Government Affairs Director
Ewald Consulting
MASA Lobbyist
The calls, texts, in-person meetings with your legislators, regional gatherings, and days at the Capitol all mattered, and I’m grateful for the time and energy members invested in this session. Your engagement did not go unnoticed.
I also want to thank you for the feedback and questions you shared throughout the session. Hearing directly from members helps me better understand the issues you face as you work to lead and support your school districts.
If you have thoughts on how I can better serve you at the Capitol, whether in how I communicate, the information I provide, or how I advocate for the organization, I welcome that feedback. And if you have ideas for the legislative platform, please email (valeried@ewald.com), as I keep a running list for the legislative committee to discuss as they begin developing priorities.
Although the session has just ended, I am already thinking about the 2027 session and the challenges ahead. Over the interim, I’ll be monitoring several issues that will shape the next session. The Blue Ribbon Commission has been tasked with identifying $250 million in savings, and if those targets are not met, special education funding could face a commensurate reduction, something I’ll be watching carefully. The Compensatory Revenue Task Force will also be doing important work over the summer and fall, and we’ll be engaged in that process. The question of unemployment insurance for summer-term employees also remains unresolved and is an issue we’ll need to keep working on.
As we move through the interim, I’ll share opportunities to connect with legislators and stay engaged ahead of the next session. Until then, thank you again for everything you brought to this one.
