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OFFICE OF STATE RELATIONS

The 2026 legislative session ended March 12 after lawmakers passed the state’s supplemental operating, capital, and transportation budgets.

The Office of State Relations serves as the principal liaison between the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ and state government. Through strong relationships with state elected officials, their offices, and state agencies, we work to advance the University’s mission and legislative priorities. We collaborate closely with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ community, the state’s five other public baccalaureate institutions, community and technical colleges, and industry partners to identify shared interests and influence public policy. Additionally, we help ensure compliance with state advocacy laws.

Legislative Agendas & Outcomes

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State support is essential to University operations and our pursuit of providing an excellent and accessible education for Washingtonians, improving the health and sustainability of our state, and promoting a prosperous economy.

View the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ's priorities

What is Lobbying?

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ employees must coordinate advocacy with the Office of State Relations to ensure clear and consistent communication and compliance with state laws. Learn more about the state’s lobbying laws and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s related rules.

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Resources & Partners

Discover more about the Washington’s legislative process, including how a bill becomes a law, and explore the many internal and external organizations the Office of State Relations partners with.

See internal & external resources

Latest News and Updates


  • State Legislators Visit Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Campuses for Capital Budget Tours

    October 28, 2026

    The Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ has a robust tri-campus capital budget agenda for the upcoming 2027 legislative session. This month, all three of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s campuses welcomed state legislators and Washington state government staff to tour each campus’ proposed project. On October 15, Senator Yasmin Trudeau, Representative Jake Fey, and capital budget and higher education staffers toured…

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  • Governor Ferguson Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony of New Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Seattle Chemical Sciences Building

    October 2, 2026

    On Wednesday, September 30, Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson joined Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ President Robert Jones and the leadership team of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ College of Arts & Sciences to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new chemical sciences building. This project received $5 million in the state's 2024 supplemental capital budget and $124 million in the 2025-2027 capital…

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  • WA Economic and Revenue Forecast Council Releases Third Revenue Forecast of the Year

    September 28, 2026

    On Friday, September 25, the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released its third revenue forecast for 2026. The forecast shows that tax collections are about $22 million higher for the current biennium, which ends June 30, 2027, compared with the June forecast. However, the increase is seen in the Education Legacy Trust Account…

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