Virtual Trainings, The Eviction Moratorium, and Capital Gains
Beginning March 16th:
The Washington Dems have partnered with the ASDC Best Practices Institute to ensure the most thorough and comprehensive training for all Local Party Leaders, PCOs, and amazing volunteers! The "Train The Trainer" (T3) program trains thousands at their own pace over six weeks, beginning March 16. But register for free by Sunday, March 14 at 8:59pm!
If you are a new LPO leader, a new PCO, or a new State Committee Member, please sign up. It’s a great refresher course for “experienced” folks as well, especially if you have not participated in a formal training over the last two years! This will replace the early 2021 Rise and Organizing Training that gives just a few hours of new material. T3 gives you access to 12 hours of the latest techniques and tactics, again at your own pace, over six weeks.
T3 training classes will be “live” every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 - 5 p.m. PT, from March 16, through April 22.
Seattle’s Eviction Moratorium
At the end of this month, the Mayor's eviction moratorium will expire. This will put many in direct danger as the pandemic continues, the economy shrinks, and jobs lessen. In 2018, staggering 87.5% of evicted Seattle tenants became homeless. More than one in three became completely unsheltered. We can only imagine these statistics have worsened. It's irrefutable, expanding the eviction moratorium is harm reduction.
With a majority vote by the 43rd District Democrat's Board and in congruence with previously-passed resolutions, we have signed on to a 47-partnered letter asking for a continuation of the moratorium with an eye on non-payment and repayment plans passing through the Seattle City Council.
Interested in helping? You can! Seattle Transit Rider's Union has a written letter for you to send. We welcome adding in a short personal and relevant story showing how the eviction moratorium directly benefits--or the lack of one could harm--you or a loved one.
A Big Win at The Legislature!
Our Policy & Advocacy Committee has been busy tracking decided priority bills (link only showing which ones are still alive). But we're looking at a rather transformative moment for Washington:
After years of regressive taxes, things are looking up. The Capital Gains Tax has passed the Senate (the bill's repeatedly biggest hurdle) 25-24! The House looks like it will have the votes for the bill. While less than the originally -proposed tax, it would apply a 7% tax rate to capital gains over $250k/year. Real estate transactions (like home sales), retirement earnings, selling livestock, and income from selling a small business grossing under $10 million a year before sale are exempt. Less than 18,000 people (less than 0.25% of Washingtonians) would pay the tax. Read Melissa Santos' full Crosscut piece to see how this compares to similar proposals to tax the rich.
