TAKE ACTION IN WA! Click here to contact your state legislators!For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Genetic Engineering page, Millions Against Monsanto page, and our Washington News page.

Washington’s state legislature will hold public hearings this week on two new bills that would require labeling for genetically engineered raw agricultural commodities and genetically engineered ingredients offered for retail sale.

SB 6298 will be heard on Thursday in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Water & Rural Economic Development: Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:00 AM Senate Hearing Room 3 J.A. Cherberg Building 304 15th Ave. SE Olympia, WA. 98501

HB 2637 will be heard on Friday in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources: Friday, Jan. 27 at 8:00 AM House Hearing Room A John L. O’Brien Bldg. 504 15th Ave. SE Olympia, WA. 98501

GMO-Free Washington and Organic Consumers Assn. are organizing bus rides. The bus ride is free, but OCA is accepting donations to defray the cost.  Organizers ask that you RSVP in advance.  For the 26th, RSVP here.  For the 27th, RSVP here.

Rep. Cary Condotta of the 12th District sponsored the House bill, while the Senate bill is sponsored by Senators Marilyn Chase (32nd), Sharon Nelson (34th), Paull Shin (21st), Karen Keiser (33rd), Christine Rolfes (23rd), and Steve Conway (29th).

If you are unable to attend the legislative hearings, the group will be holding a public discussion on Monday in Seattle at the Ballard Library from 6-7:45 pm.

Whether or not you plan to attend the hearings, all Washingtonians are being asked to write and call their state representatives and senators asking them to co-sponsor HB 2637 and SB 6298.

Folks are also asked to contact these members of the agricultural committees if you’re in their districts. They are expected to decide the following week.