Announcements
Click above to read the
2023 WLA Brochure
Last Call! Western Legislative Academy Applications Close Tomorrow - April 28
Applications are currently open for the 2023 Western Legislative Academy (WLA), the region’s premier training program for state legislators in their first four years of service, and will close April 28. Held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this year’s program will take place December 12-15 at the Broadmoor Hotel.

Due to a limited class size, admission is competitive. The WLA is a scholarship program, with selected participants responsible only for their travel to and from Colorado Springs.

Information about the program and application process can be found below, including a link to the digital application form. If you have any questions about the program or application process, please feel free to contact [email protected], or reach out to Legislative Training Manager Will Keyse at [email protected] or (916) 330-4513.
TODAY: LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGE
Cybersecurity for Government Leaders
When: April 27, 2023 | 10:30 AM Pacific
CSG West is grateful to again partner with the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) for a training intended to prepare government leaders and staff to be vigilant against cyber threats. For those who were unable to attend February’s event, a second chance to participate will take place today, April 27 at 10:30 am (Pacific). The training will educate on the ecosystem of cybersecurity, common types of cyberattacks, and best practices on how to protect individuals against cyber threats.

NCC launched Cyber for State Leaders, which was featured in Governing, a cyber hygiene training for state leaders in 2021. Over 1,300 state leaders from across the country participated in the program. This session is a step towards expanding the training and striving to be more inclusive of all government leaders and their staff.
Energy & Environment
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Funding Opportunity Awards (FOA) for State & Local Governments to Advance Clean Energy Technologies and Solutions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a wide range of funding opportunities available to state and local governments aimed at incentivizing smart manufacturing technologies, improve energy efficiency, workforce development and other strategies to support clean energy goals. Click below to learn about several funding opportunities which may be of interest to western leaders, including those pertaining to tribal lands, agricultural sector, and remote or rural areas. 
State Visits
Left to right – CSG West director Edgar Ruiz, Arizona Senator Ken Bennett, and CSG West chair-elect, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell.
Senator Hansell and Arizona Representative Jennifer Pawlik.
On the Road with CSG West: Arizona
CSG West chair-elect, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell, and staff were on the ground in Phoenix, Arizona February 21-23 for the annual state visit. Senator Hansell along with CSG West director, Edgar Ruiz, and CSG West policy analyst, Shilpa Patel, connected with legislative leaders and members to share information about CSG regional and national resources, services, and programs that support their legislative efforts. This included information about this year’s Western Legislative Academy, Henry Toll Fellowship Program, CSG West 2023 Annual Meeting, Border Legislative Conference, Colorado River Forum, and opportunities to serve on CSG West Policy Committees and programs.

The visit included a leadership dinner, as well as a coffee and donuts event aimed at connecting with legislators and legislative staff. 

CSG West is especially grateful to Senators Sine Kerr, TJ Shope, and Representative Pawlik who graciously introduced CSG West in their respective chambers. The warm welcome and hospitality from members and staff from the Grand Canyon State was greatly appreciated. 
Senator Hansell and Arizona Senate
Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli.
CSG Resources -- Health
State Options to Expand Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Medications like methadone and buprenorphine are proven as effective treatments for opioid use disorder. Despite this, prescriptions rates remain low. States can utilize hub and spoke models for patient care, raise reimbursement rates for providers, and increase immediate access to medication treating opioid use disorder. State policymakers can also address disparities in treatment due to race or prescriber location to offer culturally responsive care.
CSG Leadership Development
CSG Toll Fellowship Applications Due May 1
Each year, the Toll Fellowship convenes 48 of the nation’s top officials from all three branches of state government to Lexington, Kentucky, for an intensive, five-day leadership boot camp designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities. Learn more about the Toll Fellowship and how to apply.
CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list.