Highline College Legislative Discussion�Shakira Ericksen, Government Relations

January 9 – April 29^th 2023 – 100 days to go!

�Capital Budget Estimate

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If the system’s request is fully funded, Highline College will receive approximately $11,174,000 for operation, maintenance, infrastructure, repairs and minor improvements of its existing facilities, $44,401,000 for design and construction of the Welcome Center for Student Success, and $45,124,000 for design and construction of the Academic Pathways and Technology Center.

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Operating Budget Estimate

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If the system’s operating budget request of $353 million is fully funded, Highline College will receive approximately $9.1 million in additional funding.

Wage Compensation across the System

Currently in the Governors budget the 7% CoLA for Faculty and staff is funded at 83% - this will constitute a cut for institutions.

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The most important message for this session is urging legislators to fund the COLA at 100%

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We are also asking the Legislature to make targeted investments in technology, worker training and retraining, and high-demand programs sought by students and employers.

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Upcoming Events for Trustees:

• Januray 23^th – Transforming Lives Dinner in Olympia @ 5:30 pm – 8 pm
• January 26^th - Joint-delegation Olympia with WEA
• February 1 - South Sound Community and Technical College Legislative Reception, Olympia 6- 8 pm
• February 5-8 - ACCT National Legislative Summit in DC

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On the Horizon - Soccer Field Renovation Project

• Community-funded projects will be funded through the end of the fiscal year

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• Highline has not had a functioning field since 2005-6

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• The need for a multi‐use athletic field is tremendous. Youth in south King County have fewer playfields and parks in their neighborhoods, and access to them is more restrictive than in the rest of the region.

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• The World Cup is coming to Seattle in 2026

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• Potential boost to enrollment, as hundreds of kids, youth and adults practice and play on the field.

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• Cost $2.5-3 million

Community benefits

• The project will promote student engagement in PE, soccer and fitness activities..
• Kids and youth who play on the field will be exposed to a college campus, igniting a vision for attending college.

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Discussion Points – Summary

• Wage Compensation to retain quality employees

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• Advocate for Capital Budget across the system

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• Soccer Field advocacy

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• Washington State Future Fund �HB 1094 & 5125

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• Thanking the Legislature for investing in our diversity & equity efforts

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• Trustee events

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Thank you !