TESTIMONY – SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

Thank you, Chair Robinson and Committee members. My name is Karen Crowley. I am President of the League of Women Voters of WA. The League supports Senate Bill 6346.

The League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties, but we do take positions on issues after objective, detailed studies and consensus of our membership based on the study. In this case, our position is that we support action to obtain a balanced tax structure that is fair, adequate, flexible, and has a sound economic effect.

This bill would help to balance and create more fairness in Washington’s currently regressive and inequitable tax structure by establishing a new tax on the very small number of people in Washington State most able to pay - and who currently pay the least as a share of their incomes - while contributing to the Working Families Tax Credit, which would reduce tax impacts on the lowest income people of our state. It would also support other badly needed General Fund services.

Additionally, this bill would increase equity in Washington’s legal system by supporting public defense costs in counties, a long-underfunded cost to counties for services needed by those unable to afford private attorneys and it would remove the sales tax on grooming and hygiene products.

These are big steps toward greater tax equity and ability to fund needed services in Washington state. We urge you to pass SB 6346.

Dear Gov. Ferguson and Attorney General Brown:

Thank you for your leadership as expressed in your joint statement on Jan. 26 denouncing the ICE operation in Minnesota and preparing for a similar incursion in Washington state.

The League of Women Voters of Washington joins you in supporting action now to protect the rights of immigrants in our state. The national League of Women Voters of the United States issued a statement the same day, condemning “the escalating actions by ICE that put people at risk, deny individuals their constitutional rights, and undermine the democratic values meant to protect us all.”

It went on to say: “The League of Women Voters reaffirms that the rights outlined in the Constitution belong to all people, without exception. We will not accept policies or practices that suppress civic participation, weaponize enforcement, or undermine fundamental rights and human dignity.”

In 2025, LWVWA adopted a position on the rights of immigrants after undertaking an extensive study that addressed the contributions of immigrants as well as the challenges they face. That study, “Welcoming Immigrants to Washington State,” and other efforts demonstrate Washington is clearly a leader in protecting immigrant rights—but we can do more.

In that vein, we appreciate your willingness to fight for just and humane policies through both legislation and action.

As we write, our League is lobbying for enactment of the bills you reference in your statement: SB 5855, SB 5876/HB 2165, and HB 2105/SB 5852 as well as several others we believe will enhance the rights of immigrants. We also support the SAFE Act, which prohibits ICE activity in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and election offices; HB 2648, concerning state and local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration enforcement officials; HB 2632, modernizing terminology when referring to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the United States; and HB 2105 - Immigrant Worker Protection Act.

Additionally, we support legislation that safeguards personal information, creates remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights occurring during immigration enforcement, levies fines on private detention facilities that deny entry to the department of health for an inspection, and mandates divestment of public investment in private detention centers.

We applaud your decision as well to have Sarah Peterson, the chief of the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, attend cabinet meetings. In fact, LWVWA’s position on Welcoming Immigrants recommends that Washington state take steps to ensure effective coordination among state agencies and other organizations that interact with immigrants and refugees, including funding to permit such coordination.

We would be pleased to brief you further on the work of LWVWA in protecting the rights of immigrants. Again, thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,

Karen Crowley, President

for/and

Lydia Zepeda, Ph.D., LWVWA Immigrants Issues Chair, co-author of “Welcoming Immigrants to Washington State”

Susan Martin, Ph.D., co-Author, “Welcoming Immigrants to Washington State”

cc: David Frockt, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor

On August 21, 2025, the LWVWA sent the following letter to the Governor.

Dear Governor Ferguson:

Thank you for your response to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter of August 13, 2025, regarding the federal administration’s assertions about Washington State being a sanctuary jurisdiction. The League of Women Voters of Washington stands firmly with you.

Committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, the nonpartisan League believes that threats issued by the U.S. Justice Department against state officials—ostensibly in reaction to the protection of immigrants via adoption of the Keep Washington Working Act—are illegal; are violations of due process as well as state law; and finally, are immoral. Moreover, they represent a preeminent threat to democracy.

