March 12, 2026
2026 Legislative Session Results: Advocacy Made the Difference
The Washington State Legislature has released its final budgets, and the outcomes for the University of Washington are far better than many expected given the state’s significant budget shortfall. Throughout the session, UW Impact advocates spoke up for students and critical services across our state. That advocacy mattered. Together, we helped prevent major reductions and protect key investments in higher
February 19, 2026
Session Update: House and Senate to Release Budget Proposals on Sunday, 2/22
Here is what it means for the University of Washington This has been another challenging session, with the state facing a continued deficit and numerous competing priorities. As committee cutoff has passed, the Legislature’s focus has shifted almost entirely to drafting their respective budgets. Both the House and Senate are expected to release their proposed budgets this Sunday, 2/22, and
Student Advocate Perspectives: Protect Washington’s Future – A Student’s Appeal to Safeguard Funding for the University of Washington
By Sora Tolley, Class of 2028, Finance & Political Science Dear Senator ————, I am a constituent of your district and a second-year student at the University of Washington. Having lived in Washington my entire life, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue higher education at a distinguished public institution in my home state. I write to express my serious concern regarding the proposed
February 12, 2026
Student Advocate Perspectives – More Than a Budget Cut: The Real Cost to UW Students
Caid Campbell, Class of 2026, Political Science The UW has long been a state-supported pathway toward one’s dream fulfillment, economic security, and knowledge contribution to a broader collective. That pathway is currently being threatened due to a 1.5% cut enacted by the WA state legislature in 2025; a deficit set to be further aggravated by the proposal included in the
January 26, 2026
New Year, New Fight: 2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and UW Impact advocates are already making their voices heard. Within the first week, lawmakers received hundreds of emails from alumni and other members of the UW community asking them not to cut funding for higher education and the University of Washington. At the center of this advocacy is a proposed 3% cut
November 25, 2025
Protect Our Skilled Workforce
If you care about access and affordability, be aware: proposed changes to the Grad PLUS loan program could sharply reduce – and in some cases eliminate – access to graduate education for major segments of our future healthcare and professional workforce. The Grad PLUS student loan program – essential to expanding access to high-demand fields like medicine, nursing, public health,
November 6, 2025
Government Shutdown: Higher Education Update
The autumn days are getting shorter as the government shutdown has become the longest in history. We know the effects of this stoppage are widespread, causing uncertainty, frustration, and fear. While we recognize the essential role higher education plays in our society, we also understand that for those experiencing missed paychecks or other immediate challenges, some priorities must take a temporary backseat.
August 20, 2025
2026 Preview: Engaging with Lawmakers During Non-Session Months
Engaging Lawmakers Outside of Session Many advocates have asked how and when to connect with lawmakers during the months when the legislature is not in session—especially before the release of UW’s official legislative agenda and UW Impact priorities. Your enthusiasm is appreciated, and these points are meant to provide context as you think about engaging with elected officials in the
April 28, 2025
2025 Legislative Session Update: Budget Outcomes for the UW and Higher Education
Yesterday, the Legislature finalized its operating and capital budgets. As expected, given the state’s significant deficit, the results are mixed for higher education and the University of Washington. Thanks to the hard work of advocates like you, several initial proposals that would have directly harmed students — including deep financial aid cuts and tuition increases — were amended or eliminated.
April 8, 2025
State Budget Overview: Proposed Legislative Budgets Cut Key UW Priorities
The Washington State House and Senate released their proposed operating and capital budgets during the past several weeks. Both proposals contain reductions and omissions that affect the University of Washington and public higher education across the state. Operating Budget: Funding Cuts and Unmet Needs Among other cuts, both the House and Senate operating budgets propose across-the-board reductions to the state’s