The 2014 60-day legislative session starts next Monday (January 13).
To learn more about the UW’s 2014 top legislative priorities, you can now read and download the University’s 2014 Legislative Agenda.
Here is a quick overview:
Priority #1: Preserve the 2014 Resident Undergraduate Tuition Freeze
The UW is committed to a continued freeze in 2014 as long as there are no reductions in state funding.
Priority #2: Fully fund the State Need Grant (SNG).
Last year, 32,000 students were eligible for the SNG but went unserved.
Priority #3: Make strategic investments in What’s Next
Small strategic investments in innovative work occurring at the UW can result in big economic impact:
- Next Generation Medicine
- Next Generation Health Care
- Next Generation STEM Education
- Next Generation Higher Education
In other Olympia news:
Several House seats are still awaiting appointments, including the 2nd, 4th, and 26th Legislative Districts.
Longtime legislator and former UW faculty member and alum, Sen. Paull Shin, announced his resignation yesterday due to health concerns. His departure creates a vacancy in the Senate, with an appointment process expected to fill his seat representing the 21st Legislative District.
Also this week, a variety of business, civic, and media organizations are holding a variety of legislative preview events. One not to be missed is the Associated Press’ annual legislative preview. It’s set for tomorrow in Olympia (watch live on TVW or online).
Finally, tomorrow the House Republican Caucus will be holding a Twitter town hall, answering questions from constituents online:
Share thoughts about state gov. at #solutionsWA Republican leaders will be responding Jan. 9 at 12:30pm in our 1st Twitter town hall.
— Washington State House Republicans (@WaHouseGOP) January 8, 2014
The House Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Caucus, and Majority Coalition Caucus also maintain Twitter accounts, with updates covering legislative news.
Stay tuned to the Office of State Relations’ Facebook and Twitter for updates as the countdown to the 2014 legislative session continues! Leave us a comment below with any questions or feedback.