Legislative and Policy Subcommittee
Our Goal
To improve the lives of Washington state-employed women by making policy recommendations to the Governor’s Office and Washington state government agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law. We are particularly active in the areas of education, training, career development and other conditions of employment.
What We Do
The ICSEW represents the voice of Washington state-employed women during policy discussions that may impact them.
The Legislative & Policy Subcommittee equips ICSEW’s membership with the tools and resources needed to enter discussions, and ultimately make policy recommendations to the Governor’s Office and state agencies that better the lives of state-employed women. Subcommittee members contribute two to three hours monthly, plus optional activities (see below).
Activities include:
- Creating bill alerts during the legislative cycle to inform state employees of pending legislation that may impact them. Bill alerts are shared here.
- Providing information and research on bills of interest to ICSEW’s membership.
- Advising the Governor’s Office concerning changes to legislation, rules, regulations and policies relating to improving the lives of state-employed women, when requested.
- Advising Washington state government agencies on policy and workplace issues relating to improving the lives of state-employed women.
- Training subcommittee members to track and report on legislation.
- Posting a special legislative summary to our blog at the conclusion of each legislative session.
- Recent optional activities included 3 hour volunteer sessions in outdoor spaces at the Food Bank garden and the Domestic Violence Shelter. These volunteer times are primarily during weekends and on personal time.
Our Members
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Pronounced SHAY-lee BA-toong-BA-call.
Aloha ʻoukou! Hello all! My name is Chalee, and I am the Legislative Coordinator at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). I started with WDFW as a Legislative Intern for the 2019 session and have been on the Legislative Affairs team since then. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (Biology) with a minor in Environmental Policy. I am currently in school to obtain my second bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Pacific Studies.
I started attending ICSEW meetings in 2023 and am eager to continue building a network and community within the ICSEW. I am passionate about educating others about the legislative process and demystifying how “the sausage gets made.” I am looking forward to co-chairing the Legislative & Policy Committee and bringing my skillset to the ICSEW.
I live in Tacoma with my boyfriend, a rambunctious Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and a mischievous Maine Coon cat. When we are not working, we enjoy going for long walks in our neighborhood, exploring local restaurants and shops, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Employment Security Department
stephanie.goedecke@esd.wa.gov
Stephanie works for the Employment Security Department. She holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and electrical engineering. She started her career in the private sector in computer hardware then has worked in state government for about five years. For the last five years she has also been active in the Thurston County Food Project. Stephanie is passionate about bringing merit-based hiring and promotion practices back to our state government.
Bill Alerts
During each legislative session we create bill alerts to notify Washington state-employed women of bills that may impact them.
Be Your Own Advocate
Is there a policy discussion you’d like to be a part of? Let your voice be heard!
Here are a few ways you can get in contact with your representatives and lobby for issues your care about.
Please note that state employees cannot use state time or resources to lobby for or against legislative proposals in accordance with RCW 42.52.160 and RCW 42.52.180, laws concerning ethics in public service and use of public resources for political campaigns.
ICSEW asks that state employees share opinions in an ethical way, using their own personal time, phone, computers, devices and resources.
Thank you for your participation!
Reminder for state employees
As state employees, we may not use state time or resources to lobby for or against legislative proposals.
ICSEW asks that you share opinions in an ethical way, using your own personal time, phone, computers, devices and resources.
Subcommittees
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