFifty.one for the event and time near you.

Be sure to join Anne this evening. Sure, you will get a VoteBuilder 101 and how it works - or doesn't - in rural Washington. You will also get to share ideas on how to connect with voters. This is part technology, part relationship building. Bring your experience. Bring your doubts. Just join.

Robert Schutte will lead the meeting this evening. Anne-Marie, my partner, is being celebrated this evening for more than a generation of leading the Walla Walla YWCA.. I want to be there for her. 

The Policy Committee will meet at 6:00 pm with the same Zoom link. The Policy Committee is elected officers, appointed experts, and county chairs. Count yourself in even if you don't wear the right label. Tom Pasma in the Whatcom-Skagit area will talk about his success in organizing vigils at the Peace Arch. Bring your own plans and successes. There is a lot of activity planned for Saturday. Use this meeting to share details.

Don
3 April 2025

Better Practices

6:30 pm Thursday 3 April
Anne Udaloy
Organizing Locally in 2025
 
How to connect  with rural voters? VoteBuilder any help? Bring your ideas.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86197176823?pwd=6BIWfzuGjNJvviW6YvgbeDeLHKF8FA.1 

Policy Briefing

6:30 pm Thursday 17 April
Nancy Hirsh, NW Energy Coalition
PNW Electrical Grid - Got solutions?

Our Better Practices roundtable is on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.. Use the link above for 2025.

Our Policy Series is on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Use the link above for 2025. 

Copyright © 2025 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee

Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361

8th Legislative District Democrats

General Meeting
April 24th, 2025

Call to Meeting, April 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Ed. Note: This bill is supported by Senate Democrats. Senator Boehnke and his fellow Republicans are hyperbolic and misleading with the claim that there would be no cap on the tax growth rate. If you read the more accurate text of this article you will see that the current fixed rate cap would be replaced by a cap determined by a formula based on the population of the local jurisdiction and inflation. Experience has shown that more populous jurisdictions have higher demands on governmental services per capita than others. And inflation only makes it worse. The expanding inflation we see now is the result of Republican actions and would bring about a sad situation as necessary government services could not be funded. Washingtonians deserve better than that. It’s appalling that Republicans express a cruelty which extracts money from the less affluent people and allows those with fortunes to avoid the tax burden.

SENATOR MATT BOEHNKE

8TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT – WASHINGTON STATE SENATE

360-786-7614     |     800-562-6000     |     P.O. Box 40425 Olympia, WA 98504-0425

For Release: March 17, 2025                           Media Contact: Eric LaFontaine: (206) 900-540

Tomorrow, my Senate Republican colleagues are holding a press conference on Senate Bill 5798, a proposal by the majority party to raise property taxes on your home. 

I encourage you to virtually attend and let the majority party know that you oppose unlimited property tax increases.

The press conference begins at 9 a.m. and will include Senate Republican leaders, each speaking briefly on a different aspect of the bill. As a property owner, I believe this proposal could effectively triple the rate at which your property taxes are assessed. Your voices must be heard on this tax increase.

Senate Bill 5798 Press Conference

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2025

Location: Senate Rules Room, Olympia

Virtual: Watch on TVW

What is the current state law?

Currently, we pay two kinds of property taxes: state and local. Property-tax rates can’t increase more than 1% a year without voter approval. The 1% cap was established in 2001 by the passage of Initiative 747; in 2007, after the state Supreme Court overturned the law, a Democrat-controlled Legislature and Democrat governor reinstated the limit. Because voters must approve any increase beyond the 1% limit, the law gives the people some control over the growth of their taxes while keeping government accountable.

What would SB 5798 do?

Through Senate Bill 5798, the Senate majority party would completely remove the 1% cap on the growth of property-tax rates. They would instead tie the annual growth rate to inflation and population. With no cap, that rate can grow each year – even into double digits, compounding year over year.

This is potentially much costlier than the House majority party proposal, which would lift the cap to 3%, allowing the growth rate to triple.

Who would be affected?

