Citizen Action Defense Fund

"The requested records in this case were not predecisional because OFM MADE A DECISION when it entered into the agreement." - Jackson Maynard, CADF Executive Director. OFM signed the documents.? They sent them to the legislature.? The decision was made - point blank. Government agencies need to adhere to the PRA so that the public can stay informed about the decisions being made - especially when these decisions involve over a BILLION dollars of taxpayer money.

The people of Washington deserve transparency and accountability - especially when they are being denied access to documents related to closed door negotiations involving billions of taxpayer dollars. This fight isn't about us - it's about upholding the integrity of the PRA and your right to hold your government accountable.

Today's hearing was a resounding success. No matter how the WA State Supreme Court rules (and we will certainly keep you updated on the result of it), we will never stop advocating for transparency and accountability.

REMINDER: Tomorrow is a big day! Please join us at 9 a.m. (either in person or via live stream on TVW) while we fight for transparency and accountability. We can't wait to see you there!

Great testimony by Citizen Action Defense Fund associate counsel Sam Spiegelman in opposition to an important bill!

Have you heard of the new “Road Usage Charge” making its way through the legislature via HB 1921? Not only is it a bad idea overall (check out our latest blog post, “Odometer Drama” for why), but it’s also unconstitutional. In his testimony, CADF Associate Counsel Sam Spiegelman breaks down why it’s problematic from a legal standpoint (which is tough to do in less than a minute, but we managed!). Have any question about the RUC? Let us know below ????

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We're arguing in the WA State Supreme Court on 2/27 (next Thursday) at 9:00 a.m. in our public records suit against OFM! You can watch via the link below, or attend in person at the Temple of Justice. See you there! Link: https://lnkd.in/gtwFkzVJ

Lawmakers are looking to make things even more expensive by passing a "road usage charge" that will impose a tax on the number of miles you drive. But wait, it gets better - those engaged in government business are magically exempt! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHpbWYYr

As you all might be aware, we here at CADF occasionally testify on bills during the legislative session, whether it be at the request of a legislator or of our own volition. We focus almost exclusively on bills that are unconstitutional, but will occasionally testify in favor of bills that are in line with our mission. Here, CADF associate counsel Sam Spiegelman testified in opposition to HB 1607 at the request of a legislator, and we were happy to step up and ensure compliance with the law in this way. Watch below:

NEW BLOG: "Where's the Omelet?" It's common for politicians to make promises that they don't fulfill, but we were outright lied to about the impact of the CCA. Groups like us hold them accountable, but it's up to you to sound the alarm too! https://lnkd.in/gHuPWwFq