What Impacted These Legislators Most? Watch the WLA Experience

WATCH: A Glimpse Into the WLA Experience

We’re excited to share this behind-the-scenes look at the Western Legislative Academy (WLA) experience, featuring members of the WLA Class of 2024. In it, legislators reflect on what motivated them to apply, what impacted them most, and what they’ll carry forward in their public service.

Their insights capture the spirit of WLA—and we hope it inspires you to take part in this one-of-a-kind program (more about the upcoming application deadline below!)

"WLA in Their Words: Legislators Share Their Experience"

Ready to be part of the next WLA class?

Application Deadline is May 1!

“The Western Legislative Academy was, by far, the best training I’ve ever had — better than any legislative engagement work I’ve done with any association, bar none. And that’s saying something."

-Oregon Senator David Bonham

This year’s program will be held December 16–19 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. WLA brings together state legislators from across the West for an immersive training experience focused on building the leadership skills essential for legislative success.

APPLY HERE BY MAY 1

Questions? Contact Will Keyse at wla@csg.org

SPOTLIGHT

Meet Idaho Representative Marco Erickson

Co-Chair of CSG West’s Education and Workforce Development Committee

Join the discussions at the CSG West Annual Meeting

This week, we’re excited to continue our co-chair spotlight series by featuring Idaho Representative Marco Erickson, who will serve as co-chair of CSG West’s newly launched Education and Workforce Development Committee. We recently connected with Representative Erickson, who shared his perspective on Idaho’s innovations, education policies he’s most passionate about, and a few fun facts you might not know about him.

What education or workforce issues are currently top of mind for you?

Top of mind for me in education is addressing deferred maintenance in older school buildings and modernizing our approach to meet the needs of today’s students. On the workforce side, I’m concerned about livable wages and ensuring we have enough skilled workers to replace the retiring generation and meet industry demand.

The theme of our 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting is “Innovating at New Heights.” What’s something you find innovative about Idaho – whether related to legislative work or something else entirely?

Idaho is highly innovative in our nuclear technology at the Idaho National Laboratory. Legislatively, we are innovative through our Idaho Launch program, which gives scholarships to graduating seniors to pursue in-demand careers in Idaho.

Could you share something light or fun about yourself that’s unrelated to legislative work – such as a personal interest, fun fact, or something others might not know?

People may not know that I love to write and perform country music. When I’m at a concert, I try to be backstage as much as possible—or in the front row close to the performers. I also have a talent for doing impressions of cartoon characters—Donald Duck is the most popular. I think I’d make a great voice actor. And I love watching live NASCAR races.

RECENT EVENTS

CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz with Alaska Representative Cathy Tilton, CSG West State Liaison

CSG West Vice-Chair and Alaska Senator Löki speaks at the WLA Alumni Reception.

Engaged and Energized: Alaska’s Strong Presence Across CSG West Programs

CSG West’s recent visit to Juneau was a special one, highlighting Alaska legislators’ high level of engagement across our programs—from leadership development and policy committees to legislative staff collaboration.

CATCH THE FULL STORY

Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens and Edgar Ruiz

Juneau views

That’s a Wrap! Arizona Hosts CSG West’s Final State Visit of the Year

Left to right: Utah Senator and CSG West Chair-Elect Todd Weiler; Arizona Representative Justin Wilmeth; CSG West Policy Analyst Shilpa Patel; and CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz.

Arizona Represenative Neal Carter; Senator Tim Dunn; Utah Senator Todd Weiler; and Edgar Ruiz.

Arizona Representatives Selina Bliss and Brian Garcia at the WLA Alumni Reception

From left: Arizona Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, Edgar Ruiz, and Utah Senator Todd Weiler

CSG West wrapped up its 2025 state visits with a stop in Phoenix, Arizona—where we were joined by CSG West Chair-Elect, Utah Senator Todd Weiler.

Our team enjoyed engaging conversations with legislative leaders and members, including Arizona Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope. We were also pleased to connect with Representative Justin Wilmeth, who is serving as co-chair of newly formed Technology & the Future of Work Committee.

A special thank you to the many Western Legislative Academy (WLA) alumni who joined us at our WLA Alumni Reception—we always appreciate the chance to reconnect with program graduates and seek their support to encourage eligible members to apply to this year’s program.

Enjoy the photos from our visit to the Grand Canyon State!

Arizona Speaker Steve Montenegro and Edgar Ruiz

In Memoriam

The CSG West community sends its deepest condolences on the recent passing of Hawaii Representative Gene Ward. Over the years, Representative Ward participated in several CSG West annual meetings, providing his insights and sharing ideas across state lines. We appreciate his contributions to the state of Hawaii and to our Western region.

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST

www.csgwest.org

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.