On Feb. 6, 2023, WSLHA provided a Student Advocacy program underwritten by an advocacy grant we received from ASHA. With this grant WSLHA was able to support the attendance by SLP and Audiology students at the Washington universities and provide all of WSLHA members the opportunity to attend this hybrid program at “no charge“. The program included a discussion of the Compact Bill with Representative Leavitt who introduced and supported HB 1001 in the House. Our lobbyist, Melissa Johnson, presented information regarding the legislative process that bills have to go through and tips for presenting our case when seeking the support of our respective legislators. And then attendees continued onto the Capitol campus to meet with their respective legislator, present their viewpoint and request their support for the Compact Bill. In addition, they were able to take a tour of the Capitol building and observe a committee meeting in action.
We would like to thank those workshop participants who attended and visited their legislators. Judging by their comments it was a positive experience for all. They had the opportunity to make their voices heard!
On February 8th, we received the news that the Compact bill passed the House with an unanimous vote. It now goes to the Senate, and if passed there, onto the Governor’s desk for his signature which makes it a law. The Senate will be voting on bills soon. Let’s get this bill passed!
