Last Friday was the annual Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) Legislative Send-Off. The event brought together Congressman Derek Kilmer and the legislative delegation for Grays Harbor County, including Representatives Chapman (24th), Tharinger (24th), McEntire (19th), Walsh (19th) and Senators Van de Wege (24th) and Wilson (19th). The virtual event drew a sold-out audience of 100 attendees and industry leader sponsors. GGHI would like to thank Grays Harbor PUD, Pasha Automotive, Port of Grays Harbor, Rayonier and Westport Seafoods, Inc for their investment and participation in the event.
The panel of legislators discussed a wide range of topics including the uniqueness of the 2021 legislative session, the COVID-19 public health crisis, and strategies for economic recovery. With Representatives McEntire (19th) and Senator Wilson (19th) being newly elected, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about their positions on a number of important issues.
Grays Harbor is fortunate to have the six legislators we do and for their leadership roles in committee appointments. The common goal of creating a vibrant rural economy was shared by all legislators and created some refreshing moments of bipartisanship. Priorities around job creation in relation to natural assets, healthcare resources and the reduction of regulatory burdens facing recruited businesses as well as those that are currently struggling were the high-level themes of the discussion.
Overwhelmingly though it was made clear that both the 19th and 24th districts must work together. This includes finding bi-partisan support for solutions that could uniquely present themselves in this legislative session as well as recognizing and rallying around protecting against any threats to current projects and community amenities. The legislators of the 19th and 24th Districts cannot deliver on these goals alone and need the business community to participate in this process. Real world stories from our industry leaders and small businesses drive policy in Olympia. The business community’s voice will be absent from policy without its participation.
Regardless of business size or your role in your company we invite any member of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc to participate in our Legislative Affairs Committee weekly meetings. Held over the Zoom platform these meeting take place every Wednesday at 7:30am. An exclusive benefit of membership in Greater Grays Harbor any member can register via our online event calendar. Attendees will receive the access link the day before the meeting. Please join us as frequently as your interest and schedule allows.
Beyond participating in the Legislative Committee meetings and with the start of the Washington State Legislative Session upon us all residents of Grays Harbor County should feel resourced enough to access the session and the legislative process via the digital platforms offered. This simple one-page resource provides an overview on how to access the different parts of the legislative process. Please use these links if you are curious about your representative and the work of legislative committees in both the House and Senate. While the legislative session will not be taking place in the traditional sense there have been and continue to be greater digital and TV resources for anyone in the state (and beyond).