The 2013 session of the Washington State Legislature begins on Monday January 14.   This is a “long” session scheduled to last 105 calendar days and its primary task is to adopt a two year “biennial” state budget.   If they do not finish that job in the set period they may have to go into one or more 30 day “special sessions” to complete it.

As always many issues besides the budget will be before the legislature as well.  Some may help the towing industry and some may be a threat.  In order to communicate our positions and concerns to legislators we will sometimes need members and friends to engage in “grass-roots” efforts such as calling the legislative “Hotline” to leave a brief message, talking to legislators they may know from home, or come to the State Capitol to attend, or even testify at hearings.

To be prepared to help our efforts use the link here to “Find your Legislators” if you do not know already who they are.  A general election took place last year as well as a redrawing of their districts called “redistricting” so they may have changed.  Make a note of their names, Olympia phone numbers, and especially the 1-800 “Hotline” message number and keep those close for quick reference.

You might also take a look at the link “How a Bill becomes a Law” to get a basic understanding of the process.   Just because a Bill is filed in the legislature does not mean it ever will become a law, in fact very few actually do.

Your Board and Legislative Committee teams will be working hard in your interest, but we do need you to be there to help.  It won’t take much time at all, but the impact will greatly increase our effectiveness.  “The Power of the Team” means all of you!