News Releases

News Releases

1/24

Councilmember Sawant and South Asian Community Leaders Introduce First-in-the-Nation Legislation To Ban Caste Discrimination

9/8

Councilmember Sawant Urges Solidarity with Seattle Public School Educators on Strike for Living Wages and Full Staffing for Special Education, Multilingual Classrooms

8/2

Councilmember Sawant’s Statement While Voting ‘NO’ on Ending the $4/hour Grocery Worker Pandemic Hazard Pay

7/26

Sawant & Activists Celebrate Victory for Seattle Abortion Rights Sanctuary Legislation

3/22

Councilmember Sawant Congratulates Starbucks Workers at Broadway & Denny on a Unanimous Vote to Unionize the First Seattle Store of the Company!

1/7

Councilmember Sawant Calls on Mayor Harrell to Extend COVID Emergency Eviction Moratorium

11/4

Sawant: “Rainier Court Tenant Organizing Forces Landlord, SEED, to Rescind Rent Increases in 1 of 4 Buildings” Tenants & Supporters Will March with Sawant to SEED Offices Friday to Get Demands Met in FULL for ALL Tenants

10/21

Sawant Credits ‘Our Fighting Grassroots 15 Now Movement and Union Members’ As City Minimum Wage Rises To $17.27/Hour

10/13

Councilmember Sawant Unveils Legislation Requiring Contractors to Pay 100% of Construction Worker Parking Costs, Calls for Swift Adoption by City Council

9/27

Sawant Congratulates Renter Organizing for Winning Bills Requiring Landlords to Provide 6 Months’ Notice for Any Rent Increases, Plus Relocation Assistance

9/22

Sawant Announces Legislation to Back Striking Union Carpenters, All Construction Workers

9/15

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Central District Community Organizing to Win $500,000 for Garfield Super Block

6/21

Councilmember Sawant: Eviction Moratorium Extension is a Victory Won by Renters and Activists, and Needs to be Extended Through 2021

6/15

Councilmember Sawant, Community Groups Unite to Call on Mayor Durkan to Extend Eviction Moratorium Through 2021

6/7

Sawant Congratulates Seattle Renters for Monday’s Victories, Urges Fight for Rent Control and to Cancel COVID Debt

5/25

Councilmember Sawant Credits Renter Rights Movement for Pushing Three Bills Through Council Committee, Over Resistance of Corporate Landlords

5/5

Councilmember Sawant and Community Activists Announce Major Push for Rent Control

4/26

Sawant Resolution Urging Biden to Lift COVID-19 Patent Restrictions Passes

4/19

Councilmember Sawant, School Board Director DeWolf, Seattle Education Association Members & Renter Advocates Unveil Legislation Prohibiting Evictions of School Children, Their Families & Educators During School Year

4/6

Councilmember Sawant Calls on Mayor to Restore Moratorium on Ticketing and Towing Under 72-Hour Parking Rule

3/15

Sawant: Renters and working people cannot rely on Democratic Party Politicians, we only win when we fight back

3/3

Councilmember Sawant Hails Community Support for Tenant Right to Counsel Legislation, Calls for Swift Passage by City Council

3/1

Councilmember Sawant Calls on State to Investigate For-Profit Gas Company, Assess Risk for Future Fires and Explosions in Wake of Near Disaster in Central District

2/10

Councilmember Sawant Calls on City Council to Convene ‘Open, Public, and Transparent’ Investigation into Six SPD Officers’ Involvement in Violent Insurrection at U.S. Capitol

2/3

Sawant Questions Whether Threats Against Her Are Being Taken Seriously by Police and Mayor Durkan

2/1

Councilmember Sawant: Olympia Legislature Must Tax Big Business And Not Undermine Seattle’s Tax on Amazon and Other Big Businesses

1/6

Councilmember Sawant Denounces Far Right Violence at the Capitol, Calls on Labor Unions, Social Movements, and Socialists to Organize to Shut Down the Far Right