Everyone. The majority party likes to note that SB 5798 would exempt some senior citizens and disabled persons from part but not the entire state property tax increase. This is overshadowed by the fact that homeowners would see their property-tax bills increase much faster. The same is true for property owners who rent or lease their homes or multifamily housing units. They will be forced to pass the increases on to their tenants, making rents even less affordable than they are now. Property owners may sell their rental properties if the majority party imposes rent control. Single-family rentals could forever leave the rental market, contributing to our housing crisis.

Even worse…SB 5798 would hurt lower-income renters and homeowners the most. It’s highly regressive.

If you’re unable to attend, send comments to the legislature and tell them to vote NO on unlimited property tax increases. Below are three resource links you can access to voice your concerns and learn more about the majority party’s attempt to create unlimited property tax increases.

I hope to see you there!

Send a comment on SB 5798

Informational flyer on SB 5798

Learn more about SB 5798

Learn more about Tax Madness

Matt Boehnke Newsletter, March 19, 2025

Matt Boehnke Newsletter, March 29, 2025

8th LD Bill Alert on SB 726, March 17, 2025

8th LD Town Hall, March 15

Matt Boehnke Legislative Report 2025 02 26

8th LD Bill Alert on SB 5174, February 14, 2025

Matt Boehnke Legislative Report 2025 02 11

Bill Alert – SB 5181

Legislative Latte Rescheduled – Update

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Legislative Latte with Sen. Boenke has been cancelled

REMINDER 8th LD – Clean Slate Meeting – Saturday, November 16, 6 p.m.

New Meeting: Saturday, Oct. 19

8th LD Call to Meeting – 6 p.m. Oct. 5

Convention After-Action Report, and Future Plans

CORRECTED LD8 Membership Meeting – NOW Wednesday, July 10, 6-8 p.m., Conf Room A, Richland Library

14th LD News

14th LD Virtual Town Hall

Thursday March 13, 2025

6:30 PM

Click Here to Register

Rep. Deb Manjarrez

14th Legislative District

Deb Manjarrez is serving her first term representing Washington state’s 14th Legislative District. She is a certified public accountant and has been the senior partner in her firm for 25 years.

Deb chaired the Wapato Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and helped found the popular Wapato Tamale Festival.

Deb and her husband, Mark, are long-time apple orchardists in the Wapato area. They manage an orchard that has been in her family since the 1940s.

Rep. Gloria Mendoza

14th Legislative District

Gloria Mendoza is serving her first term representing the 14th Legislative District.

A former farmworker, Gloria has lived in Yakima County for more than 45 years. She has owned and operated various small businesses for more than 25 years, including a private vocational and technical school, and is the founder of a company that provides services to children and families.

Gloria served as Grandview’s mayor and on the Grandview City Council. She is the proud mother of three children. Gloria is active in her community and deeply cares about family and the agricultural community. 

15th LD Democrats News

16th LD Democrats News

16th District lawmakers to hold virtual town hall meeting March 17

State lawmakers Sen. Perry Dozier (R-Waitsburg) and Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla) will hold a virtual town hall meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 17. Those who wish to participate must register in advance.

Both lawmakers serve the 16th Legislative District, which includes Walla Walla, Benton City, parts of Richland, Pasco, and surrounding communities in Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Grant counties.

In addition to providing an update on the 2025 legislative session and legislation they have introduced, Sen. Dozier and Rep. Klicker will also answer their constituents’ questions and listen to their concerns.

The virtual town hall meeting allows constituents to interact with lawmakers from their computers, tablets, or smartphones using the Zoom platform.

When: Monday, March 17, 2025

Time: 6 to 7 p.m.

Register by clicking here

9th Legislative District

9th District legislators to host virtual town hall on Thursday, March 20

Sen. Mark Schoesler, Rep. Joe Schmick and Rep. Mary Dye are inviting citizens to join them Thursday, March 20 for a 9th District virtual town hall meeting.

The eastern Washington lawmakers will provide an update of the 2025 legislative session and then take questions from participants. Citizens may also submit written questions during the process of registering to participate in the meeting.

During the town hall meeting, the 9th District legislative team will discuss several issues, including:

• The upcoming two-year state operating, capital and transportation budgets.
• The likelihood that majority Democrats will impose new and/or higher taxes on Washingtonians.
• Efforts by Democrats to pass anti-gun legislation.
• Bills impacting K-12 education and higher education.
• Bills affecting agriculture in Washington.

