The 2010 joint Olympia Fly-in is scheduled for Jan 13 - 15, 2010.  If you are interested in attending, please fill out the registration form and fax it back to Heidi Whitman at 509.747.0077.  Please contact Heidi if you have questions at 509.321.3619.  View the 2010 state agenda to learn more about current issues and projects.  You can also view past state agenda's here.

Legislative advocacy at the state level is a year-round activity. The region's agenda is put together with community partners starting in the summer months and is released at the Legislative Forum and Reception in December. GSI community leaders bring the agenda and the region's priorities to Olympia in January for three days of meetings with elected officials, agency heads and staff. Throughout the year our state lobbyist, organizational leaders and staff work state level issues and organizational priorities to ensure that the economic vitality of our region is preserved. 

Past accomplishments have included $37 million in funding for Spokane regional education, transportation, and civic projects, supplemental Medicaid funding for Spokane hospitals, and the establishment of a first year medical school in Spokane.

The following issues are always part of the agenda:

• Business Climate - Protect our small businesses and make the region a better place to own a business.
• Transportation - Unified in our commitment to enhance the region's mobility.
• Expanding the Economy - Create new technologies, new jobs and new talent.
• Higher Education - Expand access and continued quality of our higher education system.
• K-12 Education - Ensure that our local schools can thrive.
• Workforce Training - Create a world-class workforce tied to key industries.
• Healthcare - Work to provide affordable and accessible health care for alll.
• Energy and Environment - Support energy policy to strengthen the region's energy sources.
• Recreation and Culture Opportunities - Preserve culture and our "near nature - near perfect" quality of life.