Meet the Candidates June 27 at Pyramid Brewery
On June 27, WTIA will host its third annual “Bringing Tech and Politics Together” networking event at the Pyramid Brewery, across from Safeco Field.
Because this is such a momentous election year, WTIA is hosting two candidate networking events this year, one before the primary on June 27 and the other after the primary election on August 22.
We are inviting most statewide candidates, including Sen. Maria Cantwell and her top challenger Michael Baumgartner, along with the candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor and numerous state legislative seats.
You can register here: http://www.cvent.com/events/wtia-techpac-event/event-summary-3e3eb0c6e01643bd98311f168ccd5023.aspx
The WTIA engages in political activity because we strongly believe that advocating for the technology industry is a critical component of what we do as the state’s top technology trade association. Since we advocate for certain public policies, we must also help those in the legislative arena who support what we stand for.
The WTIA actively lobbies for improvements in K-12 math and science, for increased STEM degrees, for maintaining an affinity group health plan and for R&D tax credits. While these issues may seem non-controversial, there are interest groups in Olympia that are against these policies. They are organized, well funded and very active politically.
For the tech industry to be heard, WTIA must also get involved in funding campaigns, meeting candidates and working with elected officials of all political stripes to enact the policies that promote innovation. TechPAC, WTIA’s political action committee, makes campaign contributions to those incumbents and candidates who have a record of support for our policy priorities. You can read more about TechPAC here and make a contribution: http://www.washingtontechnology.org/advocacy/techpac.aspx
WTIA also works closely with the Technology Alliance and WA Biotech and Biomedical Association on a shared public policy platform that promotes the issues listed above.
Come on out to Pyramid Brewery on June 27 to meet the candidates and be active in the thriving and vital Washington state tech community.
