The Office of State Relations serves as the principal liaison between the University of Washington and state government. Through strong relationships with state elected officials, their offices and state agencies, we work to advance the university’s mission and legislative priorities. We collaborate closely with the state’s five other public baccalaureate institutions as well as community and technical colleges, to identify shared interests and influence related public policy.
2023 Legislative Agenda
State support is essential to the University’s pursuit of our shared goals: to provide an excellent and accessible education for all Washingtonians, improve the health and sustainability of our state, and promote a prosperous economy.
State Lobbying Guidelines
We ask UW employees to coordinate advocacy with our office so that we can be clear, consistent, and comply with state requirements.
Partners and Resources
Explore the many organizations the Office of State Relations partners with both internally and externally.
Latest News and Updates
Legislation makes UW in the High School free to students
May 30, 2023
UWHS Director Tim Stetter, Zillah High School Principal Jeff Charbonneau, Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Mark Mullet Earlier this month, Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5048 into law making College in the High School (CHS) courses free to all public high school students in Washington. Sponsored by Senator Mark Mullet, the bill passed the Senate…
Session news: Legislature passes final 2023-25 operating & capital budgets
April 24, 2023
The 2023 legislative session ended on time yesterday after the House and Senate passed the state’s biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets. The budgets will now be delivered to the Governor for his consideration and signature. Major investments for the UW in the operating budget include: $30.4M for nonrepresented employee compensation increases of 4% in fiscal…
Session news: House & Senate unveil their operating and capital budget proposals
March 30, 2023
Over the past week, the Senate and House released their draft 2023-25 operating and capital budgets. The state’s operating budget pays for the day-to-day operations of state government, while the capital budget is used to acquire, build, and maintain state facilities. The legislative leaders of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and the House Appropriations…