LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Committee

The Seattle Section Legislative Committee's purpose is to advance the legislative interests of the Section and of the civil engineering profession in Washington State. Consistent with this purpose, the Legislative Committee coordinates with the Architects and Engineers Legislative Council (AELC) while the Washington State Legislature is in session. In this manner, we influence the legislative process by advising the Olympia lobbyist the Section helps to fund; organize and participate in "grassroots" campaigns to pass or oppose legislation that impacts our profession; and conduct "Day on the Hill" events where our members meet face-to-face with the legislators. If you are interested in joining us at our meetings or have questions about what we do, please contact Larry Costich (lcostich@schwabe.com).

Announcements

The Seattle Section of ASCE is forming a Speakers Bureau and we need your help. The objectives of the Speakers Bureau are to:

• Educate and assist the public in better understanding technical and engineering principals that influence society
• Inform public policymakers on the engineering impacts of legislative and regulatory proposals
• Promote engineering excellence through public, business and community forums
  

We expect, and hope, that the topics will be broad ranging, covering every subject area in which civil engineers practice. A sample of possible topics includes: regional transportation needs; earthquake protection and seismic retrofitting; environmental and natural resource protection; or port improvements and future developments. Speakers will present to community groups, public advocacy organizations, professional and business societies, and local and state legislators. The Seattle Section will help coordinate these engagements and provide support to the Speakers.

How can you help? If you have a topic or area of expertise that you wish to share with the public and public policymakers or if you have any interest in participating in the Speakers Bureau in any capacity, please let us know. Contact Larry Costich (lcostich@schwabe.com).