As most of you are aware, FCWPP believes that reform of the current State Tax Structure is the most pressing economic justice concern in Washington State. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, the second-worst hunger problem and a $2 billion plus budget gap that will undoubtedly lead to…
In November of 2001, the FCWPP legislative committee met to discuss how FCWPP could be more effective inpromoting economic justice in a time of continuing budget crisis, the consequences of which are the balancing of the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable in our society. The committee agreed that…
The 2002 Session of the Washington State Legislature ended with reasons for Friends to be encouraged. Please share the news with your Meetings and Worship Groups.DRUG SENTENCE REFORM BILL DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR LOCKEFCWPP's key legislation in this session, the drug sentence reform bill, which reduces prison sentences for non-violent drug…
On Tuesday the 12th the State Senate refused to concur with House-amended Senate Bill 6704 by a vote of 32-13. The bill was immediately returned to the House, which appears ready to stand firm on its amendments, which replaced all of the more carefully crafted language offered by prime sponsor Senator Adam…
Brief messages by you on Friday or early Saturday will make a difference.Senate Bill 6704, which in its current form creates new terrorism crimes, expands the application of the death penalty, and expands police surveillance authority, passed the House 70 to 23 on Wednesday, with five Representatives absent or excused.…
FCWPP’s key legislation this session, the Drug Sentence Reform bill, passed the House with a 72 to 25 vote on Monday February 18th! We should thank representatives for their yes votes on 2nd Substitute House Bill 2338. Voting yea: Anderson, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Benson, Berkey, Campbell, Casada, Chase, Clements, Cody, Conway, Cooper, Crouse,…
State Legislators need to hear from you on several pieces of legislation that have survived initial deadlines for passage. Anti-TerrorismImmediate action is required on a package of "anti-terrorism" bills that resemble aspects of the Patriot Act passed by Congress at the Federal level. Here in Washington State, House Bill 2879 would define new terrorism crimes, House…
We support incentives and increased funding for effective public transportation in order to: give people better access to employment, housing, health care, and education; conserve natural resources; preserve the integrity of local neighborhoods; reduce air pollution and traffic congestion; and increase accessibility for residents of low-income communities. Washington State Department of…
Next week, just past midnight on Tuesday, August 28, our State of Washington will kill James Elledge.Opposition to the death penalty is fundamental to Friends. The policy statement of the Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy (FCWPP) reads:"We seek the abolition of the death penalty because it denies the sacredness…
While Secretary of Energy Richardson (under President Clinton) signed an order to permanently shut down the FFTF, the new Secretary of Energy Abraham has suspended this decision and ordered a review. The Department of Energy (DOE) is now requesting comments on the shutdown decision. ACTION: Send your comments by Tuesday,…