Not pictured: Camille Andersen, ASEWU
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
I'm a horrible person
...because I have failed to update my blog in any timeframe remotely approximating "recently." Really, I know I need to be better. It's just that I've been working at least 15 hours a day!
On Monday, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander spent an HOUR AND A HALF with the Washington Student Lobby, showing us around the Temple of Justice and giving some history and sharing his knowledge of the procedure. We even got to see the back rooms which are not open to the public. Very neat! Here's a picture:
Our childcare legislation got rolling and was introduced in both chambers. If you're a policy wonk, here's a link: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1856
Meetings continue to go well. Issues around Washington Learns, the budget, and domestic partnerships were hot this week. I did some testimony on financial aid.
Ben was right, those security guards are awesome. They told us about two awesome events around the capitol campus: Potato Day and Dairy Day. Yummy in my tummy, especially for this college student.
Budget discussions have started. What's important to you as a student? Leave some comments and let me know. We've been gathering facts to make the pitch for more advising money - since the situation is so bad at UW. How has the UW advising system affected you positively or negatively? Let me know.
Ok, I'm going to wrap up and get to some other work. Miss you all!
On Monday, Chief Justice Gerry Alexander spent an HOUR AND A HALF with the Washington Student Lobby, showing us around the Temple of Justice and giving some history and sharing his knowledge of the procedure. We even got to see the back rooms which are not open to the public. Very neat! Here's a picture:
Our childcare legislation got rolling and was introduced in both chambers. If you're a policy wonk, here's a link: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1856
Meetings continue to go well. Issues around Washington Learns, the budget, and domestic partnerships were hot this week. I did some testimony on financial aid.
Ben was right, those security guards are awesome. They told us about two awesome events around the capitol campus: Potato Day and Dairy Day. Yummy in my tummy, especially for this college student.
Budget discussions have started. What's important to you as a student? Leave some comments and let me know. We've been gathering facts to make the pitch for more advising money - since the situation is so bad at UW. How has the UW advising system affected you positively or negatively? Let me know.
Ok, I'm going to wrap up and get to some other work. Miss you all!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Reporting home
Writing those verbose update letters is satisfying, and helpful for decompressing, but will never, ever compare to coming back to Senate. On Tuesday, I had the chance to return to Seattle for an evening to provide a very dry (sorry folks) update on legislative policy movement. So many friendly faces were there that I was overwhelmed. The cheers helped too, especially after an interesting week prior. Olympia can be a lonely place, and it was a welcome change of environment. I even had the chance to grab some Thai food before returning back to Oly that night.
The week was full of back-to-back meetings as usual. A post or two from now, that will seem silly to even mention - it's just the way Oly works. Earlier on Tuesday, the WSL had the chance to meet with House Majority Leader, Representative Lynn Kessler. She was very welcoming and understanding of student issues.
Most interesting of the day was of course the sit-down with Governor Gregoire. We walked through the WSL legislative priorities, had a bit of a disagreement on tuition levels, had good understanding of students' financial burdens, and gave her some new information on the status of childcare on our campuses. Finally, we encouraged the Governor to invest in new research money at our universities in her next budget. We felt like welcome guests, and it was exciting to be sitting next to the woman herself. Governor Gregoire is a direct, powerful, and energized person who clearly has no time to sleep with all the work she does. A big thank you to the Governor's staff, especially Deb Merle, for making the meeting possible.
The group is starting to get some traction on childcare. Last fall, we decided this would be an issue priority of the WSL (much to the excitement of the grad students). We are working on our own bill to provide state matching funds for dollars that students contribute (either through student activity funds or money coming from a student government). This would help expand childcare access on our campuses. Will let you know when we officially have a bill posted with co-sponsors, language, and everything.
I hope to come back to Seattle soon for some socializing and more updates - and I promise to be funnier and more engaging. Thanks to everyone who reads these posts, or my updates. It's helpful for me to reflect on the week's activities, and gratifying to know people are engaged. For now, so long!
The week was full of back-to-back meetings as usual. A post or two from now, that will seem silly to even mention - it's just the way Oly works. Earlier on Tuesday, the WSL had the chance to meet with House Majority Leader, Representative Lynn Kessler. She was very welcoming and understanding of student issues.
