Make sure lawmakers in Olympia hear educator voices

Here's how you can stay up to speed with legislative and political news that affects students, educators and public schools – and take action with other union members and supporters.

1. Help show legislators why our priorities are important. Share your experiences:

   • share why ESPs are critical to our work in schools. Educational Support Professionals include classified staff like paraeducators, office professionals, nutrition services, transportation, building services, and more. 

   • share why ESP wages need to increase. 

   • share why we need respectful pay that rewards our important work. 

2. Text ADVOCACY to 833-258-6815 to get regular legislative and election updates by text message
3. Visit WashingtonEA.org/Advocacy and subscribe to the advocacy blog
4. Like and follow WEA Advocacy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
5. Post using the hashtags #WaEdu and #WaLeg 
6. Call your legislator's office. Need your legislator's contact information? Find it here!  
7. Call the Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000 and leave a message for your lawmakers.
8. LWEA members, reach out to WEA PAC chair Shaina Langley for opportunities to engage in LWEA's political action work.

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About the Washington Legislature

• Find your legislative district
• WA legislators, including contact information and photos
• Look up bills and related information
• Legislative committee hearing schedule
• Capitol campus map
• Parking information
• The 2023 legislative session begins January 9 and most legislators will be taking in-person meetings. 

The WEA Government Relations Team

• Julie Salvi, Lead Lobbyist on salaries and competitive pay, school operating funding, school bargaining laws, WA Cares, Paid Family Medical Leave, Worker’s Comp (L & I), Unemployment, Department of Health, mental health supports and partnerships, gun safety
• Simone Boe, Lobbyist on higher education, school nutrition, homeless and foster youth, simple majority – bonds, election laws, union rights, revenue
• Jared Mason-Gere, Lobbyist on health care, pensions, school construction, graduation pathways, student behaviors and discipline, attendance laws
• Nasue Nishida, Lobbyist on certification and evaluation, professional development, educator workforce development and diversity, Paraeducator training, dual language programs, curriculum including ethnic studies and inclusive curriculum, mastery-based learning, educator prep programs, transitional Kindergarten
• Samantha Casne, Political Organizer
• Emily Hansen, Political Organizer
• Hillary Hunt, Political Organizer
• Cassie Carrillo, Government Relations Assistant
• Djibril Diop, Director of Government Relations

WEA Government Relations office phone: 360-943-3150