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News & Updates

Session News: UW President Jones, Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams Make Official Visits to Olympia

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The State Legislature is full steam ahead during the second week of session, and the UW State Relations team welcomed several members of the UW community to Olympia for visits with legislators and government officials.

On Wednesday, UW women’s soccer team traveled to Olympia and was honored with a House Resolution sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-48th Legislative District) celebrating their success and winning their first-ever Big Ten Championship and advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight. The team displayed the jersey of their late teammate, Mia Hamant, who was goalkeeper before losing her battle to kidney cancer last November. The team also met with Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

UW President Jones made his first official visit on Thursday and met with several key House and Senate members to discuss funding for UW’s core operations. He reiterated the need to avert any additional cuts to higher education funding so that the University can continue to offer quality education to current students and meet the ever-growing demand for enrollment. He also made an appearance on TVW for an interview.

The week ended on a high note with a visit from UW men’s soccer team and the team was honored with a Senate Resolution sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-3rd Legislative District) for winning their first-ever NCAA Division I National Championship on December 15, 2025. They also met with Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins.

Session News: Washington State Lawmakers Reconvene for the First Day of the 2026 Legislative Session

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Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2026 legislative session in Olympia, where lawmakers are tasked with passing the state’s 2026 operating, capital, and transportation supplemental budgets. The supplemental budgets will adjust or apply fixes to the 2025-27 biennial budgets passed last legislative session.

The most pressing issue continues to be the state’s operating budget shortfall, which is currently projected to be $1.6 billion. This is after the state entered last year’s session with a $12-16 billion budget shortfall and lawmakers voted to cut billions of dollars from the state budget while passing a $9.4 billion revenue package to help offset the deficit.

Given the ongoing fiscal challenges, the Legislature has little appetite for significant new spending. Recognizing this, the UW is not asking for any new operating budget investments and will instead focus on stabilizing funding for core operations and mitigating potential new cuts.

There has also been a renewed effort by some Democrats, who control both the House and Senate, to discuss new revenue for the 2026 legislative session. However, any new revenue will not solve the near-term budget shortfall as it would take time to implement.

During the first week, Morgan Hickel and Kevin Chang with the UW Office of State Relations will testify before the House and Senate fiscal committees to offer UW’s positions on the Governor’s operating and capital budget proposals that were released last month.

Morgan is highlighting that UW is serving more students than ever with fewer resources and will ask legislators to help ensure the University has a sustainable fiscal foundation that supports our students, local communities, and the state’s economy. Kevin will advocate for funding for phase 1 of the Power Plant decarbonization project on the Seattle campus. This project reduces the University’s greenhouse gas emissions, helps toward compliance with the Climate Commitment Act and Clean Building Performance Standard, and will serve the soon-to-be constructed, state-funded chemical sciences facility.

Questions?

The Office of State Relations is in Olympia throughout legislative session advocating on behalf of the UW. For questions about the state legislative process or the UW’s advocacy efforts, please contact Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu or Kevin Chang at kchang28@uw.edu.

Governor Ferguson Releases 2026 Supplemental Operation and Capital Budgets

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Governor Ferguson’s 2026 supplemental operating and capital budgets reflect the financial constraints that Washington state is facing.

For the UW, his 2026 supplemental operating budget proposes a 3%, or $15.8 million per year, cut to the University’s base state funding and a $3.5 million cut to the University’s administrative spending all beginning in Fiscal Year 27 (FY27). Other state agencies also face base state funding reductions of up to 5%.

The budget does provide $15 million in ongoing funding for the Frank Chopp Center for Behavioral Health and Learning (CBHL), partially fulfilling the University’s $18.34 million request to fully fund CBHL operations.

In the capital budget proposal, the University would not receive any Climate Commitment Account (CCA) funding for the requested Power Plan Electrification and Campus Hot Water Loop – Phase 1 project, which is an important component of the University’s decarbonization efforts and supports compliance with the Climate Commitment Act and Clean Building Performance Standards. The University originally requested $47.5 million for this project. However, the Governor only appropriated $67 million of the CCA in his proposal with the rest going to transportation and operating budget appropriations.

As a reminder, the Governor’s budget proposal is only the first of many steps in the state’s lengthy budget process. Lawmakers in the House and the Senate will have the opportunity to release their own budget proposals during legislative session beginning on January 12, 2026. During the 60-day session, lawmakers are tasked with amending the two-year state budget set in the 2025 legislative session and are primarily focusing on FY27.

For more information about the 2026 Governor’s supplemental operating and capital budgets, please visit UW’s Office of Finance, Planning & Budgeting website.

Kevin Chang Joins UW State Relations

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The Office of State Relations is delighted to announce that Kevin Chang will join the University of Washington as Associate Director of State Relations on December 15. He succeeds Morgan Hickel, who was appointed Director of State Relations in September.

Previously, Chang served as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, who represents Washington State. He has worked for Senator Cantwell since 2020 in various roles. Chang graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in international studies.

“I’m thrilled to have Kevin on board,” Hickel said. “I am confident he’ll be a great addition to the team.”

