Announcements
Eight Western Legislators Selected for CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This annual honor recognizes the outstanding work of twenty up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who are committed to working across the aisle to serve the citizens of their states. Eight of the leaders selected are from the West:
Award recipients will be honored at the 2022 CSG National Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, in December.
Events
Legislative Exchange: Ensuring Transparency, Accountability and Efficiency of U.S. Infrastructure Investments
Date: Friday, October 21
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
In partnership with the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, the CSG West Legislative Oversight Working Group will host a virtual legislative exchange focused on oversight of infrastructure investments.

This session will offer policymakers and legislative staff an opportunity to gain insights from a recent symposium by the Levin Center which produced recommendations from Wayne State Law Review to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency of U.S. infrastructure investments. The legislative exchange will also provide an opportunity for attendees to participate in exchanging information and ideas.
International Programs
CSG West Staff Connect With BLC Vice Chair in Baja California
Last month, CSG West staff attended a special event hosted by Border Legislative Conference (BLC) vice chair, Diputado Roman Cota Muñoz, in Tecate, Baja California, which is part of his legislative district in the Baja California Legislature.

The event was held at the University Theatre of the Autonomous University of Baja California Tecate campus where he presented his first year’s report to his community, highlighting his legislative efforts and accomplishments. 

A video projected on large screens in the auditorium highlighted his nineteen bills, education scholarships, vision exams and free prescription glasses, as well as legal services for his community. Of his nineteen bills, eight were signed into law. He also talked about the incalculable potential the state of Baja California holds due to its geographic location along the U.S. – Mexico border in addition to its natural and cultural resources. 

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Regional News
State Legislators and White House Officials Discuss Transition to 988 Crisis Line Services
White House officials recently convened a meeting with bipartisan state legislative leaders, discussing efforts to address what was described as a “national mental health crisis.” The meeting focused on joint federal and state actions to implement 988 crisis line services, part of a comprehensive strategy announced in May.

Dialogue included state-led initiatives to support call center operations, incorporating follow-up behavioral health care, and broadening accessibility to services. State legislators also discussed current challenges presented by mental health workforce shortages. 

Among the participating legislators was Utah State Senator Daniel Thatcher, who in 2014 initiated the idea for a three-digit crisis line in his state. After garnering support from a range of federal and state officials, legislative colleagues, and healthcare workers, Senator Thatcher’s proposal resulted in the creation of the national 988 hotline this year.

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NOAA Fisheries Report Informs Dialogue About Columbia Basin Salmon, Steelhead Populations
NOAA Fisheries has released a report identifying potential actions to rebuild Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead populations to healthy levels. The report aims to inform and contribute to stakeholder discussions in the basin.

Fisheries is an important topic of conversation of the Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG), a program for state legislators to address challenges and opportunities along the Columbia and Snake River basins. The 2023 LCRG will convene in Montana.

Click below to view the report.
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