WTK: what to know

We’re half-way through 2016, and we thought we’d bring you some good news in this month’s INK to match your summer mood. We’re showcasing leaders or actions that are actively working toward better policies for Washington state.
 

Health Care
 
WPC has long advocated for increased access to health care, and telemedicine in Washington has made great strides in providing it. One of the major players in advancing telemedicine in Washington has been Senator Randi Becker, a third-generation Washingtonian.
 
Sen. Becker started working in the medical field as a receptionist, working her way up to become the administrator of a surgical center.  She was elected to the Washington State Senate in 2008, representing the 2nd Legislative District. She now serves as Chairman of the Senate Health Care Committee. She is a strong advocate for increasing patient access to health care through telemedicine,  limiting state taxpayer spending in the Medicaid entitlement and for meaningful oversight of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange.
 
 
Government Reform
 
Although the current state employee pay-raise talks in Olympia are shrouded in secrecy, there is some good news to report on the open government front out of Washington, D.C. Congress approved a reform to the nation’s 50 year old Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and sent to President Obama’s desk . The President has indicated he plans to sign the open government improvements into law. The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WPC serves on the board) sent Congress a letter encouraging the improvements be made. Open government is vitally important to the federal, state and local level and WPC will continue to fight for the people’s right to know!
 
Small Business
 
Rebecca Friedrichs is the name behind one of the most important and potentially game-changing legal cases in recent history. Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court after Rebecca and nine other public school teachers who believe the agency fees and union dues they are forced to pay violate their First Amendment rights filed a lawsuit against the teacer’s union.
 
Despite the union bullying and intimidation, she has stood her ground. She has no political agenda and no axe to grind; she just wants to do what is best for teachers and their students. 
 
Rebecca Friedrichs was a featured speaker at WPC’s Solution Summit policy conference and is on the cover of this quarter’s Viewpoint. Read more about her mission to advance the freedom for teachers to decide whether or not they’d like to unionize here.
 

WTB: where to be

2016 YP Summer Social

LAWN GAMES | FOOD | DRINKS | POLICY UPDATES | SOCIALIZING
 
Summa summa summa time! It’s time to celebrate with other like-minded Young Professionals at our annual summer social events. This year we will be hosting two seperate events. We will have our first summer social in the Tri-Cities and will also host the annual summer social in Sammamish. 
 
Summer Social in Tri-Cities
Thursday, August 11th 
5:30 - 8:00pm
4308 Riverhaven Street
Pasco, WA 

  
Summer Social in Sammamish
Wednesday, August 17th
5:30 - 8:00pm
House of WPC Board Member 
John Hennessy
Sammamish, WA

ICYMI: in case you missed it

YP happy hour

YPs gathered in Bellevue to hear from Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks International. He was a fantastic guest and encouraged YPs to take ownership on policy areas in their cities and state, and reminded them to focus on having integrity while doing so. But why take our word for it? Follow WPC Young Professionals on Facebook, and  watch video of Howard Behar speaking last night – it’s worth a watch!
 
Keep an eye out on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for a summary of his outstanding remarks, coming soon!