The Office of State Relations serves as the principal liaison between the University of Washington and state government. Staff work with state elected officials and agency officials to advance the University’s legislative priorities and education, research, and public service mission.

September state revenue forecast projects $903M decline over next four years

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Washington state is once again expected to face a budget deficit going into legislative session.

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council’s September 2025 revenue forecast projects that state revenue will decrease by $903 million over the next four years from the June forecast. Washington uses a four-year projection because the budget must be balanced over that period.

For the current two-year state budget (2025-27), revenue estimates have declined by $412 million since June, bringing the total projected revenue decrease to more than $500 million.

The decline in revenue is largely attributed to lagging sales and real estate excise taxes, tariffs and trade controls, inflation, and a weaker-than-expected labor market.

As a reminder, during the 2025 legislative session, Washington faced a $12 to $16 billion budget shortfall. In response, the state approved $9 billion in new revenue and reduced spending. Among the cuts was a 1.5% across-the-board reduction to UW’s base funding and a decrease to the state’s share of UW’s “fund split,” which is the mix of state funding and tuition that supports employee compensation and central services.

The 2026 legislative session begins January 12, during which the state’s supplemental budgets will be decided. Washington operates on a two-year budget cycle, with biennial budgets passed in odd-numbered years (2025) and supplemental budgets decided in even-numbered years (2026). Supplemental budgets are intended to adjust or make corrections to the biennial budgets passed during the previous session. Before the final 2026 supplemental budgets are determined, the state will receive two more revenue forecasts—one in November and another in February—that will help guide budget decisions.

Given the challenging fiscal outlook for 2026, the UW did not submit any new operating budget requests and will instead focus its 2026 advocacy efforts on mitigating potential budget cuts. The UW submitted its budget priorities to the state earlier this month, as required by law. The University’s 2026 legislative agenda will be released later this Fall.

For questions about the state’s fiscal outlook or UW’s legislative priorities, please contact Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu.

UW submits 2026 budget requests to the state

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Last week, UW submitted its 2026 operating and capital budget requests—known as “decision packages”— to the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). As a public state agency, UW is required by law to submit these requests each September to help inform the state’s budget development process. These requests also shape the University’s legislative agenda.

Understanding the State Budget Process

Washington state operates on a two-year budget cycle, with the biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets adopted in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025). In even-numbered years (e.g., 2026), the state adopts supplemental budgets, which apply technical corrections or make adjustments to the adopted biennial budgets based on caseload changes, new fiscal conditions, or other emerging needs.

The Governor kicks off the state’s budget process by releasing proposed budgets in early- or mid-December. This timeline is why public agencies must submit their decision packages in September for consideration. The Governor’s budget proposals then serve as a starting point for legislative budget negotiations during session, which begins in January.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Legislative Session

The 2026 legislative session will begin on January 12 and run for 60 consecutive days. During this time, lawmakers will decide the 2026 supplemental budgets before sending them to the Governor for his approval or veto. For context, sessions during which the biennial budgets are decided run for 105 consecutive days.

This year, Washington is projected to face another operating budget deficit. For context, the state faced a significant budget shortfall during the 2025 legislative session and addressed it through a mix of new revenue and spending reductions in the final 2025-27 budget. Given the challenging fiscal outlook for 2026, UW has not submitted any new operating budget requests. Instead, the University will focus its advocacy efforts on mitigating potential budget cuts and their impact to the UW’s education, research, and public service missions.

For the supplemental capital budget, the UW is requesting $47.5 million for the first phase of major decarbonization efforts for the Power Plant on the Seattle campus. This “proof of concept” project will deliver immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and support the University’s path the compliance with the state’s Clean Building Performance Standards and decarbonization requirements.

What’s Next?

The UW’s 2026 legislative agenda will be posted to this website later this fall. In the meantime, the Office of State Relations is actively preparing for the 2026 legislative session in coordination with campus partners and key stakeholders. For questions about the UW’s state priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu.

Sen. Shewmake visits Washington Sea Grant in Bellingham

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Senator Sharon Shewmake recently visited the Washington Sea Grant (WSG) office in Bellingham, which is located in her legislative district, to learn more about WSG’s work in Whatcom County and across Washington state.

Housed within the UW’s College of the Environment, WSG proudly serves as a resource on shoreline and coastal issues across the state. For over 55 years, WSG has partnered with local communities, Tribes, resource managers, businesses, educators, and the public to promote the sustainable use of marine resources, advance coastal and shoreline resilience, and support workforce development. Between 2018 and 2023, WSG delivered over $190 million in documented services and economic benefits to Washington state.

During her visit, Sen. Shewmake met with WSG leadership, local staff, and community partners to explore key initiatives in the region. A central topic was water quality in the Salish Sea, with a particular focus on the SoundToxins program. Using a statewide volunteer monitoring network, this program provides early warnings to state decisionmakers and the public of harmful algal blooms and other marine toxins that threaten public health, shellfish growers, and marine ecosystems. Sen. Shewmake also gained hands-on experience by helping collect and test ocean water samples for hazardous phytoplankton.

