On October 7th, Dr. Joel Berg, Chairman of Pediatric Dentistry, testified before the Oversight and Government Reform’s subcommittee on Domestic Policy. The hearing was held to examine the steps that state Medicaid programs have taken to improve access to and utilization of dental services by Medicaid eligible children. Dr. Berg addressed his testimony to the academic and peer-reviewed research that has been conducted on the State of Washington Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program, and the administration of the program. While he was here he was also able to meet with Senator Murray, Representative McDermott, and a member of Representative Reichert’s office.
Brad Portin, Director and Professor of Education at UW Bothell, was in DC mid-October to attend an educational conference. While he was here, he met with a staff member in the Office of Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (member of the House Education & Labor Committee) to urge support for the Department of Education’s School Leadership Program, make recommendations for the anticipated reauthorization of “No Child Left Behind” legislation, and discuss the ongoing learning needs of teachers to more effectively meet the needs of diverse students.
Kenyon Chan, Chancellor of the UW Bothell campus, and Kelly Snyder, Director of Government and Community Relations at the Bothell campus, were both in DC October 20-22 to meet with Members of Congress and organizations of higher education. They were able to meet with Senators Murray and Cantwell, Congressmen Inslee, Dicks, and McDermott, and professional staff from the offices of Congressmen Larsen, Reichert, and Smith. They also had meetings at the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. They were able to discuss projects underway at the Bothell campus and learn of possible intersections with federal priorities and opportunities.
Also on October 20th, Dr. Paul Ramsey, Dean of the School of Medicine, was in DC with J. Shan Mullin, Vice Chair of the UW Board of Medicine. They met with both Senators and several members of the House to provide an update on how health reform may affect academic health centers and graduate medical education, as well as on UW’s plans to “grow” medical education opportunities in Spokane.
President Mark Emmert completed the visitors to DC. He was in town to attend the National Security higher Education Advisory Board meeting. He also had a meeting at The Chronicle of Higher Education, and attended a University Leaders Roundtable Discussion with India Prime Minister Sibal.
Note: If you are planning a trip to Washington, DC, please contact the Office of Federal Relations (202.624.1420) for assistance in setting up appointments to meet with Members or staffers of the Washington delegation. We’re happy to help.