Tag: Government Relations

How the world and financial status of the state budget have changed since the legislature adjourned on March 12, 2020! The February quarterly revenue forecast had reflected unexpectedly robust growth, and the state was looking at ways to invest the additional $600 million. A short four months and COVID-virus later, and the state now faces…

Monday was an exciting day as the 2020 legislative session kicked off. Unlike a budget year where things warm up with the swearing-in of new members, a state of the state address from the Governor, and other ceremonial procedures, the 60-day supplemental session begins at an almost frantic pace. A full slate of committee hearings…

I had the opportunity to represent EWU this week in Olympia as legislators gathered for Assembly Days. In preparation for the 2020 legislative session, legislators welcomed new members, assigned committees, and held work sessions that will help inform them on issues they will soon be addressing. Legislators were briefed on the November revenue forecast that…

A New Speaker of the House Representative Laurie Jinkins (D, Tacoma) has been selected by her colleagues to serve as the next Speaker of the House. Speaker-designate Jinkins is a public health director who was elected to the House in 2011 and will be the first female Speaker in Washington State history. The legislative directors…

If you follow higher education news at all today, you constantly hear the concern about the cost of a college degree and rising student debt. At Eastern Washington University, we are thankful for the investments the legislature has made during the past six years to keep Washington public universities affordable. A brief presentation, given to…

What a busy and productive summer traveling and visiting with legislators throughout the state. Since the end of the legislative session in May, I have met with many members and am consistently impressed with the quality of our legislators. It is always interesting to learn how they became interested in the political process and what they…

The legislature adjourned on time, April 28, with historic outcomes for higher education. One of the key outcomes is the passage of the Workforce Education Investment Act (HB 2158), which creates a dedicated revenue source for higher education totaling $373.8 M for the 2019-21 biennium. The act includes a number of higher education investments and…

The Washington State Senate honored Athletic Director Lynne Hickey, Director of Football Operations Marc Anderson, and Senior Associate Athletic Director Devon Thomas with a resolution recognizing their accomplishments on behalf of EWU’s collegiate athletics program. The resolution specifically recognized the football team’s “extraordinary athletic and academic achievement during its 2018 season in being awarded the…

Focused, consistent, and impactful; that is the approach Eastern’s government relations team took when visiting over 20 legislators during Dr. Cullinan’s visit to Olympia, January 22nd through the 25th. Focusing on our 2019 legislative priorities, Dr. Cullinan and the government relations team were able to introduce Eastern through our unique mission and student demographic to several…

“Hello, my name is…” The 2019 legislative session has officially started, and first on the EWU government relations “to do” list: learn all the new names and faces. Time to smile and shake a lot of hands. Turnover is a natural part of the legislative cycle. Every election year there are new legislators who are…