The 2017 legislative session begins on Monday in Olympia – the first of two sessions that will make up the two-year biennium. Under the state constitution, legislative sessions during odd-numbered years are scheduled for 105 calendar days, while sessions during even-numbered years are scheduled for 60 days. Barring an extended period known as a special session, the 2017 Legislative Session will conclude on April 23rd. During the coming months, legislators will consider hundreds of bills impacting state policy and pass a state budget before the session concludes.

On December 14th, Governor Jay Inslee released his proposed operating and capital budgets. The Governor’s budget proposal includes a two-year freeze in resident undergraduate tuition at public baccalaureate institutions, new investments in student financial aid, funding for minor capital improvements at Western, and a salary increase for state employees, including all Western employees. In developing a balanced state budget, the Legislature faces unique challenges during the months ahead, including meeting K-12 education funding obligations resulting from the 2012 Supreme Court McCleary decision.

The Western Legislative Review is produced by WWU State Government Relations and is designed to help keep the Western community informed about news from the Legislature impacting Western’s priorities and higher education in Washington State. You can subscribe to the blog using the link on the right side of this page. Other resources for news from Olympia include our Twitter page, the Legislature’s website, and TVW.