July 7, 2021
Summertime Engagement with Lawmakers
Summertime is a great time to connect with legislators. Lawmakers engage with constituents at a furious pace during the legislative session each winter and spring, so summer engagement is a way to distinguish yourself and to make your legislative priorities known. Building relationships with legislators can be as simple as meeting for coffee on a Saturday morning or sending an
June 9, 2021
Reflections from our UW Impact Intern
UW Impact’s student intern, Manaal Shafi, wrapped up her internship with UW Impact this month. Manaal graduated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with a dual degree in Political Science and Law, Societies & Justice degrees. At the end of her internship, she took time to share reflections on her work with us in helping to advocate for public higher education.
April 27, 2021
State Lawmakers Invest in UW | 2021-23 Final Budget
The Washington State legislature released their final two-year state operating budget after an exceptional remote legislative session, and the news is good for higher education. In the fall, the Governor asked all state agencies to model 5, 10, and 15% cuts, readying UW and other institutions for a worst-case scenario. Despite our initial concerns about how the pandemic would affect
April 5, 2021
How Did UW and Higher Ed Fare in Proposed Budgets?
The Washington State House and Senate released their proposed budgets late last week, both making solid investments in higher education even during an uncertain time. These investments signal their agreement with hundreds of UW Impact advocates who have made a compelling case for support since session began in January. Key investments for the UW include: Ensuring quality and excellence: $20M
March 17, 2021
2021 Mid-Session Legislative Update
We are more than halfway through the 2021 legislative session. Here is what you have helped us accomplish so far: Since our annual Husky Caucus Day on February 18th, advocates have sent more than 600 emails to state legislators in support of funding for higher education. Advocates have sent more than 300 emails in support of investment in UW Medicine
February 17, 2021
Husky Caucus Day 2021!
Today is Husky Caucus Day! The UW Impact team, along with key supporters of the University, are advocating for higher education investments and recognizing the 33 UW alumni currently serving in our State Legislature. Help us “paint Olympia purple” (even virtually!) by writing to your elected officials today- it takes less than a minute. UW volunteers are reminding legislators of
February 2, 2021
2021 (Remote) Town Hall Meetings
Over the next few weeks, Washington State legislators will be hosting virtual town halls through a variety of remote options- via telephone or online streaming platforms to hear about issues that matter to their constituents. Nowhere to drive, no crowds to fight: These virtual town halls are great opportunities to make sure your voice is heard. What will you say?
Husky Caucus Day and a Primer on Priorities
On February 18th, the UW Impact team, along with members of the UW Alumni Association Board of Trustees and other supporters, will meet with state lawmakers on Husky Caucus Day to advocate for support for the University of Washington and for public higher education. Advocates like you will amplify our voices in every district across the state by writing to
December 30, 2020
Governor’s 2021-23 budget proposal generous for higher ed
In mid-December, Governor Inslee released his 2021-23 budget proposal. The Governor’s budget was more generous to higher education than expected, despite lower revenue collections due to COVID-19. Inslee’s proposal is equity-focused, with an emphasis on the expansion of job skills training and job creation, both of which require new higher ed investment and protection of current investments. As UW Impact
December 16, 2020
Preparing for the ’21 Legislative Session
UW Impact is preparing for a historic legislative session! With the ongoing pandemic, this session will look different from previous sessions. We want to ensure that our volunteers and advocates know what to expect as we continue to support the UW and public higher education in this new virtual environment. Advocacy Training On December 8, UW Impact held a virtual