The 2026 Washington Legislative Session officially began early this week, with lawmakers gathering in Olympia for a session that's expected to run until March 12.

In that 60-day window, Washington State University officials will meet with elected representatives to discuss several key priorities. These discussions will take place as lawmakers grapple with significant financial challenges. Gov. Bob Ferguson's recently released operating budget proposal would cost the university $18.1 million through a combination of reductions in state appropriations and increases to WSU's self-insurance premium.

"In this coming budget cycle, we will continue our strategic review to ensure our resources are aligned with programs that deliver the greatest impact for students and the state," WSU President Betsy Cantwell wrote in a message to the university community acknowledging the challenging session ahead. "Our External Affairs and Government Relations team is closely monitoring the state budget process to provide additional details and guidance as the legislative process unfolds."

Cantwell's full letter is available to read online.

As the state faces mounting financial pressures, WSU is prioritizing targeted funding requests. The university's overarching message will underscore WSU's value to Washington and make the case that the institution should not absorb disproportionate budget cuts relative to other higher education institutions.

On the operating budget side, WSU is asking for $4.72 million in annual funding to cover costs stemming from its collective bargaining agreement with academic student employees. These employees pursuing graduate and professional degrees are essential to the university's research enterprise and represent the next generation of scientists and research who will drive innovation within and beyond the state of Washington.

Washington lawmakers partially funded the university's request in this area in 2024, requiring officials to make reductions in other critical areas to make up the difference.

The university is also looking to secure $600,000 in state support for WSU ROAR, a comprehensive transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Launched in 2020 with grant funding from the Department of Education, the program blossomed from four students to 28 students in just four years. It is one of just six programs of its kind in the region and the only one with a residential component.

For its capital budget requests, WSU is focusing on tackling its backlog of deferred maintenance as well as increasing capacity for cutting edge healthcare training. The university will ask the state for $23 million for the former and $9.9 million to renovate existing space at WSU Spokane to add simulation-based healthcare training spaces. These renovations in particular are critical to addressing the state's healthcare workforce challenges. The university will also ask for $22.5 million to comply with the state's de-carbonization laws.

The Office of External Affairs and Government Relations website will be regularly updated during the session with the latest information.