Last week in a historic vote, the Senate Law & Justice Committee passed the bill to abolish the death penalty, SB 6052, with a 4-3 vote. The bill now must pass through the Rules Committee before moving to the Senate floor. February 14th is the date by which this bill must pass in the Senate.

There are TWO action items that you can do NOW:

1. Send an email or call to Senate Democrats who voted for SB 6052 in the Senate Law & Justice Committee to thank them:

       Sen. Pedersen, [email protected], 360-786-7628

       Sen. Dhingra, [email protected], 360-786-7672

       Sen. Darneille, [email protected], 360-786-7652

       Sen. Frockt, [email protected], 360-786-7690

 

2. Send an email or call Senate Democratic Leadership, asking them to “Please support SB 6052.”

       Sharon Nelson, Majority Leader, [email protected], 360-786-7667

       Andy Billig, Deputy Majority Leader, [email protected], 360-786-7604

       John McCoy, Majority Caucus Chair, [email protected], 360-786-7674

       Lisa Wellman, Majority Vice Caucus Chair, [email protected], 360-786-7641

       Marko Liias, Majority Floor Leader, [email protected], 360-786-7640

       Patty Kuderer, Assistant Majority Floor Leader, [email protected], 360-786-7694

       Rebecca Saldaña, Majority Whip, [email protected], 360-786-7688

       Karen Keiser, President Pro Tem, [email protected], 360-786-7664

Above: Front of postcard

Please sign the postcard to be delivered to your legislators. We delivered a big batch on Lobby Day and we will make additional deliveries through this legislative session!

Postcard text:

DEAR REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR,

As your constituent, I urge you to support legislation to repeal Washington’s death penalty. The death penalty has failed Washington. There are many reasons to repeal the death penalty. It is not a deterrent and does not keep us safe.

Each death penalty case in Washington costs an average of $1 million more than a similar case where the death penalty was not sought.

Studies show that jurors in Washington state are more than four times more likely to recommend a death sentence for a black defendant than for a white defendant in a similar case.

There is a risk of killing innocent people - since 1973, 160 men & women have been exonerated from death rows across the U.S.

The death penalty is a failed public policy that doesn't keep us safe and routes money away from programs that serve our communities.  

Sincerely,

(Name)                 
(Address)            

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