The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and conducted using the Zoom platform. Preregistration is required by clicking here to preregister. Those registering will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.

Walla Walla County Democrats News

WinPower Workshops

Yakima County Democrats News

More protests coming up on Calendar

Time to stand up for Democracy

Monthly Meeting MONDAY 6:30, doors open 6 pm

Protect Mother Earth from MAGA

Monthly Meeting MONDAY 6:30, doors open 6 pm

Monthly meeting MONDAY 6pm

RESIST the re-writing of history: Black History Month

Resolve: be an ACTIVE Yakima Democrat in 2025

Reorganization Meetings Dec 7, 9:00 a.m.

Call for Nominations

Call to General Meeting, Nov 25

Thank YOU: Ballot Acceptance

Thank YOU

ELECTION NIGHT PARTY!

Maria Cantwell at TODAY’S event!

Less than a week to ELECTION DAY!

Call to YCDCC regular business meeting

Alerts & Updates

Let’s Get Out The Vote!

Here’s your sign!

Less than a month to make a difference!

Jane Fonda, NO on I-2117, GOTV, and more!

October Has Something for Everyone!

A big YES and a lot of NO!

Yakima County Democrats September Regular Meeting

Letter Writing Party!

Parade, Fair, and Campaigns!

OMG! The Sunfair Parade is this Saturday!

Help make this the biggest turnout of Democrats EVER in the Sunfair Parade. Ana Ruiz Kennedy, candidate for WA State House of Reps, and her crew will be joining us. We have a beautiful blue truck with a large, two-sided sign mounted in the bed. There will be a limited number of signs provided so please feel free to make/bring your own featuring your favorite candidate, issue, slogan. This is going to be epic!

Get out those walking shoes and join us!

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Arrive by 8:00 a.m. Parking will be scarce and a much longer walk to the staging area if you arrive after 8:00. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
The staging is South 16^th Ave between Tieton Drive and McLaren on the west side of 16^th Ave. We are entry #61 and will be lined up between Rod’s House and Selah Middle School Band.
The parade route is from 16^th Ave, down Yakima Ave, ending on Naches Ave. Make a plan to get back to your vehicle—which is easy if you bring a crew with you! Children welcome (yes, you can bring wagons and strollers). There will be water bottles in the truck for our parade participants.
We are not using noise makers or playing music (don’t want to interfere with Selah Middle School Band) or handing out candy (would require 40 jumbo size bags of candy).
No need to sign up or register—mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!

Shifts at the Yakima County Democrats Fair Booth are still available

Sign up HERE

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

You can enjoy the rest of the fair before or after your shift

The booth will be stocked with all varieties of campaign materials, information about voting and how to become involved with Yakima Dems, and election swag for sale. Emails with all the pertinent information—where to pick up your ticket(s), which gate to enter, where the booth is located, swag we’re selling, etc.—will begin tomorrow to those who sign up for a shift. You can continue to sign up for unfilled shifts during the fair (Sept. 20-29). We greatly appreciate all the volunteers!!!
If you have any questions, email yakimacountydems@gmail.com or call Angie at 509-969-7388

14^th LD Joint Canvassing Events—September 22 and October 12
Help elect our phenomenal legislative district 14 candidates:

• Ana Ruiz Kennedy, candidate for WA State House of Representatives, pos. 2
• Chelsea Dimas, candidate for WA State House of Representatives, pos. 1
• Maria Beltran, candidate for WA State Senate

This Sunday, September 22, the American Federation of Teachers is hosting a joint 14th LD canvass for Ana, Maria, and Chelsea. There will be a rally followed by the canvass followed by free tacos.
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Larson Park, 12^th Ave and Arlington St, Yakima
Event RSVP: https://leadernet.aft.org/webform/aft-real-solutions-for-a-better
 
On Saturday, October 12, Win With Women is hosting a joint 14th LD Labor-Neighbor canvass for Ana, Maria, and Chelsea in collaboration with the WA State Labor Council.
Time: 10:00 am
Location: SEIU 1199NW Offices, 415 N 20th Ave, Yakima
No registration necessary!

