Expanding Public Transportation In Washington

Central Puget commuters will have an easier commute after voters passed Proposition 1 in 2008, which will add 36 miles of new light rail and 100,000 additional bus hours, and double capacity on the Sounder commuter trains. WashPIRG staff and members helped make the difference to pass the measure.

Keeping Our Families Safe From Dangerous Products

In 2008, despite heavy opposition from Hasbro and Mattel, including personal visits to Gov. Chris Gregoire by their CEOs, Washington enacted a new law banning lead, phthalates and cadmium from children’s products. The law helped set the bar for Congress’ own toy safety overhaul later in 2008.

Fueling The Young Voter Surge

In the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more 18- to 29-year-olds voted than in 2004, resulting in the largest number of young voters on record. The Student PIRGs’ New Voters Project did its part by deploying 80 organizers to more than 100 campuses in Washington and 21 other states to help turn out the vote. 

Keeping An Eye On The Bailout

While Congress was rushing to bail out the financial sector, WashPIRG pushed to make sure government plans to revive the economy didn’t end up lining the pockets of big banks. We continue to shine a light on how the banks are using
our money.

Closing Contractor Loopholes

When private contractors, including Halliburton spin-off Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), tried to avoid paying taxes by setting up foreign subsidiaries, WashPIRG fought for a new law to close that loophole and another law requiring contractors to pay back taxes before being awarded new contracts.

Holding Drugmakers Accountable For Safety

As drug companies aggressively market their products, they also cover up side effects, as we saw with the scandals surrounding Vioxx, Paxil and Avandia. In 2007, the president signed a WashPIRG-backed law that makes drugs safer, and prevents pharmaceutical companies from keeping important clinical information from doctors.

Homebuyers’ Bill Of Rights

WashPIRG protects homebuyers from fraudulent and incompetent homebuilders and contractors. Our work includes backing legislation to increase warranty protections against poor workmanship and prevent builders from forcing buyers to sign away basic legal protections. 

Cutting Subsidies To ExxonMobil

In 2007, WashPIRG staff played a pivotal role in passing a House bill that takes away excessive subsidies from oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil. The bill was a major show of force against the power of oil lobbyists in Washington.