Most interesting of the day was of course the sit-down with Governor Gregoire. We walked through the WSL legislative priorities, had a bit of a disagreement on tuition levels, had good understanding of students' financial burdens, and gave her some new information on the status of childcare on our campuses. Finally, we encouraged the Governor to invest in new research money at our universities in her next budget. We felt like welcome guests, and it was exciting to be sitting next to the woman herself. Governor Gregoire is a direct, powerful, and energized person who clearly has no time to sleep with all the work she does. A big thank you to the Governor's staff, especially Deb Merle, for making the meeting possible.
The group is starting to get some traction on childcare. Last fall, we decided this would be an issue priority of the WSL (much to the excitement of the grad students). We are working on our own bill to provide state matching funds for dollars that students contribute (either through student activity funds or money coming from a student government). This would help expand childcare access on our campuses. Will let you know when we officially have a bill posted with co-sponsors, language, and everything.
I hope to come back to Seattle soon for some socializing and more updates - and I promise to be funnier and more engaging. Thanks to everyone who reads these posts, or my updates. It's helpful for me to reflect on the week's activities, and gratifying to know people are engaged. For now, so long!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
An intense week, for sure
Some think that sending us off to the legislative session develops big egos... but let me assure you that is not the case. It's opposite. If anything, this past week has taught me that my inadequacies will always be right in front of me. The days are about 15 hours long, with little sleep, and running from one place to another. That, and you never know when you're going to be cornered with a question you aren't prepared to answer. If we could just take the waking up at 6:30am out of the equation, I might be a little happier.
To some degree, the legislators really look out for us (the student lobbyists). I think they see us as a public service of sorts. Maybe it's 'cause they feel bad that we aren't paid much, haha- but there is always some protocol that you don't know, and a million ways to feel like an idiot.
Now, the first week wasn't all bad. Not at all. The Higher Ed committees in the House and Senate had some great data for use on big issues, the WSL had the chance to cover a ton of legislators, and we are even planning on submitting some of our own legislation. I got to know a few of the security guards - they crack me up with their stories. And a few Legislative Assistants (LA's) have helped to squeeze us in. Senator Sheldon pointed out how advantageous it is to have LA's our age, because we can connect with them and squeeze into things other lobbyists couldn't. Apparently, being an LA used to be a middle-aged woman's job, and now it's a free-for-all amongst the youthful that are trying to elbow their way into politics. Of course, you'd also be amazed at the pay and benefits that job gets.
Working collectively with the Washington Student Lobby has been a great help this year. Looking back, this was definitely not the case. Ben can attest that it was often most helpful to work on just ASUW stuff. This year is a budget year, however, and we're talking a lot about statewide money for higher education. There are a few projects that I will talk to the key folks about that only concern UW, but I am starting to be convinced that there is some great value in a reformed WSL (it was restructured last year). Of course, personalities dominate too. We are lucky to have a team that is relatively less competitive with one another (can't get rid of it all). On the big issues of tuition and financial aid, we walk softly but carry a big stick. Alone, I think it would be more like walk-stumble and carry a toothpick.
Cullen and Hannah came down on Friday to help cover the development of the conduct code legislation. It's in action again and if we don't figure out a local fix soon, Senator Murray assures us his bill will pass (Speaker Chopp has expressed his committment). Cullen and Hannah, you saved my day. It was particularly crappy; I made some communication mistakes with some folks on the Hill and upset a few people. Thankfully it's blown over. Hannah brought me the cutest little gift ever, with cookies, hand-written notes, and a drinking game. Perfect combination. And Cullen, well he had his hair cut short and that was entertainment enough. ;) Plus, he is good at helping me keep perspective. Thanks guys.
This whole experience really is quite insane. I hope you will all try to check this blog maybe weekly at least. I am excited to see everyone; I am heading back up to Seattle to report to Senate after our meeting with Governor Gregoire (yes, shaking in my...bootstraps?). Take care and get some more sleep than I am getting.
Love always,
Bryce
To some degree, the legislators really look out for us (the student lobbyists). I think they see us as a public service of sorts. Maybe it's 'cause they feel bad that we aren't paid much, haha- but there is always some protocol that you don't know, and a million ways to feel like an idiot.
