Yesterday we announced that SB 5539 is at a critical juncture. We put out a call to action asking that supporters of the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program who live or work in the 43rd and 48th Legislative Districts write House Speaker Frank Chopp and Representative Ross Hunter, Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. Find your legislative district here.
Several of you have asked what you can do if you do not live or work in these districts. Please contact them. As Speaker of the House, Mr. Chopp represents all of Washington. As Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee, Mr. Hunter represents all of Washington. Constituents of their districts may carry more weight in being heard by their offices, but we are in a leave no stone unturned scenario. Thank you for your diligence.
Many of you have inquired if Speaker Chopp is supportive of the legislation. We understand, from our legislative team, that he is impressed by the number of constituents that are contacting him in support of the program. While we may not know his official position until a later date, we believe he is hearing your message and that he understands the essential relationship between the program and the viability of Washington’s film industry.
- Remind Speaker Chopp and Representative Hunter that SB 5539 passed the Senate with an overwhelming majority vote, 40 to 8.
- Remind them that SB 5539 passed the House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Housing with an overwhelming majority vote, 8 to 1.
- Remind them that SB 5539 deserves to be considered in the House Ways & Means Committee.
Representative Hunter’s email is ross.hunter@leg.wa.gov and his Olympia Office telephone number is (360) 786-7936.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/pages/hunter.aspx
Speaker Chopps’ email is frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov and his Olympia Office telephone number is (360) 786-7920.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Representatives/Pages/Chopp.aspx