Student leaders from the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) and the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) visited Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Washington’s congressional delegation and share the many stories and concerns of the students they represent.
ASWSU and GPSA discussed a range of federal issues impacting students, from student loan changes and protecting the Pell Grant, to investing in student support services, like mental health services and programs that address food insecurity, such as Cougs Help Cougs and the Cougar Food Pantry.
They also highlighted the benefits of stable federal research funding to the student experience, such as developing in-demand skills for local employers and spurring innovation across Washington. This included sharing stories of international students facing a variety of challenges related to visa processing and work authorizations, and how international students contribute to keeping our nation competitive.
ASWSU and GPSA had the opportunity to meet with Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Michael Baumgartner. They also met with staff from the office of Senator Patty Murray, and the offices of Representatives Dan Newhouse, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Rick Larsen, Suzan DelBene, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Marilyn Strickland, and Emily Randall. The group also met with staff from the House Education and Workforce Committee.
The student leaders also participated in meetings with national associations that WSU is a member of, including the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), the Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC), and the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF).
The cohort included:
- Isaac Velazquez, President, ASWSU
- Grace Carpenter, Vice President, ASWSU
- Lillyann Vo, Chief of Staff, ASWSU
- Bhargav Iyer, Director of Legislative Affairs, ASWSU
- Kade Barry, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, ASWSU
- Reed Scott, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, ASWSU
- Desmond Aboagye, President, GPSA
- Golrokh “Rose” Maleki, Executive Vice President, GPSA
- Ali Maleki, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, GPSA