SEATTLE – The state's Public Affairs Television Network, TVW, was named Washington Policy Center's (WPC's) "Summit Award" recipient for 2020.  The Summit Award is presented annually at WPC's Solutions Summit statewide policy conference to people or organizations that exemplify a solution to a policy problem.  TVW was recognized for bringing every resident of the state easy, unfiltered access to state government and public policy, regardless of geographic distance. 

Citizens who otherwise would have extremely limited access to their government due to the time constraints of long-distance travel, missed work, or the clogged highways of the Seattle metropolitan area, can watch gavel to gavel coverage and not miss a debate, a bill, or a vote thanks to TVW's work. Their public affairs programming aids citizens in holding elected officials to account for their actions. TVW’s steady, continuous push for more coverage has made for a better Washington.

The Summit award was presented today at WPC’s annual statewide Solutions Summit policy conference, held this year as a virtual event due to the COVID-19 crisis. TVW's President and Chief Executive Officer, the Honorable Renee Radcliff Sinclair, accepted the award on the organization's behalf.  

The text of the 2020 award reads as follows: 

2020 Summit Award recognizes TVW for excellence and commitment to providing all Washingtonians equal access to the public work of the legislature, the governor and other aspects of state government. TVW reduces the geographical distances that separate Washington residents from their elected representatives, and creates more open, accessible and accountable government for everyone.

Last year's Summit Award recipients were Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane), and Senators Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley), Sharon Brown (R-Richland) and Guy Palumbo (D-Maltby).  They were named for their successful efforts to strengthen the ability of citizens to participate in government via remote testimony. 

The 2020 Solutions Summit is open to the general public and is a two-day virtual event. It continues tomorrow at 8am and is open to the general public. Those interested in attending can register at washingtonpolicy.org/events.

Washington Policy Center focuses on eight key research areas: Agriculture, Education, Environment, Government Reform, Health Care, Small Business, Transportation and Worker Rights.Ideas from WPC’s research centers are regularly implemented and debated by voters and the Legislature.

Former New York Governor George Pataki, who spoke at WPC’s 2015 Solutions Summit, said “Washington Policy Center and the Solutions Summit is all about ideas and how you get things done.”