Oppose Washington Bills 1515, 5513, 5690, 1601

As the original creator of this Go Fund me Page, I, Mollie Sparks am posting an update to the use of these funds..

There have been no changes as to what these funds will be used for.  Cosmetologists of Washington United, COWU intends to
utilize these funds going into the 2019-2020 Session in which we will be securing a lobbyist to help us in Olympia.  It has been made very clear that the fight is not over.

To professionalize and legitimize our fight, we are proud to announce that we have completed the process of setting up all legal documentation required for the      Association,  including assigning an interim Board of Directors, Legal Incorporation as well as 2 business dedicated bank accounts; 1 of which is specifically earmarked only for these funds.  

WE PRESENT TO YOU... COWU... Cosmetologists of Washington United. 

Cosmetologists of Washington United, COWU will be comprised of a membership base allowing any and all affiliates of the professional Beauty/Cosmetology related industries to join with the annual fee. 

Upon withdrawing these funds, all monies will be directly deposited into the bank account directly attached to the Association, in which only Lobbyist funds will be held. 




https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TKLSXUnAMqyBfr3AQFIXCDeIjVhPTwN5/view

WHAT:
We need to hire a lobbyist to attend all hearings, research all Senate & House Bills that affect cosmetologists and keep us up to date. A lobbyist is a person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators. 

WHY:
Many of us are not skilled in legal/legislation jargon. We are working behind the chair, cannot drive to Olympia for all the sessions, and trying to keep up with our normal day to day life. These obstacles prevent us from getting a full understanding of all that is happening.

HOW:
If we are able to raise $15,000, we can pay a lobbyist to immerse themselves into our cause for 3 months, which is the minimum time we can hire him/her for.  They will seek to persuade members of the government to act on legislation that will benefit our group. The lobbying profession is a legitimate and integral part of our democratic political process.

WHEN:
We need someone to go to bat for us as soon as possible. SB 5326, SB 5513, and HB 1515 are in Committee right now. If a proposed bill makes it through committee, it will be presented on the Congress Floor. At this point, the debate becomes internal, and only members of Congress can speak and vote on this bill.

This means we need to get a lobbyist in legislation right now because they will have the knowledge, experience and legislative jargon to persuade legislators to stop these bills. After committee, we will no longer have our own voice and this bill is in the hands of Congress. The clock is ticking.

In full transparency all funds contributed will be used to cover the cost of a Lobbyist for the entire duration of our fight.  More than three months is likely.   We will keep the public informed of when goals are met and surpassed as well as what is being paid to the Lobbyist. 

If there are funds remaining after all Lobbyist fees are paid, we can make a collective decision on a charity to donate to.