January 26th – 27th
As our most attended trip to date…
- 27 WSUV students attended (26% of total)
- We had 101 WSU students total in attendance!
- We had 98 meetings with legislators!
- All 6 WSU campuses joined!
- Met with the Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Secretary of State Steve Jobbs, among various other state legislators.
COUGS UNITING FOR
Legislative Agendas
These are the changes we lobbied for in 2025!
01.
SB 5402 & HB 1568
Expansion of the Washington College Grant
Expand access to the Washington College Grant by increasing the Median Family Income (MFI) threshold by 65% to 70%, enabling more middle-income students to qualify for tuition coverage.
Additionally, support the Bridge Grant eligibility for students at or below 70% of MFI to address additional education-related costs.
These changes will reduce financial barriers and improve equity in higher education access.
02.
SB 5355
Strengthening Student Sexual Harassment Protections
Advocate for stronger legislation to hold individuals accountable for addressing sexual harassment, domestic violence, and abuse, by supporting SB 5355 which works to improve safety at institutions of higher education while supporting student survivors of sexual assault.
Support mandated training on sexual misconduct awareness and reporting to foster safer educational environments.
These measures will ensure institutions prioritize student safety and maintain a supportive atmosphere.
03.
Lobby Advocacy
WSU Native Student Scholarship Renewal
Renew and support the continued 2.2 million dollar funding for the WSU Native Student Scholarship, which has supported nearly 100 Native students across WSU campuses, from federally recognized tribes.
Continued investment will sustain and expand this impactful program, ensuring it remains a vital resource for Native students pursuing higher education.
04.
HB 1343 & Repeal of RCW 28B.10.281
Protecting Student Free Speech
Repeal RCW 28B.10.281, which threatens students’ financial aid eligibility if they engage in protests, and replace it with protections for peaceful demonstration.
We are advocating for an amendment to the bill which would repeal the RCW 28B.10.281, which was passed in 1969 during the Vietnam War era.
05.
HB 1316
Students Experiencing Homeless Program
We appreciate the legislature for their support on the Basic Needs Act and for supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Program.
We ask for support on HB 1316, which would ensure satellite campuses of WSU and UW to have access to main campus resource of Students Experiencing Homelessness Program.
06.
HB 1492
Early Registration for Students with Dependents
We are asking for support on HB 1492 which would allow students with dependents to access early registration.
This would also provide universities with the necessary information about the possible needs of students with dependents.
Cougs. collected.
This years trip was not only a valuable opportunity for each of the students that played an essential role in our legislative efforts, but a fun-filled experience in which we developed a stronger sense of unity amongst Cougs and our state legislature.
ASWSUV 