The visit also emphasized the broader role WSG plays in supporting Washington’s marine communities and the economy. The WSG team shared about their community outreach programs on aquaculture, boating, fisheries, hazards and resilience, environmental threats such as the invasive green crab, marine and coastal planning, safe and sustainable seafood, and shoreline living and restoration.

Thank you, Sen. Shewmake, for taking the time to visit the Washington Sea Grant Bellingham office and for engaging on critical marine and coastal issues.

Rep. Abbarno visits with local students at UW Chehalis STEM camp

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On August 7, Representative Peter Abbarno visited the STEM Camp the UW hosts annually in partnership with the Chehalis Foundation at W.F. West High School. The camp is open to incoming 9th-12th graders and focuses on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Throughout the camp, the students engage in collaborative, project-based learning that is guided by faculty and staff with the UW College of Engineering and the UW Medicine Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM). This year, more than 90 students from 19 different high schools in the region, along with several homeschoolers, participated.

The students began the week by diving into biomedical science alongside UW ISCRM researchers. Through hands-on activities, students explored DNA, stem cells, and gene editing. They also had the opportunity to get an up-close look at human heart, brain, and lung tissue, while experimenting with technology used today in research labs and learning how biologists and engineers collaborate to solve complex medical problems.

The students then dove into the engineering portion of the camp, where they were introduced to foundational principles such as buoyancy, material strength, and force distribution. The students applied these concepts to design and build boats capable of floating, carrying weight, and racing across water. The hands-on learning culminated in a friendly competition, allowing students to test their designs.

Rep. Abbarno visited during this portion of the camp, giving him the opportunity to watch the boat competitions and cheer on the students. He also connected with various UW faculty and staff to learn more about the activities the students had participated in throughout the week.

The UW hosts this camp annually to provide local students with immersive experiences designed not only to teach technical, educational content but also to inspire curiosity and confidence in STEM fields. 

Thank you, Rep. Abbarno, for taking the time to visit the STEM Camp to connect with local students and UW faculty and staff.

Sen. Wellman engages with Washington high school students at UW Nurse Camp

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On July 16, Senator Lisa Wellman visited the UW Nurse Camp held annually on Seattle’s campus. The free, week-long camp is open to incoming high school sophomores and juniors from Washington state and aims to increase access and opportunities in nursing. 

Throughout the week, campers shadowed nurses in various hospital units, received training in HIPAA and CPR, engaged in nursing simulation activities, and learned about infection control, blood pressure, and vitals. They also learned how to prepare for college and get into nursing school. 

 

A favorite part of the camp was the nursing “speed round,” where nurses working in all areas of health care shared their experiences and answered campers’ questions. This gave the campers a fuller picture of a nurse’s daily work life and the different specialities they could pursue. 

During her visit, Senator Wellman met the students and watched them in action as they engaged in various simulations, exploring new concepts and being tested on material they had learned during the week. These simulations are immersive and give the campers knowledge and skills essential to the nursing profession. 

Senator Wellman also met the UW School of Nursing Executive Dean Hilaire Thompson and the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, Jennifer Sonney. They were able to discuss the goals of the Nurse Camp, as well as talk more broadly about the UW School of Nursing, its mission, and potential future initiatives.

Thank you, Senator Wellman, for taking the time to visit the UW Nurse Camp and connect with the campers and UW faculty and staff. 

Rep. Leavitt inspires action at UW’s inaugural PNW anti-hazing summit

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Rep. Mari Leavitt (D)Representative Mari Leavitt served as a keynote speaker at the UW’s inaugural Pacific Northwest anti-hazing summit yesterday.

The event brought together more than 100 higher education professionals from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. United by a shared commitment to hazing prevention, attendees represented various fields in higher education, including academic personnel, administrators, athletics, conduct, fraternity and sorority life, student activities, and advisors.

Designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the summit focused on several key learning objectives:

  • Understand legal requirements related to hazing prevention.
  • Identify strategic partners for hazing prevention efforts and explore collaborative approaches
  • Learn components of effective hazing prevention programs and communication strategies.
  • Develop action plans to implement or enhance anti-hazing initiatives.

Rep. Leavitt, a leading advocate for hazing prevention in Washington state, has championed several significant reforms in recent years. She sponsored Sam’s Law, which was in response to the devastating hazing death of Sam Martinez in November 2019. The law expanded the definition of hazing, mandates prevention training for both higher education students and employees, and requires institutions to publicly share anti-hazing resources and report violations. She also sponsored legislation that increased the criminal penalties for hazing offenses.

In her keynote, Rep. Leavitt underscored the vital role the summit attendees play in advancing anti-hazing efforts on their campuses. She spoke about the intent behind Sam’s Law and reminded attendees of their duty to support safe campus environments. She also expressed appreciation for the attendees taking the time to come together to share successes, confront challenges, and collaborate on solutions to address this important issue. Her closing message encourages attendees to stay committed to their efforts and continue driving change across the region.