Nice job by the Move to Amend movement in the United States!  Eastern Washington Voters played a small role in this over the years, but others like Wa-Mend and Move to Amend have done the heavy lifting. The Spokane Wa-Mend group just launched their local effort to gather thousands of local signatures to qualify I-735 for the ballot this November 2015.  Similar has been proposed as resolutions to support amending the U.S. Constitution by various Washington Stated legislators over the years, but this takes it to a new level.

We’re pleased to announce that this morning Move to Amend’s WE THE PEOPLE AMENDMENT was introduced in the 114th Congress!

The We the People Amendment — House Joint Resolution 48 — is the only amendment that deals with both Supreme Court doctrines that grant constitutional rights to artificial entities and that define spending money as free speech. 

There are still many steps along the way, but this is a major milestone for the movement to amend! 

Move to Amend will not now become a Congressional lobbying effort (not at this point). In fact now more than ever it is critical that we reach and educate the American people — letting them know that there is a movement to get corporations out of our Constitution and big money out of our political process, and getting them involved.

Big thanks to Representatives Rick Nolan (MN), Mark Pocan (WI), Matthew Cartwright (PA), Jared Huffman (CA), Raul Grijalva (AZ), and Keith Ellison (MN) for standing with Move to Amend.

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We are proud of this significant success, but you won’t see us resting on our laurels in the weeks and months to come. We know there is still work to do to ensure victory and we know you are with us to see it through to the end. Thanks for that!

Yours for democracy,

Ashley Sanders, Ben Manski, Daniel Lee, David Cobb, Egberto Willies, George Friday, Jerome Scott, Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, Laura Bonham, Nancy Price

Move to Amend National Leadership Team

I just received this email from State Rep. Marcus Riccelli about a special election this year.  Earlier this year Carol J. Gregory was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives by Governor Inslee to the seat left vacant in the State House of Representative in the 30th Legislative District after the death of Representative Roger Freeman in 2014. Now there is a special election for the remainder of Freeman’s term. I am not sure who the Republican opponent is yet, but the balance of power in the State will be shaped by the outcome of the race.  The 30th is a swing district.  The race could go either way.  –Bryan

Dear Friends,

This year there is a critical Special Election in the 30^th Legislative District which will have huge implications for our state.  Representative Carol Gregory was appointed to the House of Representatives in January after being selected by the 30^th District PCO’s. Now, Carol must fight to retain her seat this November and she needs your help.

Carol’s race is the only legislative race in the state this year, which means the Republicans are focusing all of their energy on defeating her.  The Democratic majority in the House hinges on Carol’s election in November.  Will you support Carol’s campaign and help us win this critical election and protect our state?

A former schoolteacher and current Federal Way School Board member, Carol Gregory is a born-and-raised Washingtonian.  She has extensive experience in education, government, community leadership, and the Democratic Party.  Carol has an impressive resume that includes president of the WEA and eight years serving Governor Booth Gardner. Carol has also specialized in workforce training and economic development, working for the Small Business Improvement Council and as a representative on the Seattle/King County Workforce Development Council.

Carol’s roots are deep in her community and she is the right person to represent the 30^th District.  Even though her seat has been held by a Democrat for the past two years, many still consider the 30th to be a true swing district, and her Republican opponent can be expected to run an expensive campaign, as they seek to pick up this seat. While much has been focused on retaining the State Senate, our majority in the House is now only 51-47.

I don’t need to tell you how important that majority is, just look at the contrasts in proposed state budgets between Senate Republicans and House Democrats. House Democrats invest in core services and work to level the playing field for small businesses by asking corporations and the very wealthy to pay their fair share for the quality of life we expect in Washington state. Senate Republicans built a budget based on gimmicks, illegal contract violations, and one-time transfers.

Let me be clear, the right wing is going to throw everything they have at Carol.  And the only way to continue to strengthen our families and middle class and ensure we are building a better future for our kids is to elect Carol Gregory this November.

Please join me and show Carol she has grassroots support to fend off the Republican attacks and win in November.  Please click here to support Carol’s campaign with a gift of $100, $50, $25 or whatever you can afford today.  Your early support will be key to Carol’s success in November and she is grateful for contributions of any size.

Please pitch in today and help us win this critical election. The fate of our state depends on it.

Thank you for standing up for our shared values,

Marcus M. Riccelli

P.S. Carol has just four days to raise money until she reports back to Olympia for the special legislative session.  Please make your contribution today, before the fundraising freeze kicks back in!

Currently our US Supreme Court is considering same-sex marriage while its Citizens United decision contributes to our huge inequality of wealth by influencing elections.

Since both issues have religious implications, we should remember from the Bible that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality but said tons about love, wealth and poverty.

Norm Luther
Spokane, WA 99223