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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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Upcoming Event

WSNA Lobby Day
to
WSNA Lobby Day
Join us at WSNA’s 44th annual WSNA member lobby day for empowerment and advocacy, and shape the future of healthcare in our state.
Olympia
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Latest News

  1. Make your voice heard this November

    Decisions made at the ballot box affect nurses, our patients, and the future of healthcare. Make sure your voice is heard by voting early.

    2 minutes to read

    Make your voice heard this November

  2. Primary election outcomes and shaping the future of policy in Olympia

    Sami Bailey, MPH

    By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist and Jessica Hauffe, Director of Government Affairs

    WSNA will continue to work with legislators from both parties to pass legislation that improves the working lives of nurses and outcomes for patients.

    5 minutes to read

    Primary election outcomes and shaping the future of policy in Olympia

  3. 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

  4. 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
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Media Coverage

These Nurses Are Running for Congress

Oct. 6
Medpage Today

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
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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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