King County Democrats

A note from Rep. Ed Murray
Dear Friends,

I am writing to give you an update on the status of House Bill 1515, the anti-discrimination act.

As many of you know by now, opponents of the bill used parliamentary procedures in an attempt to kill the bill two weeks ago. The bill remains in committee and it must be brought to a vote on the Senate floor before Sine Die, the last day of session. If this doesnt happen, we wont have another chance at passing this bill until next session at the earliest.

Hope still remains that the Senate will bring the bill to a final vote before the whole body. We are working tirelessly in these last days to make this happen. Because of the pace of the session, there will be very little notice should action on the bill take place. Even I will not know more than a few minutes ahead of time.

When and if the bill is brought to a final vote, my staff and I will do our very best to keep you informed. Rest assured, the floor debate will be televised live on TVW, channel 23 for most cable providers.

If we prevail, the House must vote again to concur with the changes the Senate made to the bill, which will likely be the following day of Senate action. I invite you to attend this historic vote in the House. It is absolutely important that we as a community fill the House galleries as an expression of our solidarity in this milestone for equality.

That said, there is no guarantee that we have the 25 votes for the bill even if the Senate takes a vote. I am hopeful though.

Regardless of the outcome of the vote (should it happen) we will be holding a press conference the following day (if we prevail, it will be immediately following the House concurrence vote) to comment on our success or to reaffirm our commitment to fight another day. In either instance, it is necessary that this community support be present. Again, the notice will be short, but I ask for your understanding and ATTENDENCE.

I hope the next e-mail you get from me is announcing that the Senate is preparing floor debate on the bill. We are close to achieving what has long been overdue.

When I started in the Legislature, I could have never imagined the journey that this issue has taken us. It has enabled our community to grow, develop, and strengthen into the driving force behind so many of our past and future successes. Id like to thank you for your hard work and support to get us to this point.

Whatever the outcome this week, I am certain that this driving force and sense of community will see us through.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Edward B. Murray
State Representative
43rd District
Posted on: 4/18/2005 10:52:02 PM by robdolin@wuxx.com
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