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News from Olympia: Legislative Session Day 26

We are nearing completion of our first full month in session! Here are a few highlights:

On Thursday, January 26, Dr. Chuck Murray from UW Medicine facilitated a presentation on cell regeneration to members of the Legislature.

Dr. Chuck Murray presenting to Legislators
Dr. Chuck Murray presenting to Legislators

UW faculty representative, JoAnn Taricani testified in support of HB 1561 regarding textbooks and open educational resources (OER) in the House Higher Education committee on Tuesday, January 31.

JoAnn Taricani testifying to the House Higher Education committee
JoAnn Taricani testifying to the House Higher Education committee

That same day, student representatives Alex Wirth from UW-Seattle and Anna Nepomuceno from UW-Tacoma testified in support of HB 1561  to the House Higher Education committee as well as provided a presentation on the impact of textbook costs on students in the Senate Higher Education committee.

Alex Wirth presenting to the Senate Higher Education committee
Alex Wirth presenting to the Senate Higher Education committee
Anna Nepomuceno presenting to the Senate Higher Education committee
Anna Nepomuceno presenting to the Senate Higher Education committee

Dr. Philip Reid, Vice Provost of Academic and Student Affairs, shared his perspective of teaching requirements and faculty workload to the Senate Higher Education committee on Tuesday, January 31.

Dr. Philip Reid talking to the Senate Higher Education committee
Dr. Philip Reid talking to the Senate Higher Education committee

February 2 was Regents and Trustees Day, with thirty representatives from four-and two-year institutions across the state of Washington traveling to the capitol to advocate for higher education. The group met with legislators from the House and Senate, concluding with a meeting with Governor Jay Inslee.

Regents and Trustees at Capitol 2-2-17 UW Regents with Randy 2-2-17  Regents and Trustees with Gov Regents and Trustees 2-2-17

To keep up with the latest from Olympia, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any questions about state topics, please call 206-543-7604.