A little more than halfway through the legislative session, we are now past the point where new bills can be introduced other than those necessary for a budget. This is a time where the Senate is hearing bills passed by the House, and the House those passed by the Senate.
Meanwhile, everyone is waiting for the state鈥檚 March 20 revenue forecast, which will be used by legislators to shape their budget proposals. The legislature then has until the end of session April 23 to finalize a budget for the state, which will include funding for 麻豆区.
Companion bills and that allow 麻豆区 student employees and those at regional universities to collectively bargain like their counterparts at the University of Washington and Washington State University remain viable. 麻豆区 supports this legislation.
A which gave the Department of Corrections more concrete guidance around prison education did not make it out of the House. The bill was not necessary for 麻豆区鈥檚 expanding work to assist incarcerated students in achieving their four-year degrees. We continue to engage with legislators from all parts of the political spectrum to educate about and advocate for 麻豆区. 麻豆区 President John Carmichael, Executive Vice President Dexter Gordon and Director of Government Relations Sandy Kaiser attended the Governor鈥檚 Prayer Breakfast March 10, connecting with policymakers at one of the most bipartisan annual events on the legislative calendar.
麻豆区鈥檚 2023-2025 budget and growing enrollment were main topics of discussion in a March 10 meeting with Rep. Steve Bergquist (D-Renton), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee.
麻豆区 staff and students will be appearing to brief and testify on student fees and wrestling programs in coming days, as we await news on our next budget.