Category: Huskies on the Hill

On Friday (April 24), the Legislature adjourned from its regular session. With several critical items left undone, including a 2015-2017 operating budget, Governor Inslee announced he will call the Legislature back into session this Wednesday (April 29). Meanwhile, the Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler has called for the Legislature to finish its work by May 15. For more background on where things stand with higher education budgets, be sure to read this Seattle Times article.

Stay tuned to the blog for more updates as we head into special session!

In other news, Governor Inslee recently signed two bills related to higher education (and offered by UW alums!) into law.

SB 5638 sponsored by Sen. Bob Hasegawa expands access to the State Need Grant.

HB 1138 sponsored by Rep. Tina Orwall creates a task force on mental health and suicide prevention.

Gov. signing SB 5638 with COP, @SBCTCWashington, @WorkforceWash, @WSACouncil staff, expanding access to financial aid pic.twitter.com/9rmsUuzKKY

— Council of Presidents (@CouncilofPresWA) April 27, 2015

Yay to signing of HB 1138 creating task force on mental health & suicide prevention in higher ed @tinaorwall pic.twitter.com/vdmke7MEzp

— WWU Government Relations (@WWUGOV) April 27, 2015

This is the seventh installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Representative Jake Fey, B.A. ’71, who represents the 27th Legislative District. He currently serves on the Capital Budget, Environment, and Transportation committees.

Representative Fey was the first in his family to attend college, earning a BA in Political Science from the University of Washington and then an MPA from the University of Puget Sound. He has lived in Tacoma for more than 30 years, and has two children and two grandkids.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

Washington State’s elected leaders face challenges and opportunities that will impact the State’s future for many years to come. It is vitally important that the right decisions are made that will help move Washington’s economy forward and create increased prosperity for the citizens of the State. I believe that I can provide sorely needed leadership on educational, economic and transportation issues that will help move the State forward. We are still dealing with a very sluggish economy. We have a transportation infrastructure in need of substantial investments in order to effectively move goods and people. Most importantly, the State has been shortsighted in its support of our K-12 and higher education system. We are at great risk of losing out on future business investment because we may not have an educational system that produces the workforce that is needed. I am an experienced leader. I am a problem solver. I am a consensus builder. I am a policymaker that understands the important issues facing our State, and I will also bring extensive budget experience to the Legislature. Above all, I will bring a deep passion for improving the lives of our next generation Washingtonians.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

Providing leadership on key issues that will facilitate the State of Washington’s recovery from the economic downturn is my top priority. My three key priorities are jobs, education, and transportation. A recovered state economy will provide us with more financial resources to address the needs of vulnerable peoples. That being said, in the near term, I will vote for additional revenue sources to meet the State’s duty to support the vulnerable.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

The biggest surprise is the level of congeniality among members regardless of political leanings and the high respect shown for legislative staff. The biggest disappointment has been the failure by the Legislature to address gun violence.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for higher education in our state?

Higher education institutions in Washington State provide a great service to the people of the State but face a long term crisis. Students often lack the necessary resources to access higher education. Low interest loans, grants, and scholarships are an opportunity for many students to get through school. Sadly, not all students have the same opportunities. How the State funds education and how students finance school need to undergo a transformation. I am working with other Representatives to address this very serious under-investment in higher education.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

I have a great job as the Director of the Washington State University Energy Program addressing challenges to the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and developing renewable energy resources. I enjoy biking, running, golf, and attending sporting events and movies.

This is the sixth installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Senator Paull Shin M.A. ’72, Ph.D. ’80, who represents the 21st Legislative District. After 31 years of teaching at the college level, he retired, only to embrace public service.