The League of Women Voters of the US has declared the United States now faces a constitutional crisis: "The foundational principles that have sustained our democracy — checks and balances, the rule of law, free and fair elections — are under direct and sustained threat. In this extraordinary moment, we cannot proceed with business as usual.”

This crisis requires League leaders and members to speak out. This is not a Republican, Democratic or Independent issue. This is about our democracy and our need to defend and protect it.

I am proud to share with you the League of Women Voters of Washington’s policy position on immigration, adopted earlier this year. This position states, in brief, that the League believes that all residents of Washington state, regardless of immigration status or citizenship, should be treated with dignity and respect:

“This means that all residents, regardless of immigration status or citizenship, should have access to essential state-funded services, have the opportunity to avail themselves of legal representation in court and immigration proceedings, and have the opportunity to live and work in safety...The League encourages all elected officials and government leaders in Washington to continue to take action to ensure these fundamental rights. It also means that political leaders in Washington have an obligation to condemn xenophobia, discrimination, and anti-immigrant rhetoric.”

Again—thank you for your strong stand. Please let us know how we can support you. Sincerely,

Karen Crowley
President, 2025-2027

Media Alert
January 29, 2025

The League of Women Voters of Washington announced today its strong endorsement for Senate Bill 5400 in support of local journalism. This bill will enable grants to support news journalists covering civic affairs in underserved communities. Funding will come from a surcharge on payments major social media platforms already make.

The 2022 League of Women Voters study The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy tracked the loss of local news outlets in Washington state over the last two decades. The study found that a reduction in access to local news contributes to lower voter turnout, less civic engagement, fewer candidates running for local office, and an increase in government costs. Additional findings include increased political polarization and challenges for health officials communicating with the public when needed.

“Senate Bill 5400 bears directly on the mission of the League of Women Voters: to empower voters and defend democracy,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane. “Democracy cannot afford these harms. The League strongly urges approving this legislation to safeguard our democratic legacy.”

Seattle – The League of Women Voters of Washington president, Mary Coltrane, jointly with the League of Women Voters of Clark County president, Nancy Halvorson, released the following statement condemning the interference with a ballot box in Vancouver, WA:

"The League of Women Voters calls on leadership of the state political parties, the Clark County political parties and Clark County candidates to condemn the outrageous attack on a ballot box at Fisher’s Landing in Vancouver this morning. This is an attack on democracy. All who support democracy must take a stand against this attempt to hinder voters’ sacred right to be heard at the ballot box. Political leadership in Clark County and across the state should likewise declare their support for the auditors and election officials who carry out their work in support of democracy, especially in these challenging times.

"The League of Women Voters reminds everyone of the systems that are in place to protect and track their ballots. This includes the Clark County Auditor’s Office response to the assault on the Fisher’s Landing ballot drop box. And voters can visit VoteWA.gov to track their ballot as it moves through the ballot processing system.

"Voters should reach out to their county auditors and election officials with any questions or concerns. With observers in county election offices, including Clark, the League can attest to the care and professionalism election workers bring to this most important task of democracy.

"Voters can submit their ballots via postage-free mail, secure official ballot drop boxes, and in-person voter centers. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 5th.

SENATOR MARIA CANTWELL AND SENATORIAL CANDIDATE DR. RAUL GARCIA’S ONLY WESTERN WASHINGTON MEETING BEFORE ELECTION NIGHT.

Seattle, Wash. – KIRO 7, Seattle’s #1 local news station,* and the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund, hosted a highly viewed and nationally broadcasted debate for Washington U.S. Senate candidates. Senator Maria Cantwell and Dr. Raul Garcia squared off live from the KIRO 7 studios in an event moderated by Monique Ming Laven, KIRO 7 Anchor. The debate brought the voice of voters directly to candidates via questions sourced from Western Washington voters.

The KIRO 7 Washington U.S. Senate Town Hall was broadcast to 14 Radio and to 12 TV stations across Washington State in partnership with the Washington State Association of Broadcasters. It was also carried nation-wide by C-Span and streamed on the KIRO 7 TV & phone apps as well as kiro7.com.

