Our dedicated lobby team members write issue papers before each legislative session that provide the background behind the League's position on each issue as well as outline the anticipated plans and legislation for the upcoming session. As we get closer to the start of the 2024 legislative, we will add more content tracking the progress of the bills we are following.
| Making Democracy Work® Elections and Money in Politics Support changes in the electoral system that streamline process while protecting the integrity of records and ballots as well as limitations on the influence of money in election outcomes. Download Elections Issue Paper | Download Money in Politics Issue Paper Support redistricting reform by 2031 that includes an updated commission, ongoing staff and technical support, process transparency, clearly defined rank criteria, an inclusive process for public input, and language accessibility. Download Redistricting Issue Paper Ensure the school funding model is ample to meet the education needs of today, including those of students with special needs; ensure that state academic standards are sustained in local districts; and ensure that equitable education is available for all students. Download Education Issue Paper Support efforts to ensure conditions are such that ethical local journalism survives and thrives. |
 | Environment Support measures that address the climate crisis and create clean and renewable energy sources as well as opportunities to enhance climate and environmental justice. Download Climate Crisis & Energy Issue Paper Support measures that protect and restore mature and old-growth forests, reform the adaptive management program and enhance community resilience to wildfire. Download Forests Issue Paper Assure that land use decisions protect resource lands, forests, shorelines, rural areas and agriculture, and also enhance climate resilience. Download Growth Management Issue Paper Divert waste from disposal through reuse, reduction, recycling through a variety of methods including producer responsibility and product stewardship policies with special attention to packaging, plastics, batteries and digital electronic products. Download Waste Diversion Issue Paper
Achieve balanced and efficient systems, prioritizing those that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion. |
| Ensure affordable housing for all and that new housing development is transit-oriented and contains environmental justice provisions. Download Housing & Homelessness Issue Paper Support interim measures needed to progress toward Universal Healthcare funded by a single payer system for Washington State. Also support increasing the healthcare workforce capacity and improvements in system regulation. Download Health Care Issue Paper Support increased funding for behavioral health services and behavioral health workforce development. Download Behavioral Health Issue Paper Ensure policies that provide for the safety and well-being of all children as well as access to opportunities to develop their full potential. Download Children’s Issues Issue Paper Promote the availability of safe, culturally appropriate early care and education services that support the development of young children, economic vitality for families and businesses, and living wages and training for early care and education workers. Download Early Care and Education Issue Paper Advocate for a criminal justice system that is just, effective, equitable and transparent, including sentencing reform, restrictions on use of solitary confinement, police accountability and recognition that mental health conditions and substance use disorders are health issues, not crimes. Download Criminal Justice Issue Paper Promote a flexible, equitable tax structure that provides robust support for all government obligations and is based on sound economic policy, including measures that will support savings in government costs to do business. |