12/17

Councilmember Sawant Announces Plan to Introduce One-Year Eviction Moratorium Extension for Renters and Struggling Small Businesses

12/15

Following passage of City Council resolution, Sawant calls on workers, farmers, labor unions to join Seattle solidarity rally January 8 to support India general strike

12/14

Councilmember Sawant, with strong community backing, demands Mayor Durkan strengthen and extend protections for tenants and small businesses facing eviction

12/7

Councilmember Sawant: Durkan administration has epitomized Democratic Party’s pro-corporate politics and failed ‘to address the crises facing working people in this increasingly unequal city’

11/23

Councilmember Sawant denounces Democrats’ austerity budget while hailing victories by People’s Budget and Solidarity Budget for affordable housing and shelters, renters rights and eviction defense, Green New Deal, and $31 million shift from bloated police budget to community-led programs

10/29

Councilmember Sawant: Amazon’s Staggering $6.3 Billion Quarterly Profit Shows Why City Council Must Fund Urgent Human Needs With Increase in Big Business Tax

9/29

Councilmember Sawant: Mayor Durkan’s Austerity Budget Fails Working People and Black and Brown Communities, Fails to Defund Police

9/18

Councilmember Sawant Applauds Re-Opening of Central District Post Office on Monday, Condemns Trump’s Attacks on Postal Workers

8/5

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Votes to Stop the Sweeps and Cut Bloated SPD Executive Pay, But Notes Movement Will Have to Fight Harder to Defund SPD 50%

7/25

Sawant Calls Out “Shameful” Court Ruling Allowing Police Use of Banned Crowd-Control Weapons As Trump Sends In Federal Agents

7/20

Councilmember Sawant: “After Winning the Historic Amazon Tax, Our Movement Has Won Dedicated Funds for Central District Affordable Housing, Green New Deal, and Tiny House Villages”

7/15

Councilmember Sawant: “After Historic Amazon Tax, Our Movement Has Just Won Funds for Affordable Central District Homes to Fight Racist Gentrification”

7/14

Councilmember Sawant Welcomes Massive Faith Community Support for $50 Million/Year from Amazon Tax to Build Affordable Central District Homes for Black Families

7/2

Sawant Condemns Durkan’s Attack on Capitol Hill Organized Protest

7/1

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Historic Victory of the Tax Amazon Movement

6/26

Councilmember Sawant Credits Tax Amazon Movement for Serious Pressure, Urges City Council Democrats to Strengthen Amazon Tax Bill to Reject Budget Cuts and Reverse Gentrification

6/23

Councilmember Sawant Calls on City Council to Endorse African-American Faith Leaders’ Demand for 1,000 New Affordable Homes, Funded by $500M/Year Amazon Tax, for Residents Displaced Due to Racist Gentrification

6/19

Sawant, African-American Faith Leaders Unveil Community Demand for 1,000 New Affordable Homes, Funded by $500M/Year Amazon Tax, for Residents Displaced Due to Racist Gentrification

6/15

Sawant Hails Historic Ban on Seattle Police Use of Chemical Weapons, Chokeholds

6/8

Sawant Introduces Bill Banning Police Use of Chemical Weapons, Other ‘Crowd Control Weapons’, Including Chokeholds

6/3

Sawant Announces Movement’s Victory with Dismissal of Motion to Remove Federal Oversight on Seattle Police

5/31

Councilmember Sawant Demands #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd, Police Accountability, COVID Relief

5/11

Sawant Condemns Cancellation of Committee Meeting to Hear Amazon Tax

5/11

Councilmember Morales, Council Passes Protections for Renters Evicted During COVID-19 Crisis

4/10

Sawant Reacts To State Supreme Court Failure to Review 2017 ‘Tax the Rich’ Legislation:

4/6

Sawant Presents Community Petition to Council: Over 5,400 Seattleites Call on City Council to Enact ‘Amazon Tax’ for COVID-19 Relief

