Lance Morehouse, CEO of Sherwood Community Services, Rotarian of the Month for January and Chair of the Club's Vocational Services Committee talks to the Club about Legislative Advocacy which he has been doing for the special needs community for over 21 years. Lance has been the Legislative Chair for Community Employment Alliance, on the Steering Committee for Weecare and Chair of EFA PAC. "Making Government Work for You" was the topic for this week's program. A quote set the tone of the program. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that every has." by Margaret Mead. Posted in the writer's office is the following: " No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session" which I was given by a noted State Senator in 1971 legislative session. Circa NY 1866.
Lance outlined the Levels of Government beginning with the City to the County to the State and onto the US Federal Government. Prior to Lance's presentation he distributed copies of our 2020 Snohomish County Legislative Contact list with photos and key contact information.
Listing the issues at the Federal Government level followed which included the distribution of spending funds and the wide range of government programs. Next was the services funded by the State Legislature such as education, human services (DSHS & DCYF), Medicaid and Transportation. The state's operating budget was next. Did you know that the State of Washington is the third strongest economy in the world?
What will the impact of I-976 be after the impending lawsuits are settled? Washington has one of the most regressive tax structures in the United States. In Washington Stte, Public Policy issues usually take about three years to come before the legislature. Local concerns and issues facing local government followed along with how legislators make decisions that affect our lives.
The only way, legislative advocacy is successful is being involved in issues and having relationships with members of our legislative delegation, our county & city council members including one on one discussions of the issues important to us usually prior to the beginning of the legislative session. This year's session begins on January 13th. The impact of emails, letter writing tips and more followed a really good presentation to our Club members.