You may recall at the onset of the pandemic last spring, the Washington State Economic and Revenue Council estimated a shocking $9 billion state budget deficit. This forecast was particularly troubling to those of us in higher education. State appropriations to the University of Washington were cut in half during the Great Recession and the UW has only now, more than a decade later, reached pre-recession levels of funding. Another significant reduction in appropriations from the state now would be devastating. Thankfully, subsequent revenue estimates have been less bleak. In fact, the November 2020 forecast adjusted the state’s projected revenue shortfall down to $2.4 billion. Although the deficit is not as large as initially anticipated, the legislature will still have their work cut out for them when they convene virtually on January 11.
In response to the state fiscal environment, our operating budget requests are modest and primarily focus on the significant COVID-19 related needs of our hospital system. On the other hand, we are proposing several major capital budget requests including funding for construction of an Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in Seattle, the new Milgard Hall in Tacoma and the new Behavioral Health teaching hospital at UW Medical Center Northwest. To read the full list of the UW’s capital and operating budget requests, click here. Last week we received the good news that Governor Inslee’s 2021-23 budget proposal included funding for nearly all of our operating and capital budget requests. While not a guarantee, this is an encouraging first step forward.
As we prepare for the start of the legislative session, it is important to note that the upcoming session will primarily be conducted remotely. This presents a unique challenge for us—much of our work happens when we catch a member or staffer in the hallway between meetings or in line for a cup of coffee. These serendipitous encounters simply don’t happen in a virtual environment. It is comforting, however, to know that everyone is in the same boat. No one has figured out how to navigate virtual session yet, but I know the State Relations team will find new ways to make the University’s voices heard.
As 2020 comes to a close and vaccine distribution begins, it might be tempting to think the pandemic is finally moving behind us. As President Cauce often says however, while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s still a very long tunnel that will take many more months to navigate through. As we enter this new year full of renewed hope, all of us in the Office of External Affairs will continue to be vigilant and advocate for continued investments in the important work of our great University.