Now, the first week wasn't all bad. Not at all. The Higher Ed committees in the House and Senate had some great data for use on big issues, the WSL had the chance to cover a ton of legislators, and we are even planning on submitting some of our own legislation. I got to know a few of the security guards - they crack me up with their stories. And a few Legislative Assistants (LA's) have helped to squeeze us in. Senator Sheldon pointed out how advantageous it is to have LA's our age, because we can connect with them and squeeze into things other lobbyists couldn't. Apparently, being an LA used to be a middle-aged woman's job, and now it's a free-for-all amongst the youthful that are trying to elbow their way into politics. Of course, you'd also be amazed at the pay and benefits that job gets.
Working collectively with the Washington Student Lobby has been a great help this year. Looking back, this was definitely not the case. Ben can attest that it was often most helpful to work on just ASUW stuff. This year is a budget year, however, and we're talking a lot about statewide money for higher education. There are a few projects that I will talk to the key folks about that only concern UW, but I am starting to be convinced that there is some great value in a reformed WSL (it was restructured last year). Of course, personalities dominate too. We are lucky to have a team that is relatively less competitive with one another (can't get rid of it all). On the big issues of tuition and financial aid, we walk softly but carry a big stick. Alone, I think it would be more like walk-stumble and carry a toothpick.
Cullen and Hannah came down on Friday to help cover the development of the conduct code legislation. It's in action again and if we don't figure out a local fix soon, Senator Murray assures us his bill will pass (Speaker Chopp has expressed his committment). Cullen and Hannah, you saved my day. It was particularly crappy; I made some communication mistakes with some folks on the Hill and upset a few people. Thankfully it's blown over. Hannah brought me the cutest little gift ever, with cookies, hand-written notes, and a drinking game. Perfect combination. And Cullen, well he had his hair cut short and that was entertainment enough. ;) Plus, he is good at helping me keep perspective. Thanks guys.
This whole experience really is quite insane. I hope you will all try to check this blog maybe weekly at least. I am excited to see everyone; I am heading back up to Seattle to report to Senate after our meeting with Governor Gregoire (yes, shaking in my...bootstraps?). Take care and get some more sleep than I am getting.
Love always,
Bryce
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Session Begins!
Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2007 Legislative Session. It is the 60th convening of the Legislature of the State of Washington. It was a whirlwind day of swearing-in ceremonies, individual meetings, and even a committee.
Today was also a busy day. We packed in meetings with 5 legislators, attended a roundtable discussion with other lobbyists and policy folks who work on higher education specifically, and the best part of all... attended the Governor's STATE OF THE STATE, which was televised on TVW. The House and Senate, Supreme Court, and statewide elected officials convened in the House chamber. There were so many dignitaries to clap for that my hands were cherry red by the end of the evening!
Gregoire's speech was almost 50% on education - all three parts: early learning, K-12, and Higher Ed. She mentioned the "tuition freeze" at the community and technical colleges that she's proposed, but neglected to specify the seven percent cap at the 4-year public institutions like our own. The compounded result of 7% a year is staggering when you look at it 10 years down the road. Yet, we're in an interesting bind: it's certainly a lot better than the prospect of local control, and it beats having no policy that results in the 16% increase we had a few years back. More on our policy position soon.
I'll finish my week 1 update by the end of this week and send it out to the LSC e-mail list. That will have a more formal breakdown of the week and the legislative issues that are in play. Thanks for reading!
Today was also a busy day. We packed in meetings with 5 legislators, attended a roundtable discussion with other lobbyists and policy folks who work on higher education specifically, and the best part of all... attended the Governor's STATE OF THE STATE, which was televised on TVW. The House and Senate, Supreme Court, and statewide elected officials convened in the House chamber. There were so many dignitaries to clap for that my hands were cherry red by the end of the evening!
Gregoire's speech was almost 50% on education - all three parts: early learning, K-12, and Higher Ed. She mentioned the "tuition freeze" at the community and technical colleges that she's proposed, but neglected to specify the seven percent cap at the 4-year public institutions like our own. The compounded result of 7% a year is staggering when you look at it 10 years down the road. Yet, we're in an interesting bind: it's certainly a lot better than the prospect of local control, and it beats having no policy that results in the 16% increase we had a few years back. More on our policy position soon.
