Tomorrow marks the halfway point of the 60-day legislative session. House and Senate fiscal committees met over the weekend to hear bills and move them out of committee prior to fiscal cutoff today. Bills that did not pass out of fiscal committee are now “dead” unless considered necessary to implement the budget. The House and Senate will now convene for floor action to consider and vote on the bills that remain alive, including several that impact the higher education community:
- Financial aid:
- HB 1659, expands the Washington College Grant by modifying the income eligibility threshold and award levels.
- HB 1736, establishes a state student loan program.
- HB 1835, creates outreach and student financial aid completion initiatives to increase postsecondary enrollment.
- SB 5789, creates a career and college pathway innovation challenge program to help the state meet higher education attainment goals.
- HB 1751, prohibits hazing on and off campus and requires hazing prevention education.
- SB 5597, creates a statewide voter demographic database at the UW.
- SB 5764, studies apprenticeship opportunities and requires policies granting credit at higher education institutions for apprenticeships where possible and appropriate.
- SB 5854, concerns ethical performance of faculty duties.
- SB 5874, expands residency to students affiliated with the military.
- SB 5942, allows college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, or likeness.
For a complete list of the bills being considered by the legislature or to look up a bill not listed above, click here.
House and Senate budget writers are currently drafting the supplemental operating and capital budgets. Budget leaders have completed their first review of the budgets and are now digging into the details. The drafts will be released later in session for consideration by the entirety of the House and Senate.
UW Regents join panel discussion with higher education and budget leaders
Last week, regents and trustees from the state’s public two- and four-year higher education institutions gathered for an annual day of advocacy to champion the Council of Presidents and State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ joint legislative agenda. In a virtual legislative session, that meant participating in Zoom panel discussions with democratic and republican higher education and budget leaders in the House and Senate. Legislators in attendance included Senators Andy Billig, Chris Gildon, and Emily Randall, and Representatives Laurie Jinkins, J.T. Wilcox, Kelly Chambers, Debra Entenman, Mari Leavitt, Timm Ormsby, and Vandana Slatter.
Regent David Zeeck served as the University of Washington’s spokesperson, but most of the Board of Regents was in attendance. Regents and trustees spoke to legislators about the importance of improving compensation for faculty and staff, increasing high demand degree enrollment, and addressing student challenges resulting from the pandemic.
Thank you to all our Regents for participating in this important advocacy day.
Regents Forsman and Berisha testify at Senate confirmation hearing
The Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee held confirmation hearings for Regents Leonard Forsman and Djelli Berisha on Feb. 1. UW Regents are appointed to their positions by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Confirmation hearings are the first step the Senate takes before bringing the appointments to the floor for a final vote.
Regent Forsman is the chairman of the Suquamish tribe and first native regent at the UW. In his testimony, he emphasized his decades-long involvement in early learning, K-12, and higher education advocacy and leadership, which was spurred by his family and tribe. He also highlighted his past and ongoing work with the Burke Museum, including collaborating to create the Suquamish tribal archives and museum. Regent Forsman outlined his goal of continuing to improve recruitment and retention for native students and faculty in higher education, as well as his work to elevate the role of tribal liaisons at all three UW campuses. He recognized the diversity of education at the UW and underscored the importance of providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for today’s challenges.
Regent Berisha is the first UW Bothell student to serve on the Board of Regents as shared in his testimony. He is grateful for the opportunity to represent and advocate for students and as the first-generation son of Albanian immigrant parents, aims to use his platform to help all students navigate higher education. He highlighted his work on the Diversity Action Plan and degree mapping initiative, and his efforts to secure resources for students during the pandemic to help with the transition to remote learning. He is currently examining narratives around admissions, higher education pathways, and the role of a public serving institution as he builds meaningful, collaborative relationships to encourage bolder visions for the University’s tri-campus system.
Regents Forsman and Berisha were unanimously confirmed by the committee. Their appointments will now go to the Senate floor for consideration and a final vote by the body. The UW is very fortunate to have their leadership.