Meeting tonight to elect Chair and Vice-Chair, 6pm via Zoom (link enclosed)

Call to Meeting for election of Chair and Vice-Chair, Sept. 6th at 6pm via Zoom

YCDCC Regular meeting TONIGHT, 8/26, 6pm

Governor Inslee joins the celebration

Join us with Treasurer Pellicciotti

Help us cross the finish line!

Who wants a Kamala tee?

Let’s keep striving for better

Call for First-Vice-Chair Nominations

Do you want to outcompete Republicans?

Call to meeting July 22nd

Join democrats for a weekend of action!

Save the Date: Sept. 14th

Call to meeting: June 24th

All hands on deck!

Join us this weekend!

From the State Central Committee

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

Some Good News to Highlight

Last week’s Yakima People’s Town Hall sparked a broader conversation with more than 200 people joining former Governor Inslee, Community Leader Maria Beltran, Registered Nurse Jacob Garcia, U.S. Army Veteran Asa Washines, Labor Organizer and Ph.D. student Ninh Khuu, and myself. U.S. Rep. Newhouse says he plans to hold a Town Hall “soon,” but no details have been made public. So we showed him how it’s done!

About 200 people attend Democrats’ town hall in Yakima,

Yakima Herald and Northwest Public Broadcasting

Demócratas realizan Town Hall en Yakima y acusan a Dan Newhouse de ignorar a sus electores,

Latino Herald

As Washington’s legislative session approaches its end date, here are just a few pieces of legislation I’m particularly excited about:

• After the State Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1432, this legislation is on its way to the Governor’s desk. Rep. Tara Simmons sponsored HB 1432, which establishes a definition of “medical necessity” that includes mental health and substance use disorder services. Once this legislation becomes law, insurance carriers must cover mental health and substance use disorder services prescribed by patients’ doctors – closing a loophole that has long stymied healthcare providers.
• Passage in both chambers of House Bill 1875 means that this legislation to allow Washington workers to use their paid sick leave for immigration-related matters is headed to the Governor’s desk. Rep. Osman Salahuddin sponsored this bill to, “increase equity and access to the legal system.”

Stay tuned for more updates!

Call to Action

• Protect the Vote with North Carolina Democrats
  • Republicans are still trying to throw out 66,000 votes to give a Republican Supreme Court candidate a win he didn’t earn. NC Democrats are fighting back in the courts. Sign up here for the latest updates and ways to assist their efforts.
• Share Your Small Business Story
  • Trump’s policies are hurting America’s 33+ million small businesses. If you are dreaming of starting a business or already feeling the impacts of Trump’s economic policies in your business, please share your story here.
• Sign Up for The Blue Print
  • The DNC has launched a substack called The Blue Print that will provide a weekly update on how the DNC is fighting back against Trump and his allies while working to secure Democratic victories nationwide. It’s free and useful, sign up here.
• Rally, Protest, and Gather
  • TOMORROW – “Bring Them Home” Rally and March hosted by Indivisible Vashon. 11AM-1PM on Vashon Island. More details here.
  • TOMORROW – Rally for Science in Spokane. 11AM-1PM in Mission Park. Sign up here.
  • Tuesday, April 22  – A Vigil for the Healing of the Earth at Spokane City Hall. 6PM-8PM. Register here.
  • Friday, April 25 – WA Dems People’s Town Hall at Spokane Community College. 5:30-7:30PM. Register here. See below for more details.
  • Thursday May 1 – International Workers’ Day Rally and March starting at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle. Starts at Noon. More details here.
  • Saturday May 3 – Fuse Opposition Summit from 1PM-3PM in downtown Seattle. RSVP here.
  • Every Wednesday – Time to Act volunteer trainings organized by Swing Left are hosted virtually every Wednesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM. Sign up here
  • Every Thursday – Seattle Indivisible hosts their Issue Advocacy Meetings every Thursday from 5PM-6PM. Sign up here
  • Every Friday – Refuse Fascism Fridays in Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville and Mill Creek. Check out our events page for details on the one closest to you.
• Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities 
  • Email details to press@wa-democrats.org
    

• Donate
  If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support.
• Follow us on social media
• Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates and actions that can benefit your communities:
• Facebook
• BlueSky
• Threads
• Instagram
• TikTok

Bring Them Home
This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador to seek the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. I applaud his leadership and encourage every Congressional Democrat to consider fact finding missions to Trump’s El Salvadorean gulag. Despite a clear unanimous Supreme Court decision to facilitate Mr. Garcia’s return, Trump claimed victory and blatantly resisted the order. This is not only a constitutional crisis that threatens the rule of law in our nation, it is also a humanitarian disaster that is disappearing lawful residents in our country with no due process. There are numerous actions around the country rallying for the return of the people who have been denied their constitutional rights, demanding they be returned home. Check our events page for a rally near you!

