The Washington State Legislative Board voted to increase the Legislative dues three dollars per month. This vote was as close as it could possibly be; with thirteen board members voting,  the outcome was 7-6 in favor of the increase.

With so many members currently furloughed, and this wonderful recession affecting all of us, this vote was highly contested. It had been hoped the recession would turn before the board was forced to address this issue. I lobbied hard to at least postpone the increase, however clear illustration of negative cash flow for the last three months swayed the necessary votes to pass the measure. This will be the first increase in Legislative dues in over fifteen years and per our State Director's budget forecast, should provide our financial needs for a decade or more.

Update!

This vote took place at the Washington Legislative Board Meeting Held at the San Francisco Regional Meeting June of 2009. A letter has just recently been received from the International Secretary Treasurer declaring the increase effective with December billing. Look for the $3.00 increase.