Dear Martial Arts Supporter, Some mixed news and a few things that will help. So sad to report that the Senate DIDN'T call for a vote on the bill to fix the law currently damaging the martial arts community in Washington State during the regular 2016 legislative session. However, as we thought might happen, a 'special session' HAS been called and HB2334, a bill to fix the issue, is still alive for the next 3 weeks at a minimum. This drags on... If you've been following this issue you're likely as tired of it as we are. We just want to go back to being teachers, employers and martial artists! As it stands right now our fate is part of the overall negotiation of a state budget. Our bill is being 'considered' at this point but we haven't been given a yes/no answer and one likely won't come for another week at the earliest. It's great that we still have a chance but really disappointing that it wasn't a top priority and communication from Senate leadership is non-existent. We believe we documented beyond a shadow of a doubt how exclusionary, discriminatory, harmful, insulting and misguided current law is yet the legislation to fix it met resistance within the Senate. The House agreed 96-0. Our Association hasn't been given an answer why? We hear it's because some think it's a 'tax preference' but we proved the tax is mistakenly applied, affects ONLY martial arts, and didn't exist 2 1/2 months ago so this makes absolutely no sense. This is just an 'update' for you not to lay blame. In any case we hear the majority of the Senate is supportive and would have voted for our bill if given a chance. We're detecting some optimism from them again but we can't be certain. If you haven't done these already there are a few things that would really help. If you have then directly ask others to do so as well. Especially if you live in Central and Eastern Washington where opposition is fiercest. SIGN Petition - http://chn.ge/1Ri2XcJ DONATE - http://bit.ly/1SL67pA SHARE On Facebook - Liking is nice but SHARE'ing gets the word out. CALL/EMAIL - The vast majority of us never considered calling our Representative or Senator. We didn't either and that's why nobody spoke up for the martial arts school owner or the arts in general. It's so simple but powerful. Just leave a voice message and send an email saying you live in their district and you want to see HB2334 passed. It's that simple. Find yours: http://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ Please be nice! We have no reason to think any Senator is our enemy. Politics deal with very large, complicated issues and perhaps there are good reasons we don't understand? Martial artists are supposed to be respectful and cool headed. We may not update again until we get the final verdict. Thanks for your support! WSMAA Board of Directors PS If change.org allows this video to attach it's a PERFECT demonstration of what is so extraordinary about martial arts and WHO we are fighting for. Or click here: https://youtu.be/tPsUfBBYZiA