The Life, Family & Freedom Coalition 2015 Pre-Legislative Strategy Session

Kara & the Research Mom - Sharon Hanek

Joseph Backholm our host with FPIW interviews woman ready to turn 100

By Tim Taylor
On December 9th I attended the Life, Family and Freedom Coalition 2015 Pre-Legislative Strategy Session. Joseph Backholm the executive director of the Family Policy Council in Washington hosted this event at Temple Baptist Church in Fircrest WA. Leaders, pastors, ministers, business leaders, and concerned citizens from around the state gathered to discuss and prepare for possible issues or bills that might impact religious freedom, life, marriage and social justice issues.

I was joined by Kara (CONECTer from Church in the Highlands), Maria Lancaster (Embryo Adoption and member of our 1C1D Family Council) and  Sharon Hanek (Research Mom & member of 1C1D's Education Council). We heard from Senators Jan Angel and Mark Miloscia as well as Representatives Matt Shea and Dan Christensen. These legislators highlighted major issues in the upcoming legislative session, shared some of their challenges while at the same time attempting to glean input from the audience.  The major topics were:

• Changes in the Senate and House in last election (more Republicans but little change)
  
• Challenges they faced to to the LACK of involvement by the public in issues (both senators)
• To address Conscience rights effectively and change laws that violate religious freedoms will require winning the governorship, the house and the senate (Sen. MM).
• The healthcare system is broke and not working well
• An attempt will be made to raise taxes
• Common Core Education and Human Trafficking were also hot topics as was addressing the issue of no fault divorce

The most pressing concern was the court hearing for the Arlene's Flower. The Washington State Attorney General has taken a grandma to court and seeks to not only shut down her business but also take her personal assets virtually bankrupting her.  They (Family Policy Council of WA ST) is planning to encourage at least 500 Christians to show up at the courthouse in Tri-Cities on December 19th. The Constitution and Conscience Rights are at stake.