1. Helpful Tips for Effective Legislative Advocacy
Joe Dacca
UW Director of State Relations

2. Yes, you can:
Engage in the political process as a private individual using private resources
Educate elected officials and state government leaders on a policy issue or serve as an “expert” on a policy
Respond to direct legislative requests for information
Directly lobby a legislator (or executive) as a UW employee using UW resources as long as you report it. Direct lobbying typically means asking for something (policy, funding, etc.) or asking them not to specifically do something.
Lobby a legislator on a personal topic using your UW affiliation as long as you lobby on your own time and explicitly state you are speaking for yourself and not the University
**Please coordinate UW advocacy with the State Relations Office**

3. No, you can’t:
Engage in grassroots lobbying as a UW employee using UW resources. Grassroots lobbying is typically includes a “call to action” in support of specific funding or policy change
Participate in political campaigns during work hours or donate to campaigns using public funds
Work to pass or defeat a ballot initiative using UW time or resources

4. Advice for meeting with a legislator or testifying before a committee
Be early – time in session is precious
Be concise – time in session is precious
Be flexible – schedules often change
Be gracious – do not disparage other institutions, programs, legislators, or opposing political parties
Use concrete examples that connect policy & funding to the needs of the state and it’s residents
If you don’t know the answer, that’s ok, we’ll find it together and follow up

5. 2017 UW State Legislative Agenda
Joe Dacca
UW Director of State Relations

6. 2017 Session At a Glance Democratic Governor beginning his second term
Senate Majority: “Majority Coalition Caucus” comprised of Republicans and one Democrat
House Majority: Democrats in charge with a thin majority
All indications point to a session marathon, rather than a sprint

7. Current Outlook: Opportunities, Challenges
Coming off of a major election year (Governor reelected, new Lieutenant Governor, Lands Commissioner, Minimum Wage increase, Sound Transit 3 Package, etc.)
Economy recovering but not fast enough & disparate economic realities amongst 49 legislative districts
Very serious financial challenges including the McCleary decision (K-12), caseloads, etc.
Tuition Policy: Freeze & Backfill vs. Institutional Flexibility
Different approaches to revenue will determine the course of the session

8. UW 2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA – Part 1
Operating Budget Priorities to Keep WA Competitive:
Invest in competitive compensation for faculty and staff
Fund ongoing maintenance and operations of new buildings
Grow the UW / Gonzaga Medical Partnership (WWAMI)
Funding to support the tri-campus Student Success Initiative
Expand enrollment in high-demand fields
Set up the RIDE program for future expansion to improve dental access in Eastern WA
Expand the Regenerative Medicine Institute’s capacity to discover new clinical treatments

9. UW 2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA – Part 2
Capital Budget Projects Critical to UW’s Public Mission
$24M: Completion of the Burke Museum
$25M: Seismic improvements to keep students & faculty safe
$20M: New collaborative Population Health Research Building
$10M: Renew Population Health T-Wing shared classroom facility for six schools of UW Health Sciences
$1M: Predesign for interdisciplinary Col. of Engineering facility
$3M: Design for new STEM classroom building at UW Bothell
$500K: Predesign to accommodate growth at UW Tacoma
$10M: Construction of a clean energy technology research hub
$10M: Renovation funding for historic Parrington Hall

10. UW 2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA – Part 3
Washington Competes: A consensus higher education agenda in partnership with COP, SBCTC, & Independents
Fully fund the State Need Grant
Invest in high-demand degree production & student success
Boost faculty compensation
LET / Metro Tract Legislation
Restore tax liability fairness to allow reinvestment in UW facilities
UW Medicine Critical Patient Care Facility Contracting Legislation
Maintains alternative facility construction contracting method to protect patients & keep UW Medicine competitive

11. Please and Thank you: Fill out BillTracker when asked
Get your fiscal notes in on time
Be a problem solver – understand we’re all on one team
If you are lead on a major bill or issue, provide day and evening contact information so we can get a hold of you
If you plan to visit Olympia, please give us a heads up
If you need me and can’t get me, don’t panic – call Jillian or Marissa!

12. QUESTIONS?
State Relations Team Contact Info:
Joe Dacca:
Jillian Kilby:
Marissa Ingalls: