What is the Legislative Agenda?
The University is strictly limited in participating
in political activity of any kind. However, it is allowed to
advocate on behalf of its constituents on those issues directly
affecting the University. As an agency of the state, the ASUW
can use funds only to lobby on those issues which fall within
state guidelines and have been approved by the Board of Directors
in the form of the ASUW Legislative Agenda or as a subsequent
directive.
Prior to 1991, ASUW & GPSS were limited to advocating the
official position of the University as determined by the Board
of Regents. In 1991, a change in the policy gave the ASUW the
ability to lobby a position different from that of the administration
but continued to limit lobbying to university issues which are
in the general interest of the University. This is interpreted
to mean that the ASUW/GPSS can lobby on those higherneducational
issues which concern or affect UW students. Agenda items are
developed within these guidelines.
-- from the 2003-2004 ASUW Policy Guide
Who Writes the Legislative Agenda?
The Legislative Agenda is drafted
each year by the Office of Government Relations and submitted
to the Legislative Steering Committee for review, amendment,
and approval. Typically, there are only minor changes in the
legislative agenda from one year to the next.
The Legislative Agenda takes effect once LSC has approved it
and it has gone to the Senate and the Board of Directors for
joint approval.
Who can Lobby on Behalf of the ASUW?
The Director of Government Relations
(OGR Director) is charged with being the Association's principal
lobbyist in Olympia and to the federal government as needed.
In addition, the ASUW President and the designated Board of
Directors liaison may lobby on behalf of the ASUW in coordination
with the OGR Director.
-- from the 2003-2004 ASUW Policy Guide
