With the Legislature out of session this summer and fall, members have a great opportunity to engage lawmakers and candidates in their districts. Face-to-face meetings are crucial as retirements and redistricting reshape the Legislature. Strong connections today set the stage for member goals next session — especially with elections further altering the landscape.
These meetings are a chance to convey the core mission of hospitals and the fragility that exists within our health care systems. Hospitals are essential community resources, providing life-saving emergency and specialty services 24/7 under increasingly difficult circumstances. By connecting with legislators during the session interim, you can share stories, highlight the care your hospital offers and review challenges.
WSHA is committed to supporting your efforts and we’ve developed a factsheet to bolster your discussions. These tools outline the value hospitals provide, how hospitals are compensated and obstacles facing health care delivery. You can also review our district breakdown to find your representative and understand if you are impacted by recent legislative actions.
Firsthand accounts are especially compelling and give a better perspective of the complexities of health care delivery, as well as the need for supportive policies. We encourage you to dig into your achievements and areas for improvement to illustrate what’s at stake and how legislators can help. Focus on the community value of your hospital and underscore financial and operational challenges.
The importance of these meetings can’t be overstated. With many legislators retiring, others running for statewide or congressional offices, and some House members aiming for the Senate, the policy environment is poised for big changes.
Sitting with legislators and candidates informs them of hospitals’ vital role and the state of health care before the 2025 session. A responsive government ensures the voices of hospitals — and all the Washingtonians we care for — are heard and acted on.
Thank you for your dedication to providing great care and helping lay the groundwork for legislative success. Your efforts help us shape an environment that recognizes and values the work of hospitals across Washington.
Sincerely,
Chelene Whitaker
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
chelenew@wsha.org
