2026 Legislature now in session – Debating and Deciding the Budget
There are just 31 days left in the 2026 legislative session and today is a pivotal moment to influence how lawmakers fund Evergreen for the coming year.
Why Your Voice Matters This Week
Washington faces a projected state budget gap of roughly $500 million, and legislators must close it with a mix of spending cuts, modest tax increases, and fee changes. Budget writers in the House and Senate are starting work this week on their plans, deciding where to cut and where to protect investments like public higher education. A critical state revenue forecast arrives on February 20, following a downward revision last November, and it will shape all budget decision lawmakers make this session.
That means now—not next month—is the time for Evergreen Advocates to stand up for Evergreen’s budget.
What We’re Asking Legislators To Do
Evergreen has turned a period of challenge into real momentum, with greater than 20% student enrollment growth from 2021 to fall 2025, signaling strong demand for an Evergreen education. That growth helped convince the Governor to remove a proposed $2.7 million cut to Evergreen in his budget, recognizing our progress even as all public colleges and universities could still face reductions.
We are growing because:
- First-time, first-year student retention has risen to 85% in 2024.
- Evergreen has expanded professional and certification pathways.
- A new Early Childhood Education program in English and Spanish is preparing more educators to serve Washington communities.
In short, Evergreen is delivering on access, persistence, and completion—the very outcomes legislators say they want from higher education investments.
Evergreen Advocates In Action
Evergreen is already well represented in Olympia, and Evergreen Advocates engagement strengthens that presence. Evergreen alumni, students, faculty, and staff are organizing to show legislators what Evergreen means in their districts and across the state.
Recent highlights:
- On January 20, Evergreen Advocates gathered at the State Capitol to meet with 17 legislators and host a well-attended reception showcasing Evergreen’s impact.
- On January 29, under the banner of the Geoduck Student Union, 18 Greener students fanned out across the Capitol campus to talk with lawmakers and staff about how Evergreen is helping them reach their higher education goals.
- United Faculty of Evergreen leaders are in regular contact with legislators to emphasize how faculty work, student support, and academic innovation depend on stable state funding.
These face-to-face conversations are building the foundation for stronger support in this year’s budget.
Spotlight: Shelton Promise and Community Impact
On February 2, Shelton Promise manager Monear Fatemi and student intern Alauna Carstens briefed senators on how Evergreen is carrying out this landmark place-based scholarship program. Their testimony, featured in a recent Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee work session, highlighted how Evergreen is partnering with Mason County to open doors to college for local students.
Committee Chair Senator T’wina Nobles praised Evergreen’s work to build community and support Shelton Promise students, underscoring that targeted investments in programs like these pay off for students, families, and regional economies. You can watch their presentation at 24 minutes and 50 seconds into this TVW recording of the hearing to see Evergreen’s impact in action.