Sen. Shin was elected to the Washington State Senate in 1999. Prior to that, he served in the House of Representatives from 1993-1994. He is Vice President Pro Tempore which presides over floor action in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

Having received so many blessings in this country, I decided to give back through public service. I was born in Korea and adopted by an American GI during the Korean War. After coming to the U.S., with the support of my adoptive family, I was able to learn English, receive a GED, and eventually earn a PhD from the University of Washington. I worked for 31 years as a college professor before my election to the Washington State Legislature. I have served for 19 years now. I’m still motivated by the people of Washington State and the many blessings I have received in the U.S.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

As a former chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and longtime college professor, education has always been one of my main priorities. This session I have been focused on improving access to higher education for students with disabilities. My colleagues and I have passed a bill that will improve communication, establish best practices and help coordinate the transition process.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

The biggest surprise and disappointment, for me, was the inability of the Senate to pass the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would make state need grants available for qualified students who are Washington residents but do not have citizenship status. As an immigrant myself, one of the greatest equalizers has been access to education. Without going to college I would not have been able to accomplish what I have today. I want to make sure the hardworking students of Washington have a chance to succeed and pursue their potential.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for Higher Education in our state?

While I am concerned about the direction higher education has been heading for the past few years I think there is a recognition among my fellow legislators that continued underfunding and tuition increases will price students out of the classroom and undermine the quality of higher education in Washington State. I believe that, with proper funding and attention, we can ensure the highest quality education at an affordable price.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

When I’m not meeting with constituents in the district or traveling to other countries to promote positive relations with Washington State, I spend a lot of time with my wife and family. I have two children and five grandchildren who are the joy of my life. This summer I look forward to celebrating my 50th wedding anniversary with my wonderful wife, Donna.

This is the fifth installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Representative Jessyn Farrell, B.A., History, ’96, who represents the 46th Legislative District.

Elected in 2012, Rep. Farrell previously worked as the Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition, an organization dedicated to expanding bus, rail, bicycle and pedestrian transportation options. As a mother of two young children, she is passionate about Washington’s education system.

Rep. Farrell serves on the Environment Committee, Early Learning and Human Services Committee, and Transportation Committee.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

I believe more moms need to be involved in the political process. We make major policy decisions on a daily basis that affect children and families. It’s important to have the perspective of those who are on the front lines of trying to make a living, taking care of kids, and giving them the very best. I ran for the state legislature to provide that voice and that perspective.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

In addition to meeting the Supreme Court mandate to fully funding K-12 education and keeping public university education more accessible, my own bills include efforts to: reform and improve the Working Connections Child Care Program that helps low-income families work or find work by subsidizing child care; provide local funding options to save King County Metro service; and make it easier to construct affordable housing and promote transit-oriented development.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

The most significant surprise so far this session has been how cool it is to vote on all sorts of issues! There are policy areas that I’m very passionate about, and working to pass legislation on those issues has been very rewarding. It has also been fascinating to learn about all the other things that our legislature works on.

The biggest disappointment was the defeat of commonsense legislation to close gun background check loopholes. We have a lot of work to do in the coming months to move this legislation forward.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for Higher Education in our state?

Reinvesting in our higher education institutions is one of my top priorities as a legislator. When I attended the University of Washington, the state contribution to higher education was 70 percent, with families paying the remaining 30 percent. In the past few years those numbers have been flipped on their head, with the burden now falling heavily on students and parents. We need to reverse that trend.

I believe there is bipartisan consensus around the need to restore higher education funding and reinvigorate our universities. Agreeing on where that money will come from – particularly in the shadow of McCleary – will be challenging, and it may not happen this year. But I believe over the next few years we will see a renewed commitment in Olympia to funding higher education.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

I spend my time with my two kids and husband, swimming in Lake Washington, hiking in the mountains and enjoying city parks – can you tell I’m looking forward to summer? I will also return to my regular work as an attorney and mediator.

This is the fourth installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Representative Steve O’Ban, B.A., History, ’84, who represents the 28th Legislative District.

Rep. O’Ban and his wife, Laurie, a Tacoma Community College instructor, have two sons serving in the United States Army. After graduating from the University of Washington, he attended Seattle University School of Law.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

I believed that my 25 years as an attorney, and other leadership opportunities, could be of help to the legislative process. I have found that to be true and am very grateful for the opportunity to use this background and my professional skills to help make our state better.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

Increase job growth in the private sector, help veterans transitioning from military service to the private sector find living wage jobs, and bring transparency and accountability to state government so it spends taxpayers’ money more effectively.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

My biggest, pleasant surprise is the higher degree of bi-partisanship than I expected and biggest disappointment is the number of good bills that die because of the lack of time or other, less worthy bills eat up precious legislative time.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for Higher Education in our state?

