Save the Date!

CSG West Legislative Exchange: Improving Child Welfare and Outcomes for Families

Hosted by the CSG West Committee on Health and Human Services

CSG West, in partnership with Casey Family Programs, invites you to join our upcoming Legislative Exchange, Improving Child Welfare and Outcomes for Children and Families, on March 7 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific.

This Child Welfare 101 webinar will explore the hallmarks of a well-functioning child protection agency. Presenters will share key data and policy levers that can strengthen state child welfare and foster care systems, helping to improve long-term outcomes for children, youth, and families. Participants will also have the opportunity to share insights on how policymakers can drive meaningful improvements in these systems.

Reserve your spot today to take part in this important conversation.

For questions, please contact Shilpa Patel at spatel@csg.org.

RECENT EVENTS

Left to right: Washington Representative and Western Legislative Academy alumnus Andrew Stoddard with CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz.

Left to right: Washington Senators Claudia Kauffman and Bob Hasegawa with CSG West Director of Policy & International Programs Martha Castañeda.

2025 State Visits:

Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

CSG West staff continued its state outreach last week with back-to-back visits to Washington and Utah. We were grateful for the warm welcome in Olympia and Salt Lake City, where we engaged with legislative leadership, members, and staff. A highlight of both visits was reconnecting with our outstanding Western Legislative Academy (WLA) alumni and sharing details about the 2025 program with eligible legislators.

This week we were thrilled to return to Wyoming—home of the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting, taking place September 16-19 in Jackson. Alongside meetings with members to discuss legislative priorities and CSG West’s 2025 programs and services, our team hosted an annual meeting reception at the Metropolitan in Cheyenne. This special gathering provided an opportunity to connect with members and build excitement for this year’s annual meeting, which will be led by CSG West Chair, Wyoming Representative Mike Yin, in collaboration with the Wyoming Host Committee. We appreciate the hospitality of our Wyoming members and look forward to returning in September!

Left to right: Edgar Ruiz with Wyoming Speaker of the House Chip Neiman.

RESOURCES

As state legislatures convene in 2025, fiscal policy is emerging as a top priority amid budget deficits, shifting tax revenues, and the expiration of federal pandemic aid. CSG National recently released Balancing the Books: State Fiscal Strategies in 2025, examining how policymakers are navigating financial challenges in key areas such as housing, education funding, and transportation infrastructure. The report also explores evolving tax policies, the long-term impact of revenue declines, and innovative fiscal strategies states are considering to close budget gaps. With economic uncertainty shaping legislative agendas, this analysis provides insights into the critical decisions shaping state budgets in the year ahead. Access the full report below.

CSG West can’t wait to see you in Wyoming this Fall. Click below to learn more & secure your seat today for the largest convening of Western state policymakers!

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST

www.csgwest.org