Storybanking

Send Us Your Stories

This week, we traveled to Goldendale in Kittitas County to film more stories – stay tuned next week when we have those ready! For today, here’s a previous story shared by a Washingtonian who asked to remain anonymous:

The best way to persuade people about the horrible impacts of Trump’s chaos is to share real stories from real people in their communities. If you are interested in sharing your story of the direct impacts of Trump 2.0 on your life, please send an email to press@wa-democrats.org that includes your name, contact information, which Washington community you reside in, the story you would like to share, and permission to share your story with the public.

Our Communications team will be in touch within a few business days after you have reached out to help collect your story. 

Spokane Town Hall April 25

We are excited to invite residents in Congressional District 5 to our Spokane Town Hall! The event will be on April 25th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Spokane Community College. We will be convening a panel of amazing speakers, including Congresswoman Emily Randall and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, as well as other members of the community who have been affected by the Trump Administration.

If you would like to attend, please fill out this RSVP Form and invite any community members or friends you think would be interested! This event is open to anyone, and everyone is welcome!

AANHPI Gala Dinner

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Washington Democrats are celebrating! Please join us on May 10 at Seattle Harbor Restaurant (formerly China Harbor) to celebrate the power, leadership, and excellence of our state’s AANHPI Democratic family. Special guests are being lined up – I think you’ll be really excited when we announce them next week! RSVP here!

Republicans Behaving Badly

FEMA denies WA request for bomb cyclone disaster aid

The Lewiston Tribune 

Washington’s request for federal assistance to recover from last year’s bomb cyclone that caused tens of millions of dollars of damage was denied by Trump’s FEMA. Governor Ferguson is planning to appeal the decision, but this falls in line with Trump’s threats to withhold disaster aid from states led by Democrats.

Central WA Head Start programs shut down without federal funding

The Seattle Times 

400 children don’t have early childhood education and 72 people are unemployed thanks to Trump’s illegal freeze on federal funding authorized by Congress (and signed by HIM!) Rep. Newhouse asked the leaders of the Head Start programs for more details. “‘My assumption is, hopefully, they’re trying to get some answers for us’ [the Director] said.” The answer is pretty simple: Trump doesn’t want poor kids getting pre-K education.

NOAA scientists are cleaning bathrooms in Seattle

The Seattle Times

Trump and DOGE laid off all the janitors and hazardous waste removal contractors so scientists who should be focusing on saving salmon from extinction are now creating chore wheels. There’s nothing wrong with cleaning bathrooms, but these broad layoffs are wreaking havoc in the scientific workplaces we rely on for accurate weather forecasts and saving salmon – an iconic species that supports our Tribal Nations, our culinary sector, and maritime industries.

China orders Boeing jet delivery halt as trade war expands

Bloomberg

Trump’s self-inflicted trade war is going to have outsized impacts for Washington. Our state is the most trade dependent of any other in the country.

Democrats in the News

Larsen warns U.S. citizens could be next to have their rights trampled

Cascadia Daily News

Rep. Larsen is sounding the alarm that if Trump’s allowed to bulldoze the rule of law and due process for legal residents, U.S. citizens will be next.

Still think Democrats aren’t fighting back? Introducing Marilyn Strickland.

DailyKos

Rep. Strickland’s message that “Republicans don’t care about you,” is simple and sticking. This is a great write up of the work our Congresswoman from the 10th CD is getting done in the other Washington.

Feds to investigate WA schools agency over gender inclusivity conflict

Washington State Standard

OSPI Superintendent Chris Reykdal is standing up to the Trump administration’s efforts to erase trans students. Keep up the great work, Chris!

