Cascade Agenda Lobby Day

Cascade Agenda Day draws hundreds to Olympia

Seattle, WA Feb 08, 2007 More than 150 people lined the staircases under the Capitol Rotunda Thursday for the Cascade Agenda Day, a major push to urge legislators to enact legislation needed to achieve the goals and aspirations of The Cascade Agenda. Gov. Chris Gregoire was greeted by a rousing cheer as she addressed the crowd, many of them sporting green Cascade Land Conservancy caps. The Conservancy is the host organization for the Cascade Agenda.

"Your priorities are our priorities," said Governor Gregoire to a great cheer.

Governor Gregoire said legislation proposed by the Cascade Agenda can advance a state-wide agenda to help farmers and foresters stay as farmers and foresters.

The State Legislature is now in session and the Cascade Land Conservancy and The Cascade Agenda are stepping up the pace to assure success for our 2007 Legislative Agenda for The Cascade Agenda. This session is a critical building block for the success of The Cascade Agenda and its goal of conserving great lands and creating great communities. The Governor’s proposed budget supports the creation of a regional Transfer of Development Rights marketplace and the promise such market-based tools hold for our region. TDRs, and other elements of the legislative package, are vital to our efforts.

Before and after the noon-time program, supporters of the Cascade Agenda fanned out throughout the Legislature talking one-on-one with legislators from their own districts.

More than 50 meetings were held with senators and representatives. Several meetings included high-level session with top leadership in the Legislature.

Governor Gregoire and others commented on the turnout and the enthusiasm of the Cascade Agenda supporters.

"This is just what we need," Governor Gregoire said.

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