Elected Officials
(Federal/State/Local)
(Federal/State/Local)
President?
Federal (country)
Who can introduce a bill to the legislature?
A senator or representative
What are the two major political parties in WA State?
Democratic party
Republican party
What are three ways you can contact your legislator?
1. Meet in person
2. Phone call
3. Email
4. Letter
5. Meet over Zoom
Declares war?
Federal
Mayor?
Local (city)
If a Senator introduces a bill, does it only need to be approved by the Senate to become a law?
No. Both chambers must agree.
Once a bill is passed in one chamber (Senate or House of Representatives) the bill goes through the same procedure in the other chamber.
When both chambers agree on passing the bill, it is delivered to the governor’s desk for signing.
What is the State Legislature?
The branch of government that makes new laws and changes old ones. The legislature also approves budgets for the state.
Where & how can you meet with your legislators?
1. Call and make an appointment for a private meeting at the Capitol Building during the legislative session.
2. Attend a Town Hall
3. Attend a Legislative Coffee.
4. Schedule a Zoom meeting.
Issues Drivers’ Licenses?
State
Member of Congress?
Federal (country)
What does it mean if the Governor vetoes a bill?
The Governor rejects the bill.
If the Governor vetoes all or part of a bill the bill dies.
The legislature can override a Governor veto if ⅔ of both chambers agree.
What are the two houses (chambers) that make up the State Legislature?
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
What is the Legislative Hotline?
1-800-562-6000
A toll-free number you can call during the legislative session to voice your opinions on bills.
An operator will answer and take your message.
Your message will be sent to all three of your Legislators and the Governor.
Controls DDA? (Developmental Disability Administration)
State
Legislator?
State
State Senators (Senate) and Representatives (House) are all referred to as Legislators.
What happens to a bill when the Governor doesn’t sign it or veto it?
If the Governor doesn’t take any action on a bill that has been passed by both the House and the Senate, it may become a law without a signature.
How many legislators represent each Legislative District?
Three.
One Senator
Two Representatives
What information do you need to give when you call the Legislative Hotline?
Your NAME & ADDRESS.
Names of your legislators (if you know them).
The BILL NUMBER (or budget item) you’re calling about.
STATE YOUR POSITION simply. Do you support, oppose or want changes to the bill?
Controls SSI? (Supplemental Security Income)
Federal
Council Member?
Local (city)
How many readings does a bill need to have in each chamber to pass the legislature?
3 readings in each chamber.
What is a committee?
A small groups of Senators or Representatives who review bills and study issues.
Public Hearings are where citizens are given a chance to present their opinions (testify) about a bill, to the committee members.
What is an Action Alert?
An email The Arc sends, that alerts you about an urgent time sensitive issue that needs your advocacy.
Provides an easy way to send a message to the appropriate legislator with a click of a button.
You can send the message as is, or edit it using your own words.
Removes snow from streets?
Local