WA Senate honors missing & murdered indigenous women: ‘No more stolen sisters’

The Olympian

I am so glad to live in this Washington, where we honor the people who have lived here since time immemorial and work to ensure no more Native women disappear in our state.

What I’m Watching and Reading

Political scientists find submission to Trump ‘shocking,’ says UW prof

The Seattle Times

“I would say it’s the definition of authoritarian,” says Political Scientist and UW Professor Scott Radnitz.

Law students say they want to work for the firms standing up to Trump

Politico

File this under: the kids are (still) alright. Law students from the most prestigious universities are considering backing out of $200,000 contracts with the firms that capitulated to Trump’s brazen attacks on the rule of law. They are sharing spreadsheets online of the firms that are prioritizing the rule of law and who aren’t “ignoring the elephant in the room.”

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party

We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States

Last weekend, while families across Washington worried about rising prices and economic fallout from Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs…

He was golfing.

It’s true. While Trump’s tariffs sent the S&P 500 plummeting and we prepared for costs soaring on everything from groceries to building materials, Trump was out hitting the links. No plan, no details—just a promise to wreck the economy between rounds on the back nine.

Now? Without warning, he’s paused those tariffs for most countries—except for China, where he’s actually raising them. It’s not just bad policy. It’s dangerous and unserious.

Washingtonians can’t afford the boneheaded economic policies coming out of DC. An estimated 1 in 4 jobs in our state depend on international trade and our exports—from wheat to apples to airplanes—are a key part of our economy. Trump’s tariff tantrums hurt working people and small businesses right here at home.

Can we count on you to chip in $7 or whatever you can today to help Washington Democrats reject Trump and his attacks on everyday, working Washingtonians? 

Onward, 

— Chair Shasti Conrad

In 2024, Washington Democrats led the nation with sweeping electoral victories. Now, we’re fighting to elect a supermajority in Olympia, protect our swing seats in the House, and stand up to MAGA extremism across the country.

WA Dems empowers grassroots organizing and elects Democrats up and down the ballot. Your support fuels our fight to stop Trump and defend our democracy.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States

Democratic National Committee News

This is a longer message, but I wanted to share an update with you about our work here at the DNC. And I promise I won’t be asking you for money at the end.

Since my election as DNC Chair, my philosophy has been to get the DNC out of DC. That means getting into the states to meet with voters, organize Democrats everywhere, and compete in off-year elections.

And we’ve already started gaining ground, building momentum, and winning races.

As the political landscape continues to shift and the stakes for both families and our democracy grow higher, our organizing program must evolve to meet today’s moment — with new energy, new strategy, and a renewed dedication to the people and communities who make up our coalition.

Our new DNC organizing principles will guide every aspect of how we do our work — from how we recruit and train the next generation of organizers, to how we build political power, scale programs, and engage the voters we are asking to stand with us.

Shortly after I became DNC Chair, we put many of these principles into practice. We invested early in Wisconsin — one of the earliest electoral investments the DNC has ever made — as well as the congressional special elections in Florida.

Look, I believe we organize to win elections to improve lives. We might not win every race today. But if we do our jobs right, if we make bold investments in all parts of the country, we will start turning the tide blue for the long term. We organize to build lasting trust, develop new leadership, and expand the promise of democracy — for everyone, everywhere.

So, I’m excited to share that we are officially rolling out our core DNC organizing principles to help us compete everywhere and accomplish two critical goals.

First, fight back against the Trump administration.

Second, make a compelling case for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.

Here are the principles:

1. We organize early, we organize always, and we organize everywhere
2. We build up and support community leaders
3. We integrate digital and field organizing as one strategy
4. We equip our volunteer army with the best technology and data systems
5. We coordinate strategically across the ecosystem
6. We invest in people — recruiting, training, and retaining talent
7. We use organizing to hold power accountable — not just to win it

Trump and his allies continue to put their interests above the interests of the American people. They’re destroying the economy. They’re trying to hijack the courts like in Wisconsin and North Carolina. They’re even threatening to deport American citizens.

We cannot accept this. So we’re going to speak out, fight back, and organize like our democracy depends on it — because it does.

I hope you’ll join us. Thank you for taking the time to read this message, and I’ll have more updates to share soon.

Ken

Ken Martin
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Text JOIN to 43367

If you’re ready to elect Democrats in all 50 states, territories, and D.C., make a contribution today.