4/1

Councilmembers Sawant, Morales Announce Acceleration of Tax on Amazon, Big Business to Fund Emergency COVID19 Relief

3/26

Councilmember Sawant to Governor Inslee: Ban All Rent Increases in 2020

3/12

Sawant to Durkan: Over 4,000 Sign Petition Urging ‘Immediate Action’ on Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium

3/11

Sawant to Durkan: Ban All Evictions and Foreclosures During Coronavirus

3/10

Sawant to Durkan: ‘Utilize Emergency Powers’, Reestablish Northlake Tiny House Village Permit

2/27

Councilmember Sawant to State Legislators: “Correct the 2013 Betrayal of Boeing Workers, End Corporate Tax Handout”

2/20

Councilmember Sawant Demands State Legislators Publicly Stand Against Any ‘Protect Bezos’ Ban on Taxing Big Business

2/18

City Council Adopts Councilmember Sawant’s Legislation To Expand Tiny House Villages for Homeless Neighbors

2/18

Councilmember Sawant Responds to Mayor Durkan’s State of the City Address

2/12

Councilmember Sawant Unveils Amazon Tax Legislation

2/7

Sawant: Tax Amazon Movement Activists Unveil Council Resolution, Speak Out Against Threats of a Seattle Amazon Tax Ban (Preemption) in House Bill

2/4

Sawant, Community Members Celebrate Passage of City Council Resolution Opposing Religious Persecution, Detention Camps by Right-Wing Regime in India

1/28

Sawant ‘In Solidarity’ with Striking Swedish-Providence Caregivers

12/5

Councilmember Sawant to Introduce Ordinance for Emergency Moratorium on Winter Evictions on Monday

10/15

Sawant Responds to “Who is Buying Seattle? The Perils of the Luxury Real Estate Boom” Study

9/25

Sawant to City: Expedite Discrimination Complaint Filed by Saba Ethiopian Restaurant Against Corporate Developer

9/20

Sawant Hails Tenants’ Win: Fighting Displacement & Securing Affordable Housing in Central District

9/16

Councilmember Sawant Urges City and State Public Schools Excuse Students from Classes

8/13

Sawant Urges Community: Stand with 13-Year-Old Arrested at Peaceful Climate Demonstration, Join Us Friday

7/29

Councilmember Sawant: Newly-Formed Art Workers Union at Frye Art Museum Begin Bargaining Today, Calls for Community Support

7/16

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Appeals Court Decision on ‘Tax the Rich’ Legislation

7/10

Councilmember Sawant Urges Management to Recognize Crosscut Union

6/28

Sawant, Tenants Announce Skyway Victory and Improvements to Seattle Just Cause Ordinance

6/27

Sawant Expresses ‘Deep Disappointment’ With School District Decision to Terminate Partnership with Native Education Organization

6/27

Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s Statement in Support of Seattle Hotel Workers

6/18

Councilmember Kshama Sawant statement on Frye Art Museum workers’ union election victory

12/20

As Strike Looms, Sawant Calls on Durkan to Bring All Emergency Medical Services In-House

12/11

Sawant Statement in Solidarity with Strike Call by ‘Talented, Self-sacrificing’ EMTs

11/19

Councilmember Sawant’s Statement Regarding ‘No’ Vote on City Council Budget

11/13

Councilmember Sawant Announces She Will Vote Against Seattle Police Officers Guild Contract

11/6

Councilmember Sawant Responds to AMR Threat to Pull Emergency Medical Services Out of Seattle

10/31

Sawant, O’Brien Release Report Detailing Feasibility of Public Bank

10/11

Councilmember Sawant Responds to Amazon’s Announcement on $15 Per Hour Minimum Wage, Monthly Bonuses: ‘Worker Organizing Works, Time to Step up the Struggle!’

