For weeks we’ve been urging you to block off the afternoon and early evening of Dec. 12 for The Observer’s annual Re-Wire Policy Conference. Now it’s finally time to register so you can join us in person at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. We throw this event to raise money to expand the Obsever’s coverage of politics, government, and the influence thereof in Washington State. This year we expect to introduce a new reporter to increase our coverage of healthcare and education.
We’d like to thank the following sponsors: Amazon, the Inatai Foundation, the Washington Association of Realtors, the College Promise Coalition, Puget Sound Energy, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and the Washington Hospitality Association. We welcome their support and the occasional awkward conflict-of-interest footnote it requires.1
If you want to cut to the chase and just sign up, the registration form is here. For the agenda, read on. (We’re still nailing down some panelists and moderators so check back for updates.)
Re-Wire Policy Conference 2023
Hotel Murano, Tacoma, WA
Tuesday, December 12
Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
1:00 pm
Opening blessing
Connie McCloud, Puyallup Tribe
1:05 pm
Welcoming remarks and event overview
Paul Queary, Editor and Publisher, The Washington Observer
1:15 pm
OPENING ADDRESS
The importance of robust coverage of public affairs at the state level
Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma
We invited Sen. Trudeau to kick things off not only because we’re gathering in her district, but because she’s representative of a generational shift in Washington politics. Also, we’re fans of her formidable sneaker game.
Sen Trudeau was born into poverty and violence, spent time in the foster care system, and faced housing insecurity throughout her youth and early adulthood. This has given her a deep perspective on the challenges that face many of the state’s most vulnerable.
BREAK – 1:50 – 2:00 pm
2:00 p.m. Panels
Politics: Looking Ahead to 2024
Venice 4
Our panel of political pros looks ahead to the 2024 campaigns
Moderator: Sandeep Kaushik
Panelists: Michael Charles, Upper Left Strategies; Eileen Pollet, Ravenna Strategies; Kevin Carns, Causeway Solutions; Kamau Chege, Washington Community Alliance
The Year of Housing Part II?
The 2023 Legislature was dubbed the Year of Housing for the flood of housing-related legislation. What passed, is it working, and what’s next in the effort to ease the housing crisis?
Venice 2 & 3
Moderator: Lt. Gov. Denny Heck
Panelists: Rep. Jessica Bateman, D-Olympia; Carl Schroeder, Association of Washington Cities; Nathan Gorton, Washington Association of Realtors; Terri Anderson, Tenants Union of Washington State.
Higher Education Enrollment Crisis
Venice I
Enrollment at our state’s institutions of higher learning is way down, posing problems for both the futures of our young people and employers across the state.
Moderator: Bill Lyne, United Faculty of Washington State
Panelists: Sen. Emily Randall, Chair, Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, Rep. Debra Entenman, Vice-Chair, House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, Kayla Hoy, Washington Student Engagement Network, Neil Strege, Washington Roundtable.
BREAK — 3:15-3:30 pm
Enjoy coffee, tea, and an assortment of snacks
3:30 pm Panels
The Future of the Climate Commitment Act
Venice 2 & 3
The cap-and-trade law is under fire in the court of public opinion over high gas prices and faces a repeal threat via the initiative. It’s also pouring hundreds of millions into green energy projects and other environmental programs. Our panel looks at its future.
Moderator: Austin Jenkins, Pluribus News
Panelists: Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, House Energy & Environment; Cary Condotta, Restore Washington; Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah; Michael Mann, Clean and Prosperous Washington.
Demographics & Representation
Venice 4
Washington’s getting more diverse and so are its politicians. A look at the state’s changing demographics and representation.
Moderator: Tim Gruver, The Washington Observer
Panelists: Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy; Rep. Julia Reed, D-Seattle, Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commissioner; Rob Kemp, Office of Financial Management demographer.
Health Care Affordability
Venice 1
The state is currently engaged in a study of how to rein in health care costs in Washington. Preliminary results are due in early December. Policymakers and players dig into the issues and the fights they imply for 2024.
Moderator: TBA
Panelists: Rep. Marcus Riccelli, House Healthcare & Wellness Chair; Katherine Mahoney, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health; Jim Freeburg, Patient Coalition of Washington; Meg Jones, PacificSource Health Plans
COCKTAIL HOUR: 4:45-5:45 pm
Enjoy an adult beverage and some tasty snacks while visiting with your fellow subscribers and friends of the Observer.
The Main Event — 2024 Legislative Preview
Leaders of the four caucuses look ahead to the 2024 Legislature. They will talk through the challenges and opportunities facing the state in 2024 and share their legislative priorities. We’ll take written questions from the audience.
Moderator: Paul Queary, The Washington Observer
Panelists: Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien: House Majority Leader; Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, Deputy Majority Leader; Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, Minority Leader; Rep. Chris Corry, Assistant Minority Floor Leader.
We’re looking forward to seeing you. To register for the conference, go here.
Pretty much all of our sponsors are trying to move things around in state policy and politics.