Washington Research Council (WRC) builds interest in research
By Jan Teague, President/CEO
As a board member of the Washington Research Council, I continue to be amazed at the great research and policy analysis this group does that is available for public use. WRC is becoming more able to deal with issues of economic competitiveness thanks to the growing number of companies and associations that donate to its efforts. It's a 501 (c-3) and does not lobby, but does communicate findings routinely in Special Reports and Public Policy Briefs. The council's website is www.researchcouncil.org. I recommend that you check out the council's webpage to get a better understanding of what it does.
WRC is holding a fundraiser at the Museum of Flight on June 5th. The reception is at 5:30 and is always a packed event of who's who. This year's speakers are Jennifer Rubin who writes for the Washington Post and is considered a prominent political analyst. Mickey Kaus has a political blog, Kausfiles. He is well known for challenging conventional wisdom. The two will be discussing politics. You will be hearing more from us about this event, but for now, save the date. You will be glad you decided to attend.
The luncheon speaker at the Board meeting was Paul Jenny, Vice Provost, Office of Planning & Budgeting at the University of Washington. He is an economist by trade and filled our ears with stats about the University. I was amazed to find out UW has a $5.5 billion dollar budget with 46 percent of it going to the four hospitals and four clinics it manages. UW produces 12,000 degrees per year and 80 percent of the students are from Washington State.
I voiced concern for the growing shortage of health care professionals that I keep hearing is in our future. Jenny didn't know what that percentage was or how UW might be meeting the growing need, but he assured me that all of the schools were doing their best to address the problem. He did say that the University in the last three years has experienced a 50 percent cut in funds from the legislature. The WRC talked about the challenge of raising tuitions and still providing access to higher education for all groups of people.
The Washington Research Council is looking for a few new good board members who would like to help the organization grow. If anyone is interested in this opportunity, please let me know.