8/21

Councilmember Sawant Urges Solidarity with Striking Operating Engineers Local 302

8/15

Councilmember Sawant Stands in Solidarity with Seattle Educators Rallying for Strong Contract

7/31

Preserving the Showbox: Councilmember Sawant to Bring Resolution, Urges Community to Keep Fighting

4/20

Sawant Congratulates “Tax Amazon” Movement Urges Attendance at Monday’s City Council Public Hearing

2/12

Councilmember Sawant to Hold Hearing to End Cuts to Women’s Homeless Services and Advocate for Big Business Tax to Fund Publicly-Owned Affordable Housing

1/16

City Council’s Statement on ICE Targeting Immigrant Rights Activist Maru Mora-Villalpando

12/11

Council Sets 2018-19 Committee Assignments

9/13

Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s Response to Mayor Murray’s Resignation

9/7

Councilmember Kshama Sawant responds to Amazon’s announcement it will build 2nd headquarters

9/5

Councilmember Sawant Regarding Attack on DACA

7/11

Sawant to Republicans and the Billionaire Class: ‘Our Tax the Rich Movement is Ready to Fight in the Courts’

7/10

Council Approves City Income Tax on High Earners

6/6

Councilmember Sawant Introduces Bill Requiring Voter Registration Cards Be Provided to All New Tenants

3/6

Councilmembers’ Statement Following Shooting of Deep Rai, Sikh Kent Resident

3/6

Councilmember Sawant’s Statement on Recent Violence Against South Asian Community

2/28

Councilmembers’ Statement of Support Following Threat to Jewish Community Center

2/28

Councilmember Sawant to Deliver Socialist Response to Tonight’s Trump Speech

2/8

Councilmember Sawant’s Wells Fargo Speech (as prepared)

12/12

Council Adopts City’s First Anti-Hate Resolution

12/7

Kshama Sawant: Amazon Must Guarantee Safe Conditions, Strong Wages and Fair Contracts for All Contractors

11/16

Build 1,000 Homes Coalition Wins Major Victory

11/7

Councilmembers Pursue New Plan to Build Affordable Housing, Utilize Bonds

11/2

Sawant Unveils Legislation to End City Relationship with Wells Fargo, Eliminate Corporate Tax Break for International Investors

10/18

Councilmember Sawant Invites Public to Third Annual People’s Budget Town Hall this Evening: Let’s Build 1,000 Affordable Homes

9/26

Councilmember Sawant’s Response to Mayor’s Budget Proposal

9/16

Sawant, Block the Bunker Activists to Celebrate Victory on North Precinct, Call to Use Funds for Housing

9/15

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Movement’s Historic Victory, Blocking the Bunker

9/6

Councilmembers Unveil Legislation: New Rules for Encampment Clear Outs

7/25

Comprehensive Tenants’ Rights Legislation Passes Council Committee

7/12

Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant Joins REI Workers’ Call for Access to Full-Time Hours, Stronger Wages & a Union

6/6

Council Unanimously Adopts Tenant Protection Legislation, Prohibits Rent Increases on Substandard Properties

3/23

Councilmembers to Participate in ‘Workers Voice Summit’ Thursday

3/18

Nestora Salgado Fue Liberada – Sawant Celebra su Liberación, Reconoce al Trabajo Incansable de Activistas en EEUU y México

3/18

Nestora Salgado Freed – Sawant Celebrates Release, Credits Tireless Work of Countless Activists in U.S. and Mexico

2/22

Councilmember Sawant, Congressman Smith call for Nestora Salgado’s immediate release

2/11

Sawant, Gender Justice League Celebrate Defeat of Transphobic Bill in State Legislature

1/4

Councilmembers Inaugurated in First District-Based Representation System Since 1910, Harrell Elected Council President

1/4

Councilmember Sawant City Council Inauguration Speech (as prepared)

12/18

Seattle City Council Announces 2016 Committee Assignments

12/14

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Union Rights for TNCs/Taxi Drivers