I'll finish my week 1 update by the end of this week and send it out to the LSC e-mail list. That will have a more formal breakdown of the week and the legislative issues that are in play. Thanks for reading!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Olympia cold, Legislature hot
It's been a cold, wet, and windy week in Oly - thank God I have a rediculous looking raincoat that is at least functional. I finished up training with the other student lobbyists this week, minus the WSU liaision due to his grandmother's hospitalization and untimely departure (my condolences to you Chris). In addition to myself, the Washington Student Lobby (WSL) team this year is:
Marcus Riccelli, UW GPSS
Sasha Sleiman, WWU (also my roomie)
Mike Bogatay, CWU
Camille Andersen, EWU
Chris Reigelsperger, WSU
Our apartment is rockin' and we've had lots of fun getting to know one another. The WSL advisor, Steve Lindstrom, threw a get together for us (awesome salmon dip included). Overall our relations are very good - and this is a sharp turn from the previous discord we've had with the organization. By the way, you can check out the 2007 WSL Legislative Agenda online. This year will be a balancing act in choosing how much time to devote to our unified principles (and have more influence on big issues like tuition and financial aid) versus those points unique to ASUW (transgender healthcare, renewable fuels, divestment, etc). I take comfort in knowing that I'm not the first student lobbyist to think about this, but it certainly adds a twist to the job.
I'm already tracking about 10 prefiled bills. By the time session is over, about 4000 bills will have been submitted. We'll have plenty to work on - including tuition, textbooks, financial aid, diversity, you name it. This legislative session is going to be one of the busiest for education that we've seen in decades.
I'll be back to report to ASUW Student Senate on Tuesday, January 16th. I hope you'll all try to make it - I promise not to be too boring ;)
Marcus Riccelli, UW GPSS
Sasha Sleiman, WWU (also my roomie)
Mike Bogatay, CWU
Camille Andersen, EWU
Chris Reigelsperger, WSU
Our apartment is rockin' and we've had lots of fun getting to know one another. The WSL advisor, Steve Lindstrom, threw a get together for us (awesome salmon dip included). Overall our relations are very good - and this is a sharp turn from the previous discord we've had with the organization. By the way, you can check out the 2007 WSL Legislative Agenda online. This year will be a balancing act in choosing how much time to devote to our unified principles (and have more influence on big issues like tuition and financial aid) versus those points unique to ASUW (transgender healthcare, renewable fuels, divestment, etc). I take comfort in knowing that I'm not the first student lobbyist to think about this, but it certainly adds a twist to the job.
I'm already tracking about 10 prefiled bills. By the time session is over, about 4000 bills will have been submitted. We'll have plenty to work on - including tuition, textbooks, financial aid, diversity, you name it. This legislative session is going to be one of the busiest for education that we've seen in decades.
I'll be back to report to ASUW Student Senate on Tuesday, January 16th. I hope you'll all try to make it - I promise not to be too boring ;)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
All Settled In
I'm all moved into my apartment here in Olympia...following a not-so-fun day of move-in on New Year's Day that involved torrential rain, lots of stairs, and a nasty night of little sleep from New Year's Eve. BUT, everything looks great (pics soon!). It's a building where many student lobbyists have stayed in the past. My roomate is Sasha Sleiman, the student lobbyist from WWU. She's a great gal and we get along well. A few elected officials also live in the building - one friendly senator has already said hello in the parking lot during move-in!
This week is training with the other student lobbyists through the Washington Student Lobby. Our contract lobbyist, Steve Lindstrom, is conducting the training. We might not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but his institutional knowledge is very helpful. And so far, relations are more than cordial with the other WSL members...something ASUW has not always enjoyed.
I'll be filling all of you in soon. Session opens Monday, January 8th!
Also: The Governor's "State of the State" speech is on Tuesday, January 9th at noon in the House Chamber. Feel free to join me in Olympia for the event!
This week is training with the other student lobbyists through the Washington Student Lobby. Our contract lobbyist, Steve Lindstrom, is conducting the training. We might not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but his institutional knowledge is very helpful. And so far, relations are more than cordial with the other WSL members...something ASUW has not always enjoyed.
I'll be filling all of you in soon. Session opens Monday, January 8th!
