It’s day three of the 2025 legislative session, which began Monday and is scheduled to run until April 27. Washington state operates on a two-year budget cycle, and during this session, lawmakers will decide the 2025-27 operating, capital, and transportation budgets.
President Cauce champions the UW in Olympia
Yesterday, UW President Ana Mari Cauce traveled to Olympia to meet with legislators about the University’s priorities. She met with leaders in both the House and Senate who are responsible for negotiating the operating and capital budgets, as well as with members of the higher education committees.
During these meetings, President Cauce emphasized the University’s top priority: 100% state funding for faculty and staff compensation. As a public institution, state support is critical to the operations of the UW and the success of students. Additional state funding for compensation would support the University’s ability to recruit and retain employees and admit more Washington first-year and transfer students to the Seattle campus.
President Cauce also discussed the UW’s capital budget requests to fund the construction and modernization of chemical sciences facilities in Seattle and campus decarbonization projects. Additionally, she inquired how the UW can best support legislators and be a strong partner throughout the legislative session and beyond.
UW testifies on the Governor Inslee’s budget proposals
The Office of State Relations serves as the primary liaison between the UW and state government, and is currently in Olympia advocating for the University’s legislative agenda.
Over the past few days, Joe Dacca, Director of the Office of State Relations, and Morgan Hickel, Associate Director, testified before the House and Senate fiscal committees on former Governor Inslee’s proposed operating and capital budgets. Given that Washington state is facing a $10-12 billion budget deficit, they expressed gratitude that the proposal largely maintains the UW’s base funding. However, they also encouraged investment in the University’s critical needs, particularly the compensation funding request.
On the capital budget, they were appreciative that the proposal fully funded the construction and modernization of the chemical sciences facilities in Seattle, and they requested funding for decarbonization projects in Seattle if Climate Commitment Account dollars become available.
To watch hearings, visit TVW.
Governor Ferguson sworn into office
Governor Bob Ferguson was officially sworn into office today. In his inaugural speech, Gov. Ferguson highlighted some of the challenges facing Washington, including affordability, public safety, and housing, but also his optimism to “make progress and increase opportunities for Washingtonians.” He emphasized that during his tenure he’ll be focused on bipartisanship and measurable goals. To read his full speech, click here.
Immediately after, Gov. Ferguson signed three executive orders on housing, reproductive freedom, and permit and licensing reform. The orders direct state agencies to take immediate action on these issues.
Questions?
The Office of State Relations will remain in Olympia throughout the session. For questions on the UW’s legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please reach out to Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu.