Dear Colleagues,

In a news conference Thursday afternoon, Governor Ferguson announced a series of recommended cost saving measures to help resolve a nearly $16 billion budget shortfall. Among other things, the governor’s proposal called for most state employees, including those in higher education, to take 24 furlough days from July 2025 through June 2027, which amounts to one furlough day per month for the next two years. 

Please remember that Governor Ferguson’s budget proposal is just that — a proposal to the Legislature. Ultimately, it will be up to the state House and Senate to deliver and decide on a final state budget. As we move forward, Highline College will continue to partner with our fellow colleges and the State Board (SBCTC) to advance our college system’s priorities in support of students, faculty, and staff.

While this particular piece of his proposal may prove challenging to our community, Gov. Ferguson shared that he has every intention of maintaining the collective bargaining agreements with Washington’s state employees to help reduce the long-term impact on our salaries. The proposed budget also maintains all current cash benefit assistance programs such as TANF that benefit our state residents (Temporary Assistance for Families in Need) which is wonderful news for our Workforce programs. 

When our state faces economic challenges, it’s important that we remind people that the Washington State Community and Technical College System is a key part of the solution. As our students complete educational programs and gain employment in areas of demand, they experience economic and social mobility, which benefits and strengthens our communities and state.

We deeply appreciate your dedication and the invaluable work you do for our students and our college community. As the state budget process continues, we remain committed to sharing information with you and advocating for the best possible outcomes.

If you are looking for opportunities to hear from elected officials and be civically involved,  we encourage you to consider attending the upcoming 33rd District Legislative Town Hall being hosted at Highline College on Saturday, March 15th from 11-12 pm. More information will follow in the coming days on this event.

If you have questions or concerns related to federal or state changes, please send them to president@highline.edu.

Sincerely,

John, Maribel, Danielle, Tim, Michael, Jamilyn, Melanie, Josh, and Rolita

Highline College Executive Cabinet