Action People take to Your Phones!!

From Coalition Member Amy Luftig:

Hello! It is with great excitement that I report that BOTH of our Task Force Study Bills (HB 1518 and SB 5786) have **passed out of their respective Judiciary Committees in both Houses!** In both houses, all Democrats voted yes and all Republicans voted no.

Unfortunately, neither of the mental illness bills will be voted on this year (committee cutoff is tomorrow). In the Senate, this is because we did not have the votes to pass it (all Repubilcans and Senator Hargrove (D-24) did not support.) We DO believe that we had the votes to pass it in the House Committee. However, it is our understanding that leadership in the House did not want this bill to move this year. Such is way of politics. We are well-poised to introduce it again next year (and we will). Do not despair - remember that it takes about 5 years for bills like this to pass. Much work and education needs to be done, member by member. We'll get this one done.

NEXT STEP FOR THE TASK FORCE BILLS:THESE BILLS MUST BE HEARD AND VOTED OUT OF THE SENATE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE/HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE by MONDAY, MARCH 5TH.

Please call AND email the Chairs of these Committees and Urge a Heairng and a Vote by Monday. Chair of Senate Ways and Means: Senator Margarita Prentice. prentice.margarita@leg.wa.gov. 360-786- 7616. (Bill Number: 5786) Chair of House Appropriations: Rep. Helen Sommers. sommers.helen@leg.wa.gov. 360-786-7814.(Bill Number: HB 1518). It is very important that we call the chairs of these committees (even if you already have!)

Here are a couple of quick talking points: *Very significant questions about the application in the death penalty in Washington were raised by the Washington Supreme Court in the July 2006 Washington Davya Cross Case. Four dissenting justices said that the death penalty in Washington was as random as lightning striking -- defying rational explanation. * It is the responsibility of the legislature to pass laws and ensure that they are applied fairly. * This bill has a small fiscal note - $122,000 -- but could have an enormous positive fiscal impact in terms of ensuring that the death penalty does not unecessarily waste taxpayer dollars.

GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE CALL SOON!