Government Affairs
"You are either at the table or on the menu"
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
The PHCC of Washington Government Affairs committee identifies, addresses, educates and solves policy issues that affect our members and Washington State’s plumbing, heating and cooling industry. By working with local, state and federal lawmakers, as well as regulatory authorities, we aim to protect PHCCWA member interests. Please get in touch with a member of our committee to support this important work.
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Washington Political Action Committee (PHCCWA PAC) is a separate entity from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Washington (PHCCWA).
Our Mission is to support candidates running for office in either the Congress or the Senate in Washington State. We will work to build relationships with lawmakers that share our interests.
PHCCWA PAC is a nonpartisan entity that bases it contributory decisions on policies that affect its membership.
DAY ON THE HILL
Every year during legislative session, the PHCC-WA Government Affairs Committee visits the Washington State Legislature to meet with and carry our message to representatives and senators. Every year we hear a lawmaker iterate “Oh!! The Plumbers are here!” They love to see and visit with us to learn about how they can help us. Don’t miss out on this yearly event! It is always a rewarding experience.
2020 PHCCNA LEGISLATIVE AWARD
PHCCWA was honored in New Mexico with the 2020 PHCC National Legislative award for its legislative efforts and successfully working to get (add: consumer protection and stabilization measures outlined in SB6170 signed into law.
2018 PHCCNA LEGISLATIVE AWARD
PHCCWA was honored in Milwaukee Wisconsin with the 2018 PHCC National Legislative award for its legislative efforts.
CONSUMER PROTECTION & STABILIZATION IN PLUMBING
Download our Plumbing Fact Sheet for SB6170 Bill
MAKE A DONATION TO SUPPORT OUR LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS
OUR LOBBYISTS
Chester Baldwin
LOBBY WASHINGTON, LLC
Chester is a lobbyist and attorney in private practice at Baldwin Legal Group, PLLC representing clients at the Legislature and with agencies of government. He has built strong relationships with lawmakers in House and Senate Leadership and members of each caucus to facilitate the priorities of his clients. Chester’s business experience along with his degrees in Healthcare, Finance, Business Computer Information Systems, and Law make him uniquely positioned to facilitate unified solutions on a broad range of client issues. He routinely facilitates meetings with lawmakers, reviews and drafts legislation, and testifies before the Legislature.
Chester graduated from the University of Washington – Foster School of Business with Honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Business Computer Information Systems and concurrently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health from the University of Washington – School of Public Health and Community Medicine. After graduating, he worked as a financial analyst and healthcare consultant for Mercer Human Resource Consulting before attending Seattle University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate, graduating with Honors. Chester is a member of the Washington State Bar Assn and the Thurston & Pierce County Bar Assns and is also admitted to practice in Federal Court.
As a lobbyist in Olympia, Chester represents a diverse group of clients, associations, and industries dedicated to serving their members. Chester works with lawmakers, state agencies, and county and city governments to solve his clients’ issues and protect their industries from burdensome regulation and tax consequences.
Joe DePinto
HOMETOWN CONSULTING, LLC
Joe has over ten years of experience working in Washington State politics having worked for United States Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, State Rep. Paul Harris, and former State Rep. Susan Fagan. Along with his experience working with elected officials, Joe also has a good working relationship with the Association of Washington Cities and has focused on local government and non-profit issues the past five legislative sessions.
Joe has area expertise in local government, transportation issues, gaming and tribal relations, as well a focus on budgetary and fiscal matters. During the 2019 Legislative Session, Joe assisted in helping his clients receive over $10 million in grants on thirty-six different projects in Washington State. In 2021 he was able to help secure full funding of $6 million to complete a pedestrian bridge for the City of Orting.
Joe is also the current Mayor for the City of Yelm, a past board member for the Thurston County Economic Development Council as well as a member on many different local boards and community organizations. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, poker, clam digging and karaoke.