“This race will shape the face of our nation and of Washington state for years to come,” said Pat Nevin, Vice President and General Manager of KIRO 7. “Our station is committed to delivering vital and valuable information to Washingtonians.  The fact that over 144,000 Washington residents tuned in to hear directly from Senator Cantwell and Dr. Garcia shows how much voters needed to hear from both candidates. We’re honored KIRO 7 was able to work with the League of Women Voters, Senator Cantwell and Dr. Garcia to host and moderate this important debate.”

Laura Evans, KIRO 7 News Director, added, “Bringing voter questions directly to the candidates is another example of our commitment to working on behalf of our community.  The wide-ranging questions KIRO 7 received about critically important issues demonstrates how significant the Washington U.S. Senate Race is to our state.”

The Town Hall will be available on demand on kiro7.com/debate and on the KIRO 7 phone app, TV or streaming service.

On October 16, KIRO 7 also aired KIRO 7 News: Election 2024, The Governor’s Race, an exclusive, in-depth one-on-one interview special with gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert. The wide-ranging conversations, hosted by Monique Ming Laven and Gary Horcher, focused on bringing concerns of local voters directly to candidates.  The special is also available on-demand at kiro7.com/governorsrace or via the KIRO 7 app for your phone, TV or streaming service.

*Source Debate viewing: Senate Debate on KIRO, Nielsen (NLTV Reach & Frequency) Adults 18+, October 17 Live Plus Same Day.

*Source:  NSI March-December ’23 and January-June ‘24 A25-54, #1 shares from Local News and KIRO TP’s only Mo-Su calculated by avg Qtr Hr by day. 

Seattle, Wash. – KIRO 7, Seattle’s #1 local news station*, and the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund (LWVWA-EF), announced today they will partner to host a live, one-hour debate with Washington U.S. Senate candidates, Senator Maria Cantwell and Dr. Raul Garcia.  The debate will air live on KIRO 7’s broadcast and streaming platforms on Thursday, October 17, at 12 pm, with a re-airing at 7 pm.  The debate will be hosted by KIRO 7 anchor, Monique Ming Laven, and will air the day before ballots will be mailed to voters in Washington State.  This will be the first debate to be televised in Western Washington between the two candidates. 

The debate will be made available for simulcast on radio and TV stations across Washington State, in partnership with the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.The goal is to provide maximum access and time for voters to hear directly from the U.S. Senate candidates on the issues most important to our state. 

To ensure voters have the ability to have their questions answered directly by the candidates, viewers can submit questions to the candidates at www.kiro7.com/debate or by emailing questions to the League at forumquestion@lwvwa.org. Questions should be answerable by both candidates, be relevant to the elected position, and include the voter’s name and city of residence.  

“KIRO 7 is committed to providing vital in-depth information with greater context and understanding to empower our viewers,” said Pat Nevin, Vice President and General Manager of KIRO 7.  “The results of this U.S. Senate race impact the lives of Western Washington residents and shape our country.  Hosting this debate—and providing live, state-wide access to the candidates—is key to providing viewers with the most relevant and important information they need to cast their vote.” 

League of Women Voters of Washington President, Mary Coltrane, added, “The League of Women Voters is committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. Candidate debates are essential to this. The League thanks Candidates Cantwell and Garcia for presenting themselves to the voters so they will have the best information possible as they make their voting decision for this important office.”  

KIRO 7 and the League of Women Voters of Washington worked together previously on the 2022 Washington State U.S. Senate Town Hall for Senator Patty Murray, and challenger Tiffany Smiley.  That event was viewed by 100,000** people across the state.  

*Source:  NSI March-December ’23 and January-June ‘24 A25-54, #1 shares from Local News and KIRO TP’s only Mo-Su calculated by avg Qtr Hr by day.   

**Source Town Hall viewership: Nielsen NLTV P18+ October 30, 2022, and GA360 data for kiro7.com, and the KIRO 7 news apps on phone and TV. 

