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Government Affairs
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Government Affairs

When nurses speak, patients win!
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We stay on top of issues and bills that impact the nursing profession, health care and collective bargaining.

Through regular updates and opportunities to participate in the political process, WSNA helps you stay informed and have a say in the decisions that impact your practice.

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Key Resources

Government Affairs Advocacy toolkit See how your legislator voted on nursing issues, sign up for updates, learn how to advocate effectively, and more. Read more
Government Affairs Legislative session Every January the Washington State Legislature convenes for a new legislative session. Read more Government Affairs 2026 End of Session report The short, contentious 2026 legislative session produced several wins for WSNA while addressing the budget shortfall with minimal short-term impact and making historic progress toward a fairer tax code. Read more
Government Affairs What makes a good legislative priority? These questions must be considered before WSNA can adopt an idea as a priority for an upcoming legislative session. Read more Government Affairs Legislative and Health Policy Council The Legislative and Health Policy Council sets the annual health policy and legislative agenda for WSNA and plays an active role in reviewing and advancing WSNA’s legislative priorities. Read more
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Related Pages

WSNA PAC

WSNA PAC
Join WSNA PAC and help grow nurses’ voices in Olympia today!
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Continuing Education

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Latest News

  1. Initiative 645 threatens critical programs for Washingtonians

    Sami Bailey, MPH

    By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist

    Initiative 645 would do far more than repeal Washington's Millionaires Tax. Its provisions also threaten paid leave, unemployment benefits, long-term care, education, and healthcare.

    4 minutes to read

    Initiative 645 threatens critical programs for Washingtonians

  2. Interview with April Sims on impact of Iniative 645 on working families

    Jessica Hauffe, WSNA director of government affairs, sat down with April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, to discuss the impacts to working families if Initiative 645 passes.

    1 minute to read

    Interview with April Sims on impact of Iniative 645 on working families

  3. Nursing graduate degrees designated “professional” — for now

    A federal judge blocked the implementation of new Department of Education loan caps. MSN, DNP, and DNAP students can currently take out federal loans of up to $50,000 a year, or $200,000 in aggregate.

    1 minute to read

    Nursing graduate degrees designated “professional” — for now

  4. ANA Membership Assembly: Legislation, inclusion, action

    Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C

    By Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C, President, WSNA

    LPNs can now join ANA, and WSNA helped pass resolution urging the ANA-PAC to strengthen member engagement and promote more visible nonpartisan candidate support.

    4 minutes to read

    ANA Membership Assembly: Legislation, inclusion, action
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Media Coverage

Include nursing on the federal list of professional degrees

Dec. 2
The Seattle Times

Most WA nurses report getting breaks — advocates are skeptical

Dec. 24
Cascade PBS

Voters saved WA Cares. Now lawmakers must improve it

Dec. 16
The Seattle Times
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The leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington

WSNA provides representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA has represented nurses in our state since 1908, leveraging our collective voice to successfully advocate with employers, state agencies and the state Legislature for better working conditions, safe staffing, fair compensation and patient safety. For more than 110 years, WSNA has championed issues that support nurses, advance professional standards and improve the health of individuals and families in Washington.

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