I believe policymakers of all parties are in agreement that higher education is too expensive and pricing the middle class and disadvantaged out of the opportunity to take part in the American dream. I hope that in this legislative session we spend the money and make the reforms to increase access to higher education.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

I am an attorney in private practice in the firm Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC in Seattle and I volunteer at a legal clinic and serve on the boards and volunteer with the Rescue Mission and a nonprofit serving the Yakama Indian Reservation.

This is the third installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Representative Steve Bergquist B.A., History, ’02; B.A., Political Science, ’02, who represents the 11th Legislative District.

Representative Bergquist is serving his first term in the Washington State Legislature. He is a public school teacher, union member and small business owner from Renton.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science and history, he attended Western Washington University for his master’s degree in education and social studies. His wife, Avanti, is a faculty physician at the UW and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

The opportunity, as an active teacher and community leader, to support our students from pre-K through higher ed and to be a strong voice for the great constituents of the 11th district.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

Fully funding our basic public education system and keeping tuition from skyrocketing – while protecting our safety net for those in need.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

My biggest surprise is the amount of time that it takes to be an effective legislator. This is truly a full-time job. My biggest disappointment is the lack of ability to find a plan, thus far, to fund our education and transportation needs.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for Higher Education in our state?

I am optimistic over the next decade that we can get tuition increases under control, fully fund our state need grants and college bound scholarship qualifiers and maintain and grow our GET program.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

I am a public high school social studies teacher and tennis coach at Lindbergh High School in Renton.

This is the second installment in our “Huskies on the Hill” series featuring UW Alumni serving in state government.

Today’s Q&A features State Senator Nathan Schlicher,  J.D., ’02; M.D, ’06 who represents the 26th Legislative District.

Prior to earning his medical degree, Sen. Schlicher earned a law degree from the University of Washington, and as an undergraduate studied political science and biology at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. He met his wife, Jessica, on their first day of classes at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Sen. Schlicher was appointed to the State Senate earlier this year, filling the vacancy left by now U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer.

1. What motivated you to run for office?

In my daily life, I am an ER doctor at an urban emergency department and see people suffering from so many ills. Our broken health care system with 50 million uninsured unable to get care was troubling. I saw so many patients struggling with homelessness, addiction, poverty, and searching for work. I believe that we must do more to help our fellow citizens and not forget about them. My hope is to bring their stories to the legislature and remind politicians that at the end of the pen are people that are affected by changes in service.

2. What are your legislative priorities this session?

My priorities are diverse. Getting our economy moving forward and people back to work is critical. We also need to support small business that provide a large majority of jobs in our communities and make sure that they can compete by streamlining the regulatory process. Fully funding education as required by the Supreme Court in the McCleary decision must begin this year if we are to reach our 2018 target. We must also fully implement the medicaid expansion and ensure that we get to the point where we have universal coverage so that people can get the health care they need.

3. What has been the biggest surprise and biggest disappointment for you so far this session?

As a citizen who joined the legislature, I am not a career politician. I believe that we should all be working for the good of our constituents, regardless of party, and help be better stewards of the dollars entrusted to us. It was surprising and disappointing to find career politicians that put their political success above the needs of my constituents. As a result, I believe now more than ever that we need more citizen legislators and less career politicians so that we can get away from these partisan games.

4. What do you think the long-term outlook is for Higher Education in our state?

We are blessed in Washington State to have an amazing higher education system. Unfortunately the system is under immense pressure due to the state financial challenges. I am supportive of tuition freezes through adequate funding this year and beginning the process of reversing the erosion of funding for higher education. I also want to be clear that GET should not be changed by the legislature. There is a less than 1% chance of insolvency despite the media hype. There is no reason to close the program at this time.

5. How do you spend your time when the legislature is not in session?

When I am not in session I work in the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington and as the associate director for a national Patient Safety Organization at TeamHealth. My family is also my passion, including my wife Dr. Jessica Kennedy-Schlicher (2006 UWSOM grad), son David (4), daughter Juliette (2), and soon our third child in June. When time allows around all of that, I enjoy getting out in our community in Gig Harbor, visiting my family in Bremerton, and enjoying the great outdoors we have here in the state.