CSG West

Check out the CSG West Annual Meeting brochure, and make plans to join us in Portland, Oregon, July 9-12, as we "explore the extraordinary!"

Congratulations to Oregon Representative Ben Bowman on his election as the new majority leader! https://lnkd.in/gU5Q5u_9

Hawaii Looks to CSG, Other States to Address Long-Term Care System Hawaii policymakers recently gathered more than 50 state officials and stakeholders for a one-day summit that focused on the future of their state’s long-term care system. During the event, CSG staff and state policymakers from California, Minnesota, and Washington provided details of successful policy strategies being deployed around the country, not only financially, but also in building the long-term care workforce of tomorrow and creating a system of long-term care that can be more responsive and sustainable. . Notably, CSG Senior Policy Analyst Sean Slone played a pivotal role in sharing insights and strategies, including those drawn from a 2022 task force which guided the development of the CSG Long-Term Care Policy Guide. Dive into the article, featured in the recently released issue of Capitol Ideas magazine, to explore how Hawaii is charting its course toward a more robust long-term care landscape.

Thank you, Colorado! In early March, CSG West staff enjoyed visiting with Colorado members at the state Capitol in Denver at the halfway point of their legislative session. A special thanks to our liaisons, Rep. Cathy Kipp and Sen. Cleave Simpson, for their introductions on the chamber floors and their assistance in recruiting members for this year’s Western Legislative Academy. CSG West Director, Edgar Ruiz, and Legislative Training Manager, Will Keyse, were grateful to the members of leadership who opened their doors during the visit, including Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate President Steve Fenberg, Minority Leaders Sen. Paul Lundeen and Rep. Rose Pugliese, and Majority Leaders Sen. Robert Rodriguez and Rep. Monica Duran. A highlight of the visit was a reception for members, staff, and private sector partners to kick off programming for the year. Pictured (left to right): Edgar Ruiz, Rep. Richard Holtorf, Megan Wagner (CSG West consultant), Rep. Cathy Kipp, Rep. Matt Soper, Will Keyse.

CSG West Hosts California Reception & Honors Past Chair Gipson On Tuesday, March 12th, CSG West hosted a reception for California members and staff at the Capitol Annex Swing Space, which is serving as the temporary office building for legislators during the Capitol renovation project. The reception offered an opportunity for lawmakers and staff to connect with CSG West chair, Oregon Senator Hansell, and CSG West staff, to learn about this year’s programs and services, including the annual meeting in Portland and the Western Legislative Academy. During the reception, Senator Hansell honored California Assemblymember Mike Gipson for his leadership of the organization in 2023. He also recognized Assemblymember Gipson for his new role as a CSG National officer, which will culminate with his chairmanship in 2026. Chairman Hansell also had the opportunity to visit with legislative leaders during his one-day visit to the Golden State, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones. A big thanks to all the members and staff that were able to join us. 

Oregon Senator and CSG West Chair Bill Hansell invites you to the CSG West Annual Meeting, July 9-12, in Portland, Oregon, to "explore the extraordinary." https://lnkd.in/dC6rsrPN

CHAMPIONING NONPARTISAN EXCELLENCE:Jessica Geary and Megan Bolin Spearhead 2024 Initiatives for Legislative Directors Jessica Geary of Alaska and Megan Bolin of Utah step into their respective roles as chair and vice chair of the CSG West Legislative Service Agency & Research Directors (LSA/RD) committee. The committee offers a vital forum for nonpartisan legislative directors by fostering professional development, training, and collaborative learning. Geary, appointed as the Alaska Executive Director of the Legislative Affairs Agency (LAA) in 2018, and Bolin, currently the Deputy Director for the Utah Legislature’s Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC), bring their expertise and insights to lead the LSA/RD committee. The committee's annual training seminar, scheduled for October 7-9 in Park City, Utah, will focus on enhancing management skills and sharing innovative practices from nonpartisan offices across Western states.

Roswell Mayor and Former CSG West Champion Welcomes Proposed Modular Home Manufacturing Hub The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) is poised to assist Turnkey Ventures Inc., an Austin-based company, in establishing a modular home manufacturing center in Roswell. With plans to invest $11.8 million and hire 330 workers, the initiative aims to revitalize a long-closed building at the Roswell Air Center and position the city as a manufacturing hub for modular home products. Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings, a former state senator of 34 years and longtime member of the CSG West Executive Committee – who previously served as New Mexico’s Senate President Pro Tem – emphasized the city’s readiness to welcome the project. Jennings highlighted its potential to leverage existing resources for workforce development and support housing initiatives within the community. The proposed site for the manufacturing center, involving the potential sale of city-owned property, marks a strategic partnership between Turnkey Ventures, local government, and economic development organizations. Pending formal application and financial review, the State's commitment from the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job-creation fund will provide up to $400,000 in assistance to facilitate the establishment of the manufacturing facility. With a focus on meeting hiring and economic development milestones, the incremental support signifies a strategic approach to fostering economic revitalization and job creation initiatives in Roswell. View the full press release from the New Mexico Economic Development Department here https://lnkd.in/dttH-DKi

On the Road with CSG West: Alaska CSG West staff visited Alaska’s state capitol, Juneau, January 29 – February 1. CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz and Policy Analyst Jackie Tinetti connected with leadership and members during their three-day visit, including House Speaker Cathy Tilton, House Minority Leader Calvin Schrage, House Rules Chair Representative Craig Johnson, Senate President Gary Stevens, Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, and Rules Chair Senator Bill Wielechowski. The Alaska Legislature is tackling education funding, pension reform (SB 88) and artificial intelligence use (HB 177), among other issues.  Governor Dunleavy addressed a joint session of the legislature to give his vision for Alaska with the theme of “North to the Future,” which emphasized the importance of opportunity and growth to attract and keep people in the state. A highlight of the visit was a dinner at Roma Bistro on the Wharf with alumni of the Western Legislative Academy (WLA), including last year’s graduates - Senator Jesse Bjorkman and Representatives Andrew Gray, Rebecca Himschoot, and C.J. McCormick. Twenty-six sitting legislators from the Alaska Legislature are graduates of this leadership program which is designed for newer policymakers. During the visit, training needs were identified and opportunities through CSG West’s Westrain resources to meet those needs were discussed with legislative leaders. Edgar and Jackie are grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality, and the enthusiastic engagement of Alaska legislators who offered their insights, guidance, and suggestions for CSG West programs and leading-edge policy continues to thrive in CSG West.