FYI PAC is an independent, unaffiliated political action committee, launched to support candidates who understand the value of Washington’s public universities.  We welcome contributions from anyone who supports affordable, accessible, quality four-year public education in Washington.

Washington’s public universities are some of the best and most cost-efficient in the country.  Students who enroll at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, The University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University receive world-class educations at tuition rates that are below national averages.  University graduates from Washington state institutions are prepared for the state’s most demanding jobs and poised to make tremendous contributions to the society as educated, engaged, tax-paying citizens. 

This vital educational and economic resource is now in grave danger.

• Washington ranks 48th in the nation in total funding per degree.
• State funding for Washington’s public universities has declined by 7.3% in the last 10 years. 
• State funding to Washington’s public universities has been cut by over 30% for 2009-2011.  These are among the biggest percentage cuts to any state agency and among the biggest cuts to universities in the nation.
• At four of Washington’s six universities, tuition paid by students accounts for more than 50% of the university budget.
• Washington has a very high percentage of citizens with Bachelors degrees, but most of those people moved here after receiving their degrees in other states—Washington is the third largest importer of Bachelors degrees in the nation. 

The lack of support for Washington’s public universities means that Washington’s citizens are at a tremendous disadvantage in the competition for Washington’s best jobs.  State budget and policy choices are dictating that Washington’s daughters and sons end up working for people who have been raised and educated in other states. 

Public universities have not been a legislative priority in Washington State and have been a primary target for state budget cuts.  This neglect continues to do tremendous damage to Washington’s citizens and the state’s economy. 

FYI PAC is committed to making Washington’s citizens aware of the crisis facing our universities and to supporting candidates and elected officials who understand the value of public four-year higher education.

Thank you very much for your support.