Key Washington state committee recognizes importance of global health sector
Global health is increasingly recognized as an important and vibrant economic sector for the state. In recognition of the rising prominence of WGHA organizations, the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR) recently held a hearing on the global health industry at PATH’s Seattle headquarters. The LCEDIR is presided over by Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and is the state’s only bicameral commission, with representation from both members of the Senate and the House. The LCEDIR is authorized to study and review economic development issues. Leaders from WGHA institutions testified about Washington’s reputation around the world as a center for global health and recommended policies to enhance and expand the sector.
The Lt. Governor plans to write a report on the meeting with recommendations for the governor. Members of WGHA will work with the Lt. Governor’s office and LCEDIR members to refine sector policy recommendations for legislators to champion during this session.
WGHA Presenters included, Lisa Cohen (Director, WGHA), Dr. Chris Murray (Director, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation), Dr. John Aitchison (Associate Director, Institute for Systems Biology), Dr. Judy Wasserheit (Vice Chair and Professor, University of Washington Department of Global Health), Scott Garrepy (Development Director for International Programs, Washington State University), Dr. Craig Rubens (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth) and Scott Jackson, VP, External Relations, PATH).
LCEDIR committee members include Senators Jerome Delvin, Tracey Eide, Mike Hewitt, Jim Kastama, Derek Kilmer, Cheryl Pflug and Paull Shin, and Representatives Barbara Bailey, Bruce Chandler, Bob Hasegawa, Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, Tim Probst, and Dan Roach.