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible. Paid for by the Democratic National Committee, www.Democrats.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

We heard from thousands of Democrats last month about how to reshape the DNC’s strategic direction. With this guidance, we have:

• Launched the People’s Cabinet, an initiative that brings together experts and community leaders who will cut through the lies and speak directly to the American people about the destruction of the Trump administration.
• Set up a new War Room operation to combat the far-right’s lies and streamline the DNC’s communications, research, and mobilization operations.
• Hosted People’s Town Halls in districts where Republican Representatives are hiding from constituents rather than showing up and doing their jobs.

This is just the beginning. We’re building and strengthening the Democratic Party to fight back against Trump, protect our democracy and fundamental freedoms, and elect Democrats this year, next year, and beyond.

But the truth is that these programs take a lot of resources to sustain. And it’s supporters like you who give $3, $5, or even $10 at a time that help keep these efforts running so we are in the strongest possible position right now and for the fights ahead.

If this work and fighting for our democracy is important to you, can you chip in $10 to the DNC today?

Thank you for being in this fight,

The Democrats

Text JOIN to 43367

If you’re ready to elect Democrats in all 50 states, territories, and D.C., make a contribution today.

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible. Paid for by the Democratic National Committee, www.Democrats.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

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Join us for Out and Proud: Let’s Sashay to the Polls!

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PCOs Can (and Should) Start Doorbelling – For PCOs, the time to walk or call the voters in your precincts is NOW so that we can get that data back into Votebuilder ASAP. The data PCOs collect in the first quarter of this year is essential to the voter targeting every Democratic candidate will be able to do in the primary election and for the rest of the year. If needed, our Coordinated Campaign staff can help set PCOs up with a phone or canvass list, an appropriate script for their precinct, and either a listening or ID canvass – just ask us at organizing@wa-democrats.org.

Voices

Fix Democracy First has compiled an excellent list of sites with which to expand your activism

PROTEST EVERYWHERE — Saturday, April 19 — Every city, every county, every town, everywhere! Freedom Against Tyranny!

The Home of the Brave

There Was a Record 5 to 6 Million People Who Took to the Streets to Stop Trump on Saturday! — And the Only Sound of Silence You Hear is from the Media and the Democratic Party

Massive Crowds Everywhere! And Everywhere You Look, You Will See The True Leaders of This Next Revolution

Get Up! Get Out! Get in the Streets! Mass Protests Saturday Near You!

An Entire Wing of the Smithsonian Full of Your Perfect Portraits of Donald Trump!

Donald Trump Wants a New Portrait of Himself

On This Night in 2003, the Fifth Night of the Iraq War, We Won the Oscar.

Elon Musk Wasn’t the Only One This Week with a Top Secret National Security Meeting

Noor & Mahmoud: Young Hearts Be Free Tonight, Time is on Your Side

Our Muslim Boy Wonder

The People by the Thousands in All 50 States Took to the Streets.

If We Don’t Take Matters Into Our Own Hands…

Overwhelm… Overreach… Overthrown.

The Coup d’État Has Begun

Just F***in’ Do Your Bucket List, Joe

Hollywood Reporter Declares FROM GROUND ZERO: “Nothing Short of a Miracle”

Simon Rosenberg

Veteran Political Analyst, Strategist and Commentator. 2 Presidential campaigns (incl Clinton War Room), senior roles at DNC, DCCC, NDN. One of the only ones who got 2022 right. On Substack at Hopium Chronciles.

It’s Been 100 Days Of Failure, Chaos, And Betrayal – Trump’s First 100 Days Are The Worst We’ve Ever Seen

The Damage Trump Is Doing To America’s National Security – My Conversation With Senator Chris Coons

Stopping Trump’s Sabotage

Fighting Anti-Semitism And Protecting Democracy – My Conversation With Amy Spitalnick Of The JCPA

The Historic Cowardice of John Thune and Mike Johnson Threatens Our Republic

On This Easter Sunday I Choose Hope

Supreme Court Rules Against Trump For Second Time, The Worst First 100 Days Ever, Every State Needs A Few Cory Bookers Now

