State Leaders Say More UW Funding Key To Economic Growth

A group of business and civic leaders including Bill Gates Sr. have issued a report calling for the University of Washington to admit more in-state students. They also say the UW needs to recruit more leading academics. The group believes UW needs to become a stronger engine for economic growth in the region. The report says the state needs to do more to help fund the university to make it happen.

KUOW’s Marcie Sillman interviewed State Representative Larry Seaquist about the plan. Seaquist heads Washington State’s House Higher Education Committee. He estimates the plan would cost the state an additional $2 billion per year. Seaquist also thinks the UW needs to become more efficient.

The group of state business and civil leaders submitted their report to the UW Board of Regents on Thursday.