Washington State Grange strongly opposes dismantling Washington's initiative and referendum system
For more information, contact Communications Director Dan Hammock, (360) 943-9911

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Grange is asking Washington's voters to tell their legislators to reject Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 8201, which proposes an amendment to the State Constitution removing initiatives and referenda powers.

"Initiatives and referenda are powerful and important tools for the citizens of this state," said Washington State Grange President Terry Hunt. "They allow everyone to have a voice in this state's government and are responsible for many of the laws in place today that make Washington a great place to live."

The Washington State Grange was a major driving force behind the 1912 Constitutional amendment that started the initiative, referendum and recall system we have enjoyed for nearly a century. The Grange authored the first initiative to the legislature to establish Public Utility Districts in 1928; Initiative to the Legislature 2 in 1934, which established the blanket primary; and Initiative 59 to the legislature, the Family Farm Water Act, approved in 1977.

"There are times when the political climate prevents the legislature from acting on issues of importance to the people of Washington," said Washington State Grange Communications Director Dan Hammock. "In times like that, it is the initiative that allows for important changes to be made."

Referendums are an important check on the legislature. They allow voters to require legislation passed during the previous session go before the public for a vote before they become law.

A hearing on SJR 8201 will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 by the Government Operations and Elections Committee at 8 a.m. in Senate hearing room 2 in the J.A. Cherberg building. Don Whiting, Washington State Grange Special Projects Coordinator, will be testifying against the resolution.

The Washington State Grange is a 118-year old, non-profit organization serving as a voice for the residents of Washington State and committed to preserving the rights of voters across the state.

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