As I close out my final days at GGHI it seems fitting to ensure that our membership is informed and has access to one of GGHI’s most exclusive and valuable programs. In 2021 we started weekly Legislative Affairs Briefings that brought together our members, our legislators and key industry association lobbyists. Since then, we have expanded our program to include a full-time dedicated lobbyist, a GGHI Policy Manual and the 2024 State Legislative Agenda. These guiding documents were formed through careful discussion at the GGHI Board level and will be framed by GGHI members that engage in the process going forward.

This week the Washington State Legislature convened for what is termed a “short” session.  While the work in Olympia sometimes feels far away, everyone should understand how to access state lawmakers and participate in the process. I’ve outlined different ways to be engaged in the grassroots advocacy process below. We highly recommend engaging with the GGHI team for grassroots efforts.

  1. Attend the GGHI Legislative Affairs Weekly Briefings – A benefit of GGHI membership is access and these weekly briefings provide insight and access to policy leaders in elected office, agency leadership and industry associations. The briefings take place at 7:30am every Friday through legislative session and attendees can be as engaged as they are comfortable. Questions and discussions are welcome. These weekly briefings are exclusive to GGHI members and free to attend. Registration is required each week and featured speakers will be noted on social media.

New this year is the addition of a GGHI dedicated lobbyist and GGHI Legislative Priorities.

(See below for the priorities)

  1. Watch TVW – Legislative committee hearings and meetings are recorded on the TVW network and in most circumstances streamed live as well as hosted on the site shortly after concluding. Viewing or listening to these meetings is a great way to understand issues and lawmaker perspectives.
  2. Reach Out – All residents of Washington state can engage with their lawmakers. Sometimes it is hard to find a way to contact legislators and I’ve outlined the different ways to make effective contact.
    1. Email your legislators directly. You can visit this page and complete a web-based form to contact your legislators. This form allows you to send an email on a general topic or on a specific bill or piece of legislation.
    2. To contact legislators regarding a specific bill, use this link. You’ll have to know the bill number or endure a lengthy search process, but it is a way to directly comment on active legislation.
    3. Not sure what district represents you? Check out this link. Enter your address and you’ll be matched with the Representatives and Senators that represent you!
  3. Participate –The process is outlined You can submit testimony that can be read out loud into record or simply documented as part of the bill record.

Thank you for your consistent support of GGHI and welcoming me into the community. I am so deeply grateful for this experience and will miss the work and collaboration we did together. I look forward to watching Grays Harbor thrive!

-Lynnette Buffington