Policy Committees

Policy Committees Overview

CSG West policy committees serve as dynamic forums for exchanging ideas and fostering collaborative learning on critical regional issues. Under the coordination of committee co-chairs, these committees bring together members and subject-matter experts to engage in thoughtful discussions on specific policy challenges and explore innovative, cooperative solutions. Additionally, policy committees can propose resolutions and policy positions for consideration by the CSG West Executive Committee.

Role of Committee Members

CSG West policy committee members play a vital role in shaping discussions on key policy issues affecting the Western region. Their responsibilities include:

• Advocating for State Priorities – Members bring forward pressing issues from their states and suggest topics for committee discussions.
• Engaging in Policy Dialogue – Through active participation, members exchange information, share best practices, and promote regional cooperation to address policy challenges.
• Fostering Constructive Discussions – Members contribute to an open and productive dialogue by ensuring a diversity of viewpoints is heard and considered.
• Upholding CSG West’s Nonpartisan Mission – Members support CSG West’s role as a neutral convener, helping facilitate balanced, solution-focused discussions.
• Committing to Participation – Members are encouraged to attend CSG West’s Annual Meetings during the 2025-2026 biennium:
  • 78th Annual Meeting – Jackson, Wyoming | September 16-19, 2025
  • 79th Annual Meeting – Salt Lake City, Utah | July 7-10, 2026

Through their engagement, committee members help shape meaningful policy discussions and strengthen collaboration among Western policymakers.

Eligibility to Serve

State legislators currently serving in one of CSG West’s 13 member states are eligible to participate in CSG West policy committees.

Term of Position

Committee members serve two-year terms. The current term covers the 2025-2026 biennium.

Committee Appointments

Committee members are appointed by the highest-ranking legislative leader in each state’s legislative chamber. Legislators interested in serving on a policy committee are encouraged to fill out the form at the bottom of this page and communicate their interest to the appointing authority in their chamber.

For questions about CSG West’s policy committees, please contact westpolicy@csg.org.

2025-26 CSG West Policy Committees

Explore the 2025-26 CSG West policy committees, co-chairs, and members below.

Committee Leadership

Senator Ron Winterton

Utah

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Representative Marco Erickson

Idaho

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Representative Marta Bertoglio

Montana

Co-Chair

Senator Troy Hashimoto

Hawaii

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Senator Catherine Blakespear

California

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Representative Maxine Dibert

Alaska

Co-Chair

Senator Dan Dockstader

Wyoming

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Representative Matt Soper

Colorado

Co-Chair

Representative My Linh Thai

Washington

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Senator David Brock Smith

Oregon

Co-Chair

Assemblyman Howard Watts

Nevada

Co-Chair

Committee Leadership

Representative Andrew Stoddard

Utah

Co-Chair

2025-26 CSG West Program Committees

BLC Committee Leadership

Diputada Ernestina Castro Valenzuela

Sonora

Chair

CRF Committee Leadership

President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart

New Mexico

2025 Chair

Interested in Joining a Policy Committee?