11/16

Councilmember Sawant Celebrates Budget Victories

11/3

Sawant, Homeless Advocates Statement on Civil Emergency Proclamation

10/27

Councilmember Sawant to Host Second Annual People’s Budget Town Hall Tuesday Evening

10/27

Councilmember Sawant Unveils Commercial Rent Stabilization and Other Proposals to Support Seattle’s Small Businesses

10/6

Councilmembers and Community Organizers to Join Tenants in Slumlord Protest

9/23

Kshama Sawant Presents Open Letter to Chinese President Xi

9/21

Kshama Sawant: “City Council Tells Olympia – Repeal the Ban on Rent Control!”

9/21

Council Adopts Bills Advancing Tenant Protection, Affordable Housing Preservation

9/21

Movement for Rent Control Scores a Victory

9/16

Council Committee to Consider Ban on Limiting Rent Increases

9/14

Council Declares “Seattle Educators Week” in Support of the Seattle Education Association Whose Members are on Strike

8/13

Mayor to move forward on acquisition of NE 130th Street beach

7/31

Councilmember Sawant Calls for Accurate Accounting of Net Affordable Housing Units Resulting from HALA Committee Recommendations

6/26

Councilmember Sawant’s Statement on Supreme Court Marriage Ruling

6/15

Sawant Statement on Shell Oil Rig Leaving Seattle

6/8

Sawant Responds to Commission’s Rejection of Mayor’s Legislation

3/30

Council Opposes Fast Track Consideration of International Trade Deal Directly Impacting Trade-Dependent Seattle

2/23

Councilmember Sawant Statement in the SeaTac Courthouse Regarding Alaska Airlines and the $15/Hour Minimum Wage

11/24

Councilmember Statements Regarding Final Adoption of City Budget

11/24

Councilmember Sawant Votes No on Final Budget Package, Welcomes Positive Amendments to Mayor’s Budget

11/20

Kshama Sawant Arrested at Protest Against Alaska Airlines’ Attempts to Block $15/hour for Airport Workers

11/14

Council Budget Committee Passes Sawant $15 Plan for All City of Seattle Employees

10/30

Sawant to Host Budget Town Hall for the People

10/24

Councilmember Sawant in Solidarity with Activists Rallying Today Against SHA’s ‘Stepping Forward’ Proposal

10/15

People’s Budget discussed by Sawant as most City Elected Officials head to Chamber of Commerce retreat on taxpayer dime

9/12

Sawant to Host Community Meeting on Affordable Housing

9/11

Sawant to Host Public Hearing on Energy Rate Hikes

9/10

Sawant to Host Public Hearing on Energy Rate Hikes – Invites the Public to Comment on City Light Proposal

9/10

Councilmember Sawant’s Statement on Movement to Expand $15 Minimum Wage to Bellevue and the Rest of Washington State

9/4

Sawant Statement on Underfunding of Education in WA

8/11

Council Urges Federal Comprehensive Immigration Reform to Help Seattle Families

7/2

Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s statement on City Light CEO salary

6/2

Councilmember Kshama Sawant Statement in Support of Minimum Wage Ordinance

6/2

City Council Approves $15/hour Minimum Wage in Seattle

5/19

Councilmembers Licata, Sawant Announce Proposal to Maintain Metro

3/19

Sawant says, “Big businesses need to be exposed. They are hiding behind small businesses in the debate on $15/hr.”

3/4

Sawant, Godden Recognize Women’s History Month

2/28

Councilmember Sawant, community activists urge Harborview to end harassment of immigrant custodians

1/27

Sawant affirms election pledge, accepting average workers’ wages

1/21

Councilmember Sawant statement on Metro Cuts and proposed ‘Plan B’

1/15

Councilmember Sawant statement on Eastside Catholic students’ petition delivery to Archdiocese

1/6

Councilmember Sawant City Council Inauguration Speech

12/31

City Hall to host inauguration ceremony for Seattle Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Attorney