Photo of the week: CSG West was pleased to welcome over 40 members to a breakfast celebrating Western Legislative Academy alumni at the Hawaii State Capitol. Special thanks to Senate President Ronald Kouchi, Speaker Nadine Nakamura, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke for their continued leadership and support, and to Representative Greggor Ilagan and Senator Chris Lee for graciously hosting this event.

Tomorrow!

“Getting Things Done in the Minority Party” – CSG Webinar This Friday

Friday, March 21

11:00 AM Pacific

Join CSG this Friday for Getting Things Done in the Minority Party, the third installment of its new legislator webinar series designed to equip recently elected lawmakers with key insights for success. This session will feature strategies from state leaders who have effectively navigated the legislature while serving in the minority party.

CSG West is pleased to highlight that Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow will be among the panelists, alongside Connecticut Senator Eric Berthel, Delaware Senator Brian Pettyjohn, and Georgia Representative Scott Holcomb. Senator Wintrow—a Toll Fellow, Western Legislative Academy alumna, and former co-chair of the CSG West Housing Committee—has been an integral part of the CSG West community, and her perspective will be invaluable in this discussion.

To register, email data@csg.org from your state email and include your name, state, and title.

CSG New Legislator Success Webinar Series Schedule:

CSG West 2025 State Visits in Full Swing

Following last month’s successful CSG Delegation to Mexico City, CSG West has resumed its 2025 state visits.

Director Edgar Ruiz and staff recently wrapped up a Capitol visit in Colorado (March 3-4,) hosted a reception for California members on March 10, and traveled to Nevada (March 12-13). This week we are honored to be in the Aloha State, meeting with Hawaii’s legislators and staff.

We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome across the West. Meaningful discussions with state leaders, members, Western Legislative Academy alumni, and legislative staff have provided invaluable insights into states’ priorities. These conversations help shape CSG West’s programs and services, ensuring we provide the strongest support for our members through regional collaboration, professional development, and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Coming up next are state visits to Oregon (March 26-27,) Alaska (April 1-2,) and Arizona (April 8-9.) Enjoy photos from the road below—we look forward to seeing you soon!

Nevada

Left to right: CSG West Senior Policy Analyst Jackie Tinetti; Nevada Speaker Pro Tempore Daniele Monroe-Moreno; and CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz

Hawaii

Hawaii Senate President Ronald Kouch delivers remarks to Western Legislative Academy alumni.

Colorado

Left to right: Edgar Ruiz, Colorado Speaker Julie McCluskie, and CSG West Director of Engagement Amanda Korte.

Hawaii

Left to right: Edgar Ruiz, Hawaii House Minority Leader and CSG West Liaison, Representative Lauren Matsumoto; and CSG West Professional Development Manager Will Keyse.

Colorado

Left to right: Edgar Ruiz catches up with Colorado Representative Lori Garcia Sander and Senator Scott Bright.

Nevada

Left to right: Edgar Ruiz and Nevada Speaker Steve Yeager.

WESTERN LEGISLATIVE ACADEMY (WLA)

Applications Open Through May 1

CSG WEST 78th ANNUAL MEETING

September 16-19 | Jackson, Wyoming

Registration is Open

CSG 2025 LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Applications are Open

CSG Henry Toll Fellowship

CSG 20 Under 40 Award

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST

www.csgwest.org