Western Washington University

Legislative Affairs Council

November 18th, 2019	VU 462

Board Members:	Present: Grace Drechsel (VP for Governmental Affairs), Phoebe DeMeerler (Local Issues Coordinator), Nicole Ballard (Organizing and Outreach Coordinator), Bennett Massey-Helber (Director of Legislative Affairs), Kayl Gillihan (Outreach and Representation), Jose Ortuzar (ECC Representative), Grace LaMonte (Student At-Large), Collin Thrower (Student At-Large), Erin Kelly (Student At-Large), and Kaitlyn Davidson (Student At-Large), Jennifer Leveque (Student At-Large).
Secretary:	Sierra Templeton
Guest(s):

Motions:
LAC-19-F-16 LAC-19-F-17 LAC-19-F-18	To approve the meeting minutes from November 4th, 2019. Passed. To approve the LAC proposal Support for Veterans. Passed. To approve the LAC proposal for Western on the Peninsula. Passed.

I.	Call to Order

Grace Drechsel, VP of Governmental Affairs, called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

II.	Additions and Changes to the Agenda

III.	Approval of Minutes
A.	LAC meeting minutes from the date of November 4th, 2019.
MOTION LAC-19-F-16	by Gillihan
To approve the meeting minutes from November 4th, 2019.
Second: Massey-Helber	Action: Passed

IV.	Action Items
A.	LAC Proposal- Support for Veterans (Massey-Helber) Massey-Helber stated that he talked to the veteran services center on campus and their representative, a state-certified person, seems to believe the ask is passable. He will look into whether other colleges are lobbying for counseling support for veterans as well.
MOTION LAC-19-F-17	by Massey-Helber
To approve the LAC proposal Support for Veterans.
Second: Gillihan	Action: Passed
B.	LAC Proposal- Western on the Peninsula (Massey-Helber) Massey-Helber stated that this ask is to ask that the satellite Western campuses become state supported to remedy the high tuitions that currently the students are paying. On average this amount is $12,000 more than an on-campus student, and would cost about $1.9 million.
MOTION LAC-19-F-18	by Massey-Helber
To approve the LAC proposal for Western on the Peninsula.
Second: Davidson	Action: Passed

IV.	Information Items
A.	LAC Proposal Paragraphs (Drechsel) College Affordability Thrower and Massey-Helber stated that their plan was to make this ask more of a student support package that can be passed this year easily, rather than focus on larger asks that may take longer. Would include an increase in funding to Feeding Western, tentative increase in funding for CASAS, and it would address the revenue gap of 2158 to make sure the tax revenue set aside for funding is supplemented so college funding is fully covered. Drechsel noted that 70% of students from the LAC survey selected college affordability, so it doesn’t seem appropriate to not set aside an ask specifically for this. Set aside the student support as a separate ask perhaps. Massey-Helber added that he talked to the counseling center about how to expand, and they stated that they don’t have room for more counselors but there’s an idea of adding mentors somewhere in the university (tentatively the MCC) to lighten the load of students with less urgent needs (stress and homesickness). DeMeerler stated that it’s important to make sure that the mentors know what they’re doing, having trained professionals is important, and it may be concerning to have people who aren’t trained in a place for people of color, may be seen as contributing to the lack of support for marginalized groups. Mental Health DeMeerler noted that she would like to ask for more resources for counselors to handle more complex issues, perhaps conferences or online training. She also would like to address the lack of places that accept Medicaid and a lot of students don’t qualify for Medicaid and aren’t able to afford counseling, and Medicaid only covers “medically necessary” care. At the moment it’s difficult for students with mental health issues to be excused because students have o have a doctor’s note. She mentioned adding a number of days students are able to be excused for no questions asked. Gillihan noted that as a worker in the MCC there’s currently a lack of space, it seems that this wouldn’t be a good place to hold mentors. Massey-Helber commented that it would be beneficial to hold a session to inform legislators about the asks for the upcoming year as well as holding a meeting with Melynda Huskey about expanding mental health care. Drechsel noted that there is an online program that can supplement care on an off week for people with less urgent conditions so there’s more availability for counselors, letting them serve more people in a better way. Ballard noted that Colorado State currently uses this program, maybe see how this works for them. Funding for Ethnic Students Drechsel explained that the proposal is a $550,000 ask for a tenure track as well as a tribal sovereignty ask. Environmental Protections Ortuzar stated that it’s important to address the low carbon fuel standard as this hasn’t really been addressed and it’s the #1 pollutor. Proposal is in the same vein as HB 1110. Will look into current bills that are coming up as well as talk to C2C, look into renewing the enforcement of farming overtime pay, and support the bag ban as well. Support for undocumented students Joselyn has been working with the blue group, there’s a bill coming up, but we need to connect with her and them. Housing Insecurity Leveque stated that housing insecurity should be combined with food insecurity as there’s an issue with students paying so much for rent, they aren’t able to afford food, so she will look into rent control and affordable housing options and what can be done in the legislation. Ballard stated that SB58 supports homeless students and should be noted. Student Healthcare Thrower stated that he needs to look into amending the RCW for an opt-out healthcare plan rather than opt-in version. Drechsel noted that students should be clearly informed if this is the case. Massey-Helber noted that only 2-3% of the students have Western health insurance. Food Insecurity LaMonte stated that it’s important to make sure food is culturally minded and nutritious, look into increasing the number of hours a student employee can work per week from 19.5 to 20 so they can access SNAP benefits Massey-Helber noted that WAC isn’t part of the government, but we can send out legislation that can change the way WAC runs but he does need to do more research on how to handle this and talk to EWU. Support for Survivors Drechsel stated that there should be a quick update about Title IX. Voting Accessibility Kelly mentioned the implementation of rank-choice voting which has been proven to increase voter turnout. The proposal also recommends the passing of HB 1722 and SB 5708 which support rank-choice voting. Ballard noted considering asking about making voting day an official holiday on the state level as well.
B.	Funding Request for Lobby Day Supplies (Harren) Every few years the LAC needs new supplies for lobby day, this year the cost would be $3 per person with 115 attendees, total of $345 to cover pens, paper, nametags, folders, etc.

IV.	Discussion Items
A.	Outreach for Lobby Day Grace notes that college affordability, student healthcare, support for undocumented students, mental health support, environmental protections, and the funding for ethnic studies are the top 6 issues from the student survey. The LAC proposals should heavily take this into consideration when choosing asks. She mentioned separating the student support package from college affordability. Massey-Helber states that support for undocumented students could be added to the college affordability as well as adding the student support package instead of student healthcare, as it’s more achievable. Should talk to Melynda Huskey about the best way to put together these asks Gillihan expressed her concern for keeping mental health separate from the student support package as mental health asks have been turned down a lot and it’s important to make sure what we can do is passed quickly. More information on the online mental health/counseling program is needed.

V.	Reports
Due to lack of time, reports were cut short. Grace, AS VP for Governmental Affairs, stated that registration for lobby day is open and the link will be emailed out to the members of the LAC.
VI.	Other Business
A.	N/A

Grace Drechsel, AS VP of Governmental Affairs, adjourned this meeting at 5:30 p.m.