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May 21, 2007 |
Contact: John Barnes |
$2.6 Million Raised From Board Members Kicks Off Washington Policy Center's "Free Markets for Washington" Campaign
Seattle - Washington Policy Center, the state's premier, independent public policy research organization, officially launched its "Free-Markets for Washington" campaign with 100% participation from its 28 board members. The capital campaign is aimed at expanding Washington Policy Center's research department and creating policy specific research centers.
Local and state governments should help Washington citizens live lives of prosperity and freedom, and this "Free Markets for Washington," intends to help with that goal. With the opening of eight research centers, the Campaign will help provide clear insightful solutions to the public policy dilemmas facing Washington State. WPC will work collaboratively with local policymakers and better educate citizens through publications and events.
WPC was honored to have the lead support of board members Doug and Janet True and Bill and Marilyn Conner, whose contributions are the largest single gifts ever received by Washington Policy Center. Currently Washington Policy Center has raised over $2.6 million, primarily from WPC board members, toward its over $4.2 million campaign goal.
"WPC's non-partisan research is a world a part from political spin and media bias," says Campaign Co-Chair Janet True. "There is a need for high-quality research and education resources for our citizens and policymakers. It is a gift to the community to have such a prestigious think tank in our state. It is a source we use for information that affects not only our business but our day to day life."
Washington Policy Center's governing board is now inviting others in the community to join them in this important campaign to reach the goal over the next 12 months. Support from members stems from the belief that Washington Policy Center is and will continue to bring about real change in Washington State. By creating individual centers focused on key policy areas, Washington Policy Center will expand its capability to serve the media, legislators and citizens by creating better policy solutions for Washington State.
"To survive, a democracy must be led and supported by those who possess legal, accurate, and unbiased information, without which citizens gradually lose their freedom and opportunities for a better life," says Campaign Co-Chair Bill Conner. "This is the kind of information that Washington Policy Center provides."
Five of the eight campaign research centers are currently up and running, each staffed by a director with an Advisory Board, impacting state policy and receiving statewide media attention. These include,
The additional three centers are in the planning stages and will be established in 2008 after the completion of the campaign. These include:
"Washington Policy Center's ideas and research have proven themselves valuable to the businesses and communities of Eastern Washington," says Washington Trust Bank president and WPC board member Peter Stanton. "Their recommendations play a vital role in not only this region's policymaking but for the entire state of Washington."
"The Center's research in education, transportation, taxes, health care, to mention just a few areas, has been outstanding. And the Center certainly has merited my financial contribution and I hope the financial contribution of all of you in this audience." Charles Pigott at Washington Policy Center's 2006 Annual Dinner.