Gov. Inslee signs H.B. 1736 Photo: Washington State Legislative Support Services
On Friday (May 10), Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1736, sponsored by Representatives Hans Zeiger, Larry Seaquist, Larry Haler, Gerry Pollet, Cindy Ryu, David Sawyer, Steve Bergquist, Chad Magendanz, and Jessyn Farrell.
The central goal of the legislation is to enhance the efficiency of higher education institutions by better coordinating and streamlining certain state reporting requirements. The bill directs the Office of Financial Management, higher education institutions, and several state agencies to review reporting requirements, and report recommendations for changes by December 2013.
The bill was successfully amended in the State Senate to include a proposal from earlier legislation authored by Representative Marcus Riccelli, which allows for student advisory committees to be formed at each four-year institution of higher education. The purpose of the committees will be to advise and assist the administration of the institution on issues that directly affect students’ ability to access and succeed in their educational programs.
Among other provisions, the bill also allows institutions of higher education and state higher education agencies to use or accept secure electronic signatures.
The Olympian published an editorial today supporting reinvestment in higher education, and noting recent remarks given by President Young:
[W]e hope lawmakers will consider the remarks made by University of Washington President Michael Young at the Thurston County Chamber luncheon Wednesday. Young, who met earlier with The Olympian’s editorial board, laid out a convincing argument for increasing, not decreasing, the state’s investment in affordable higher education.
During a recent tour of countries in Asia, the UW president said he saw an urgency building in Korea, Japan and Taiwan to invest heavily in their higher education systems. Those countries see education and university-based research as the keys to America’s innovative and entrepreneurial advantages. In the long run, it’s the only model that works.
…
To retain our position as the world’s leader in innovation and science we must not let our investment in higher education stagnate. Investing in Washington’s higher education system today makes sense if we value sustained prosperity for all.
Seattle Times higher education reporter Katherine Long reports in today’s newspaper:
If the Legislature won’t give more money to higher education, University of Washington students are calling on the school to raise tuition by 3 percent, then put all of that money into faculty salaries.
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.
Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman, who is serving her first term in office, recently embarked on a 14-campus College Civics tour which included visits yesterday to University of Washington Tacoma and the Seattle campus.
During her stop at UW’s Seattle campus, Secretary Wyman talked with students about her background, the importance of voting and being involved in campus life and the community.
The University of Washington in collaboration with Washington State University is developing an “academic redshirt” program that will bring dozens of low-income Washington state high school graduates to the two universities to study engineering in a five-year bachelor’s program.
The cabinet-level agency was formed last year to oversee the state’s higher education system, provide strategic planning and advocacy for increased student success and to align pre-K-12 and postsecondary education opportunities.
According to the Governor’s news release, the four new appointees are:
Jeff Charbonneau is a teacher at Zillah High School. He was Washington state’s teacher of the year and was recently honored by President Barack Obama as National Teacher of the Year because of his innovative focus and teaching success in math and science. He is a National Board Certified STEM teacher and created a statewide robotics competition in which nearly 1,000 students have participated.
Maud Daudon is president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and former president and CEO of Seattle-Northwest Securities. She serves on the boards for a range of organizations including the Bullitt Foundation and Seattle Biomedical Research Institution. She served as deputy mayor and chief of staff for the City of Seattle from 1998 to 2001 and spent six years serving as the chief financial officer for the Port of Seattle. She served on Inslee’s transition team and former Governor Chris Gregoire’s Higher Education Funding Task Force.
Karen Lee is the CEO of Pioneer Human Services, a social enterprise organization recognized as a national model for providing employment services, job training, counseling and services for people overcoming chemical dependency, mental illness and criminal histories. Lee was appointed to Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees in 2010 and served five years as Commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Dr. Susana Reyes has served as Assistant Superintendent in the Pullman School District since 2006, providing leadership and oversight for district-wide instruction, curriculum development and assessment. She also administers all state and federal programs including Special Education, Title I/LAP, Title II, Title III, ELL and Highly Capable. She will be joining the Mead School District on July 1, 2013 as the Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs. Dr. Reyes is a first generation college graduate, earning her B.A., Ed.M. and Ed.D. at Washington State University.
After a 105-days of work, the Washington State Legislature officially adjourned its Regular Session on Sunday (April 28).
Late yesterday, Governor Inslee announced a Special Session will begin on May 13th at 9:00AM. State budget writers will meet in Olympia for the next two weeks in an attempt to work out a budget agreement.
On its final day in the Regular Session, the State Legislature did manage to pass a transportation budget, but a wider transportation package is among the issues Governor Inslee wants lawmakers to consider in the Special Session.
In other legislative news, House Republicans elected State Rep. Dan Kristiansen (R-39th Legislative District) as their new Minority Leader on Saturday (April 27). Kristiansen replaces Rep. Richard DeBolt (R-20th Legislative District) who recently stepped down due to health concerns.
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.
President Michael K. Young stops for a photo with our state’s namesake in the Capitol Building.
President Michael K. Young was in Olympia again today to meet with budget and Higher Education leaders.
Discussion centered on the needs of Higher Education in general, and the University of Washington in particular. Now that both chambers have passed budgets, negotiators have to address the differences between proposals — and find common ground to pass a final budget.
