State Legislators have been dusting off their gavels, robes and wigs in preperation for today's opening of the 60 day session. There are quite a few topics on the dockett for the Whigs and Torries down in Olympia, but might I suggest a pressing issue that could strongly benefit from your help and input:

The Strength and Health of Our Communities

Why you should care:

Right now, 405,000 families find themselves in a living situation that will force them to choose between food and rent.

In the coming 5 years, the sharp increase in the costs of land and construction could cut the production of affordable housing in half.

What can we do about it this session?

HB 2418: The Home Security Fund

We have an opportunity to bring some balance to the exploding real estate economy by diverting a small portion of the Real Estate Excise Tax (which is the major source of government funds coming in as a direct result of booming home sale activity). This new money would build more affordable housing, save mobile home parks, offer supportive services to homeless families, build decent housing for rural farmworkers, assist programs for victims of domestic violence, and bring more resources to the community infrastructure that our neigborhoods depend on.

What you can do to help:

1. Learn about the bill. go to www.leg.wa.gov and look up HB 2418. Sign up for updates on the bill and email alerts about hearings.

2. Email your Rep. and Senator. To find out who represents you, go to www.leg.wa.gov. Remember, the bill is currently in the house, so when writing your Senator, ask them to support it when it gets over to them (which it will in the next 10 days).

Some talking points:

1. We need to bring some balance to this economy. While its great that a small number of folks are building wealth through real estate, its pushing middle and working class families into crisis. The Home Security Fund could counterbalance that, and bring some sanity to the recent growth.

2. The surplus came from housing, this will ensure that some part of it gets spent on housing. Its only fair that the sector that built the surplus should share in its wealth.

3. I care about community investment, and so should you. Its not just about wealth and success, its about building a state we actually want to live in. That means healthy, diverse and sustainable communitites. This bill is a good step in that direction.

Take 5 minutes, write a note. It could really help.