Also: The Governor's "State of the State" speech is on Tuesday, January 9th at noon in the House Chamber. Feel free to join me in Olympia for the event!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Recent Memo Updates
I've done a few memo-based updates that you can read, but they'll be less fun than the stuff you'll find on the blog (more nitty-gritty type stuff on these memos). But, since I haven't been blogging out-of-session so far, it's the best I can offer. Session starts soon however, so look forward to my colorful commentary! ;)
November-December Lobbying Update - 12.08.2006
State of OGR (Summer Update) - 11.17.2006
November-December Lobbying Update - 12.08.2006
State of OGR (Summer Update) - 11.17.2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
UPDATES START HERE
I've been having some trouble with attributing old posts to Ben Golden. Blogger just transitioned to some new Google technology (they were purchased by Google) and it messed everything up.
So, everything BELOW this post is actually from Ben, even though it says it's from me. Sorry Ben!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
SINE DIE!
The end of session is here! Last night, with a gavel bang and a cheer from the D's, the 2006 legislative session wrapped up. We got to go onto the floor (staff was invited on, and we sorta snuck in with them) to see some last bits of drama on a transportation package and parliamentary fighting. But once session concluded, Mardi Gras came to Oly...
Legislators and staff and interns and lobbyists come together to par-tay. Food, alcohol, music, and dancing filled the night in the Capitol Building. According to some old folks, this wasn't uncommon back in the day - now, everything is so partisan and personal that this is an extreme rarity - and quite a treat. I won't offer much specifics, but I did get my groove on with some influential legislators as Lt. Gov Brad Owen went to town on the sax. As the party carried past midnight, a heavy snow picked up outside - as if the night wasn't surreal enough...
Session was definitely a lot more fun and worthwhile at the end. This is probably because I've gotten to know the process so much better, way more people, and been privy to more stories/gossip of Oly. I had to put in my dues to get to know enough people, but a critical mass hit - and everything came full circle, as we got to relax and have a good time with people we've worked so hard with (and against).
By all intents and purposes, this was an incredibly successful session for the student lobbying crew. I'm moving back up in 36 hours - it seems like it went by so fast though I felt as if I'd been here for years after week 2. I sort of regret all the cynicism I spread early on about the political world - I was just too consumed without realizing what was actually going on. Once I got to know a lot more about what was going on - and gain more and more access - everything got more interesting... and the people became much more human...
It'll be sad to leave, though I'm excited to return to Seattle (after a nice, long spring break). Once back in Seattle, settled into my usual routine, this will all seem like a distant dream. Nonetheless, a worthy experience - challenging, educational, and rewarding . But it is soon time to pass the student lobbyist title off to a new student, and let others turn outreach, activism, and pride into action...
Legislators and staff and interns and lobbyists come together to par-tay. Food, alcohol, music, and dancing filled the night in the Capitol Building. According to some old folks, this wasn't uncommon back in the day - now, everything is so partisan and personal that this is an extreme rarity - and quite a treat. I won't offer much specifics, but I did get my groove on with some influential legislators as Lt. Gov Brad Owen went to town on the sax. As the party carried past midnight, a heavy snow picked up outside - as if the night wasn't surreal enough...
Session was definitely a lot more fun and worthwhile at the end. This is probably because I've gotten to know the process so much better, way more people, and been privy to more stories/gossip of Oly. I had to put in my dues to get to know enough people, but a critical mass hit - and everything came full circle, as we got to relax and have a good time with people we've worked so hard with (and against).
By all intents and purposes, this was an incredibly successful session for the student lobbying crew. I'm moving back up in 36 hours - it seems like it went by so fast though I felt as if I'd been here for years after week 2. I sort of regret all the cynicism I spread early on about the political world - I was just too consumed without realizing what was actually going on. Once I got to know a lot more about what was going on - and gain more and more access - everything got more interesting... and the people became much more human...
It'll be sad to leave, though I'm excited to return to Seattle (after a nice, long spring break). Once back in Seattle, settled into my usual routine, this will all seem like a distant dream. Nonetheless, a worthy experience - challenging, educational, and rewarding . But it is soon time to pass the student lobbyist title off to a new student, and let others turn outreach, activism, and pride into action...
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