As a newly planted CPA to Spokane from Missoula, I was especially excited when Ashley Kittrell asked me to participate in the WSCPA’s second annual Hill Day this past January. To me, this was the perfect way to get acquainted with the important issues facing our profession, meet other influencers from around this great state, and determine how my contributions can make a positive impact. Needless to say, I accepted! So, on the very early Thursday morning of January 17^th, I boarded a plane and headed to the west side with two very impressive advocate members from Spokane, Bill Simer and Jillian Robison.

As we landed at SeaTac airport and began our journey to Olympia, there was an excitement in the air! I enjoyed listening to Bill and Jillian as they talked about their experiences from the prior year. The tone for the day was set as I realized how passionate our members feel with our responsibility to share expertise and assist legislators during each legislative session. Our members help provide unbiased insight and recommendations on fiscal policy that encourages growth and competition. We also contribute toward ensuring proposals are administrable and accomplish desired goals.

Arriving in Olympia, Kimberly Scott and Ashley led an orientation session to help further prepare Hill Day participants for the day’s activities. We discussed the issues for the day in more detail and were provided talking points to address certification and occupational licensure reform, changes to firm licensing legislation, and sales tax on professional services (proposed budget increase in B&O tax). In addition, specific attention was directed toward House Bill 1208 and Senate Bill 5767 concerning public accounting services.

Separate presentations were also made during the morning orientation to help deepen our understanding of the issues. We were able to learn more about the AICPA’s national perspective from Julia Woislaw, Manager of Advocacy Communications, and James Cox, Associate Director of State Legislation and Regulation, from the AICPA. Furthermore, we were provided an overview of topics that are currently being addressed by the Washington state Board of Accountancy from Charles Satterlund, Executive Director, and Jennifer Sciba, Deputy Director.

To begin our day on the Capitol Campus, our group met at the Legislative Building and was introduced to WSCPA Lobbyist, Lisa Thatcher, before heading to our first meeting with House Speaker Frank Chopp. My itinerary included meetings with Senator Mark Schoesler (9^th), Joel Kretz (7^th), Treasurer Duane Davidson, CPA (Republican), Jacquelin Maycumber, (7^th), and Shelly Short (7^th). One of the highlights of the day was accompanying fellow advocate Bill Simer to each meeting. I enjoyed observing Bill’s approach to leading many of the discussions with legislators and was impressed with his ability to articulate each agenda item. This was especially true as we were unexpectedly filmed during our conversation with Representative Maycumber with a camera and boom mic so close to our faces!

As I reflect on this experience, I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a powerful advocacy effort. It is encouraging to recognize the high level of support our profession is receiving from our legislators despite the political environment in Olympia and the challenges faced during this year’s legislative session. I am proud of all the hard work that Kimberly, Ashley and our WSCPA organization is accomplishing and strongly encourage our members to participate next year for Hill Day 2020.

Brandon Gebhardt is a CPA, CMA, CFE, and CSCA located in Spokane, Washington. His current role is an Accounting Manager at URM Stores Inc., a wholesale food distribution cooperative. Brandon is a member of the board of directors of the Spokane chapter of the WSCPA and Chair of the Events Committee.