West Seattle this is how your state senator operates. Is she representing you or herself?
This is why HB 1217 should be pulled from the floor and not receive a floor vote!
Call the legislative hotline 800 562 6000!
UPDATE 4/10/25
Sadly the senate passed HB 1217 off the floor this afternoon. The level of impropriety the majority party will tolerate to achieve the ends justifies the means is intollerable.
Open and known conflict of interests did not change the vote of the majority party and rent control was passed. Unfortunately this control will have a negative impact on providers of rental properties and the public seeking property to rent. Decades of evidence have shown the problems created by laws such as have now passed in Washington state. Market distortion will have negative impact.
Housing Shortages: By capping rents, landlords may reduce the supply of rental units, converting them to condos or exiting the market, making it harder to find rentals.
Poor Maintenance: With limited revenue, landlords may be forced to cut back on upkeep, especially if also faced with escalating property taxes, leading to deteriorating housing quality.
Inefficient Allocation: Rent-controlled units often stay occupied by tenants who no longer need the subsidy, locking out newcomers or those in greater need.
Higher Rents Elsewhere: To offset losses, landlords may need to raise rents on uncontrolled units, driving up costs in the broader market.
Reduced Mobility: Tenants in rent-controlled units may stay longer than needed to keep low rates, limiting job or lifestyle flexibility.
Black Market Activity: Some tenants sublet rent-controlled units at higher rates illegally, undermining the policy’s intent.
It is still worth calling the legislative hotline, 1 800 562 6000 even after a bad bill has passed to let your legislators know you are aware of the conflict of interest and impropriety of passing a bill that is the root of that impropriety of Senator Emily Alvarado.
April 10, 2025