Health Professionals Advocate for Climate and Housing Policy at Washington’s 2026 Lobby Day
At its second annual WPSR Lobby Day, health professionals traveled across the state to Olympia to make one message clear: legislators must consider the health impacts of the policies they introduce, support, and vote on.
29 members of WPSR’s three Task Forces joined staff in meeting with legislators from 12 districts to discuss our policy priorities for this year. From extreme heat to housing stability to climate funding, our members made the case that prevention must guide policymaking.
Why WPSR Lobby Day Is Different
“I was really looking forward to lobby day after such a meaningful experience last year. This year exceeded my expectations. Conversations with Rep Parshley and Po Leapai were inspirational, leaving me with a renewed sense of hope as I joined my fellow advocates for a day of meetings with legislators. As health professionals, when we talk with legislators, our voices represent not only our expertise but also the lived realities of the communities we serve. To me, that is our greatest purpose - to support policies that center community needs and health for all. ”
It’s common for legislators to hear from health professionals on issues like Medicare, clinical practice, and insurance. But it’s different when they hear from WPSR health advocates, who urge them to address the upstream, root-cause, social determinants of health, and to prioritize policy solutions to the existential threats to our survival and well-being. We advocate for policies that prevent people from getting sick in the first place, to prevent what can’t be cured.
What We Asked For
Lobby Day is a time for legislators (and their staff) to hear from WPSR members about our policy priorities, and to ensure they understand how these policies impact health. This year, we met with Representatives and Senators to garner support for:
Addressing extreme heat and providing access to cooling in bills like SB 6200
Generating state revenue through bills like the Millionaire’s Tax and Well Washington Fund
Decriminalizing Homelessness
Passing bills that create affordable and stable housing
Preserving funding for the state’s Climate Commitment Act
During meetings, WPSR members help make sure legislators understand the health impacts of these and other bills moving through the legislative process. We ask for their support not just for these bills, but for things they might not have considered, like the downstream impacts on one’s health that come with stable housing, or how investments in air quality monitoring can improve the cardiovascular health for generations to come.
““It was so wonderful connecting with like-minded members and combining our strengths and knowledge when meeting with lawmakers. I was excited to see that WPSR has name recognition with lawmakers and they really care what we have to say. I can’t wait to do this again next year! ”
Highlights of the Day
Representative Lisa Parshley of the 22nd District (and a veterinary oncologist) spoke to WPSR’s Lobby Day group on the Capitol steps, highlighting the importance of the work that we do. She also called us to action to get more health professionals into elected roles, and highlighted the need for awareness among policymakers about the many ways that health is and can be impacted by legislation. (Get involved!)
WPSR also heard from Po Leapai of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, who provided important insights into the work they are doing to preserve people’s health via addressing the housing crisis and homelessness.
One thing was abundantly clear - our members make an impact when they show up to talk about these issues.
“Lobby day demystified the legislative process for me and brought confidence in talking to legislators and their staff about environmental health issues. I enjoyed the community spirit of working alongside other PSR members and was delighted to see our state’s diversity and civic activism on parade with all the myriad other groups who were roaming the capitol campus, having their own lobby day.” Lobby Day attendee Martha Hyde, MD, said.
What Comes Next
The legislative session is far from over. Legislators will continue to consider bills, and several of WPSR’s priorities remain alive and under consideration this year. They will also consider a supplemental budget, which will require crucial decisions on the future of the Climate Commitment Act, state revenue, and aim to address the state’s budget shortfall.
If you weren’t able to join us this year, there are still opportunities to get involved. Whether through legislative advocacy, task force participation, or public education, your voice matters.
Because when health professionals show up, prevention becomes policy.