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About League of Women Voters of Washington 

The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund is a nonpartisan grassroots organization. It does not support or oppose candidates, or political parties.  We encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The LWVWA-EF works to educate voters by holding candidate debates and forums, registering voters and supporting VOTE411.org, a personalized, national voter guide. 

Seattle, WA — The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Seattle-King County are pleased to present the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction on Saturday, October 5 at 1pm. Doors open at 12:30 pm.  

This debate will be held at Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave. NE, in Bellevue. The debate will be in person and will be recorded and livestreamed by TVW. The public is invited to attend.  

The debate offers voters a chance to ask the candidates questions and hear their answers regarding how they would do the job of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org. 

“The public is invited to attend and hear directly from the candidates on this important race,”said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.“The League of Women Voters welcomes questions from the public so their concerns are part of the candidate selection process we call democracy.” 

League of Women Voters of Seattle/King County Co-President Kim Albert commented, “The Superintendent of Public Instruction is a key Executive Position that will help determine the future of education in Washington State. Your vote matters! Please come hear directly from the candidates about how they plan to lead our state’s K-12 public education system.” 

The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. TVW will also stream the forum on its website. After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and www.tvw.org.  

This debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund,the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County, the Seattle King County NAACP,the Seattle Council PTSA,the Greater Seattle Childcare Business Coalition,the Institute for Community Leadership,and El Centro de la Raza. 

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle, WA — The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Snohomish County are pleased to present the candidates for Insurance Commissioner and for Secretary of State in debates on October 1. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The Insurance Commissioner debate will begin at 6:30. The Secretary of State debate will follow immediately at 7:15 p.m.

These debates will be held at Edmonds College Black Box Theater in Lynnwood, WA. They will be in person and will be recorded and live streamed by TVW. The public is invited to attend.

Both debates offer voters a chance to ask the candidates questions and hear their answers regarding how they would do the job of Insurance Commissioner and Secretary of State. Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org.

“The public is invited to attend and hear directly from the candidates on these important races,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane. “The League of Women Voters welcomes questions from the public so their concerns are part of the candidate selection process we call democracy.”

Cathy Liu Scott, President of the LWV of Snohomish County, added “The League thanks these candidates for their participation. Voters deserve to hear first-hand from those who seek to represent us. These statewide offices hold critical responsibilities—for our elections and our overall health. We look forward to a substantive debate and informative evening. Please join us!”

The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. TVW will also stream the forum on its website at tvw.org. After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and tvw.org.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle—The League of Women Voters of Washington announces its opposition to Initiative 2066, in addition to three other state initiatives that will appear on the November ballot.

"Our stance against these initiatives is a reflection of the League’s firm commitment to equitable education funding, climate resilience, and accessible long-term care,” said Mary Coltrane, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. “We’re safeguarding our state's future with each vote against these regressive measures.”

At its September Board meeting, the Directors voted to contest Initiative 2066 for the following reasons, based on League positions adopted by member consensus following study of the issues.

Initiative 2066 would prohibit towns, cities, and counties from enacting building codes that encourage electrification of home and building energy. Building electrification improves indoor air quality over fossil-fuel sources. In addition, it would repeal HB 1589 passed in 2024. This law applies only to Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and specifies that PSE plan for an eventual transition to renewable, low-emission energy sources. The law also consolidates and clarifies multiple planning processes required by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission providing more efficiency and transparency.

HB 1589 does not force electrification, it does not require removal of natural gas service in existing buildings and homes, nor does it prohibit natural gas in new buildings. The law was supported by PSE and requires that they consider electrification as part of their integrated system plan. It also requires PSE to end residential customer incentives for natural gas in 2025.

Natural gas is primarily methane, a fossil fuel and potent greenhouse gas. Methane and products of its combustion degrade human health, especially in children, and especially in buildings and homes. Electric energy in buildings and homes is safer, healthier, and more efficient. Therefore, we should encourage the transition with planning and investment.

“The League’s opposition to these initiatives reflects our unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that promote equity, sustainability, and social justice across Washington state,” stated LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.