Traditionally, the Washington Fire Chiefs have set the session priorities based on a survey sent mid-April to members. From those priorities, the Legislative Committee met and put together a strategic list of our “Top 5 Legislative Goals” for the following year.
At the WFC Conference in May, the legislative goals were presented for input and adopted by the membership.
However; some concerns were expressed about the process being too early before the session ends. This year, the legislative committee has decided to try a different process, in the hopes of better meeting our member's needs.
We will ask for the initial input at the legislative breakfast May 25th. This will give members the opportunity to bring those vital issues to our legislative committee’s attention. After conference, we will still conduct a survey to capture additional input.
From this input, the legislative committee will create the “Top 5 Legislative Goals” document with a better idea of how the session concluded.
This will allow them to take into consideration bills and budget provisos that may pass late in the session, and high profile issues that could arise between now and the next year’s session start. Then the WFC Board will take action on these priorities before final approval.
Once approved, the legislative committee plans to send all members the 2018 legislative priorities this summer. Expect to see that document arrive in your email by August.
The WFC Legislative Committee is chaired by Eric Robertson, Valley Regional Fire Authority. Lobbyists to the association are Dylan Doty & Wayne Senter.
Legislative Committee Meetings are generally held the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meetings are open to members. If you would like to be involved, contact the WFC office for the exact date of the next meeting, as well as conference call line or address information.