Trump’s Lawless Defiance Of The Courts – My Interview With Lawfare’s Anna Bower

Van Hollen Sees Abrego Garcia, Rallying State And Local Electeds Against Trump, Kasparov On Preventing US From “Becoming Russia”

We Are Stronger, He Is Weaker (New Video), Van Hollen Fights The Gulag, Powell Calls BS, Newsom Sues On Tariffs

Dems Now Up On The Economy, Fighting The Gulaging of America, Time For Criminal Referrals For DOGE

On Harvard’s Courage, Trump’s Salvadoran Gulag And The Need For A Congressional Letter To America (New Video)

“The Promise Of American Higher Education”- Harvard’s Powerful Response To Trump

Worst First 100 Days In US History, Trump LOVES His Salvadoran Gulag, DOGE Is An Outrageous Fraud And Failure, Cooper Up In NC

Almost Three Months In, Some Sunday Notes On Where We Are And The Path Forward

Clear Majorities Want Congress To Take Back Tariff Authority, More Chaos In North Carolina, Getting On The Right Side Of Opportunity

Dems = Better Life And More Opportunity, SCOTUS Tells Trump To Bring Garcia Back To US, Trump’s Poll Numbers Continue To Fall

Trump’s Madness And Recklessness Has Left Him Weaker And Diminished (New Video), Ending The Enormous And Destructive Tariffs That Remain In Place

Ending Trump’s Destructive Global Tariffs – My Conversation With Senator Tim Kaine

Trump Is Far More A Saboteur Than A President, Senator Kaine/Others Are Introducing A New Resolution To Rescind The Tariffs And Rein In Trump

Little Cracks Are Becoming Bigger Cracks, Dem AGs Fighting And Winning Vs Trump, We Need To Keep Working Hard Everyone

Fighting Trump’s Attack On Our Constitutional Order – An Interview with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Trump Is An Irredeemable Madman, Let’s Be Very, Very Loud Today, Our Movement Is Getting Stronger

The Power Of The People Is Greater Than The People In Power

Good Luck Today Everyone, A Letter To America, Pressuring Congress To Stop The Russian-Backed Wrecking Ball

Jon “Bowzer” Bauman Joins Us To Talk About The Trump-Musk Attack on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

Call/Contact Your Senators And House Member Today, Demand They Fight To End These Terrible Tariffs, Help Little Cracks Become Big Cracks

“Trump Declares War On The World” – My Conversation With Economist Rob Shapiro

2 Things Are True Today – Dems Have Had A Good Week And Our Mad Leader Is Working Very, Very Hard To Destroy The Country (New Video)

Dems Finding A Higher Gear, Susan Crawford!!!!!, Trump Is Weak Not Strong, Senator Booker Inspires America And The World

We Win Wisconsin!!! Cory Booker Inspires Us All. We Had A Good Day Everyone

My Conversation With Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) On Doing More to Counter Musk’s Illegal and Unconstitutional Assault On The Government Of The United States

Making Calls for Susan Crawford, Trump’s Madness and Buffoonery Has Become Impossible To Ignore, Booker Goes All Night For America

Today Is A Do Day, Mad Donald’s Tariffs Are Wrecking The US Economy And His Standing With Voters

Sunday Hopium – Trump Had A Bad Week And We Need To Keep Working Hard Everyone

Trump’s Madness Is Tanking The Economy And Causing Voters To Lose Faith In Him, My Conversation With Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-5), Let’s Keep Working Hard Everyone

Besides The Bluster, The Blather And Fascistic Bloodlust, There Is Also Failure, Incompetence, Weakness, A Worsening Economy And A Public Rapidly Losing Faith

Learning How To More Forcefully Denounce And Challenge Trump’s Dangerous Weakening Of America (New Video), A Tufts Student Is Taken, Rep. Adam Smith -“Hegseth Must Go”

The Atlantic Exposes The Lies Of Hegseth, Gabbard And Trump, Ds Get A Big Win In PA, David Rothkopf On SignalGate And How Trump Is Making US Far, Far Weaker (Video)

BCDCC Officers and Subcommittee Chairs for 2025-2026

The Benton County Democratic Central Committee is searching for a Newsletter editor, if you’re interested please check out information here:  https://www.bencodems.org/newsletter-editor/