Lockhaven mentioned in Washington State Senate hearing

We heart Sen. Kohl-Welles!

The Lockhaven fight is a small part of a larger struggle for housing justice. Stina Janssen of the Tenants Union of Washington shares this info about a battle in this struggle going on right now, and how Lockhaven is already part of it:

At a hearing last Thursday at the State Senate, Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of our 36th District testified to the critical need for SB 6292, citing the experiences of Lockhaven tenants. 

The bill, of which she is the primary sponsor, would increase the eligibility cap for who can qualify for relocation assistance from people making 50% of the area median income to people earning 80% of the Area Median Income.The bill would also increase the state's notice period for rent increases from 30 days to 90 days.

Many a Lockhaven resident found themselves to be just over the income eligibility for relocation assistance, but still greatly harmed by the high costs of unanticipated moving.

Senator Kohl-Welles talked about the Lockhaven tenants in her address to the committee, mentioning the illegal eviction notices and the relief that expanded relocation assistance could provide to renters like those at Lockhaven. 

You can watch a video of the hearing here.

Please thank Sen. Kohl-Welles by phone (206-281-6854) or email, and get in touch with your other legislators to urge them to support SB 6292. Here's a guide from the Tenants Union of Washington's website about speaking up for legislation on tenant rights.