Dave Preston Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 Legislative Action Alert The recent local news has been awash with reports of the Governor's intentions to eliminate over 150 boards and commissions. The net result of this proposal, as declared in her policy statement, will be the elimination of the Washington State Motorcycle Safety and Advisory Board (note item 19 on page 2). This is the citizen oversight board, requested by the motorcyclists of Washington and funded through their endorsement fees. This is the same advisory board that has mentored the program from its earliest days, resulting in one of the best motorcycle safety programs in the nation and one of the best relationships between the riders of a state and the agency administering the program. Here are the bills that are looking at boards and commissions at this time. HB 2087: Eliminates the board in its entirety (see section 34) HB 1497: Kills the entire motorcycle safety training program (see section 901 (12)) SB 5588: Suspends the entire program until July 1, 2011 (see section 109) All riders need to contact their representative and let them know that the riding community will not tolerate the elimination of any portion of a program that is proven to save lives, with absolutely no revenue impact on either the general fund or the motor vehicle fund. The entire funding stream for this program comes from the riding community. Points to emphasize: It is revenue neutral It saves lives The riding community asked that the program be established 25 years ago and has vigorously supported it ever since. Flood the switchboards ad hit the e-mail. It is imperative that we nip this in the bud. To find your legislator go to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx Let's get busy. Ride safely and legislate well "Texas" Larry Walker Government Relations Specialist Washington Road Riders Association wrraleg@aol.com 360-271-9285 I thought you all might be interested in what is going on in our state. I doubt that many of these proposed bills will go anywhere - but then again they might! I would ask you to contact your own legislators and ask that the rider education programs in your state be protected, strengthened, and expanded! When people cannot affoed fuel or expensive vehicles what will they do - possibly turn to light and fuel-efficient motorcycles? Do we want the newbies to be educated - or just turn them loose? Cheers! Dave Preston forum moderator Cycle Barn MotorSports Group Seattle, WA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.