Dear Members of the Benton County Democratic Party,
Washingtonians for Public Banking (WPB) is a nonprofit whose mission is to establish a public bank in Washington state. As our motto states, we want a bank run of, by, and for the people. For over a decade, various groups have been fighting for a public bank in the state; so far, success has been elusive.
Recently Senator Patty Kuderer (District 48) introduced legislation (SB5509) in the state senate to create a public infrastructure bank for Washington’s local, municipal, and tribal governments. Unfortunately, the legislation was killed in committee. While the death of the legislation is frustrating, WPB is taking it as an opportunity to take a step back and develop a long-term grassroots strategy to victory.
At a recent board meeting, it was decided to spend our efforts forming a broad-based coalition among the various groups that have supported public banking. Then, in strategically important areas, use this coalition to pressure representatives in local, municipal, and tribal governments to pass resolutions supporting public banking. It is our belief that once state legislators are convinced the local governments want a public bank—and there exists a large and diverse coalition to pressure them—we will eventually see public bank legislation passed. Already, we have had some success with this strategy. In the last two months, we have had productive meetings with grassroots organizations in Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston County, including the Thurston County Democrats.
I am reaching out to representatives of the Benton County Democratic Party set up a meeting, whether in person or virtually, to discuss the necessary steps to form a powerful coalition for public banking, specifically how our organization could work together for the upcoming legislative session.
If interested, please feel free to respond to this email. We are more than happy to schedule a date and time that works around your schedule. You can also visit our website or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Flyer: Washington Public Bank Information
Website: www.waforpublicbanking.org
Twitter: @WApublicbanking
Facebook: WAPublicBankNatlInfrBank/
Sincerely,
Marco Rosaire Rossi
—
Executive Director
Washingtonians for Public Banking