Last week, state lawmakers gathered in Olympia for House and Senate Committee Assembly Days, during which they held educational briefings and planned for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Newly elected members were also invited to participate, offering them a chance to meet their colleagues and get a preview of the legislative process.
In the higher education committees of the House and Senate, lawmakers heard presentations on state financial aid programs, FASFA completion efforts, improving reentry program outcomes, student perspectives on higher education, and notable early childhood education workforce development programs.
The fiscal committees received important updates on the budget outlook for the 2025 session, including state revenue collections reports and caseload forecasts.
Throughout the week, the Office of State Relations shared the University of Washington’s 2025 legislative priorities with legislators and their staff. In the operating budget, the UW is focused on core state investment, including fully funding faculty and staff compensation, and supporting high-demand degree programs across all three campuses. In the capital budget, the UW’s priorities will include securing funding for the construction and modernization of chemical sciences facilities and campus decarbonization initiatives for the Seattle campus. For detailed information about the UW’s legislative priorities, view the 2025 legislative agenda here.
In addition to a number of presentations from UW Medicine faculty and leadership, UW Professor Heather Hill had the opportunity to present in the House Labor and Workplace Standards committee regarding Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Her presentation focused on a report regarding a Job Protection Study and she made several recommendations to the legislature that would help make the program more transparent and sustainable
Gov. Jay Inslee will kick off the budget process with the release of his budget proposals, which are expected to be released on Tuesday, December 17. The House and Senate will develop their proposals during the 105-day legislative session, which starts on January 13, concludes on April 27. For updates on the UW’s advocacy efforts during session, visit the News & Updates section.