Olympia Lawmakers Scale Back Proposed Cuts to WSU

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The Washington State House and Senate are proposing smaller budget cuts to Washington State University than what the governor is calling for. Majority Democrats in Olympia have unveiled their operating budget plans, with the Senate proposing a $1.4 million cut and the House proposing a $2.6 million reduction, both less than 1% of WSU's state appropriation. This is in contrast to Governor Bob Ferguson's draft budget, which would reduce WSU funding by over 5%. The proposed state budgets are expected to receive floor votes this week, kicking off negotiations between the House and Senate before the legislative session ends on March 12th.

Why it matters

The budget proposals from the state legislature represent a push-and-pull between Democratic lawmakers and the Democratic governor over the level of funding for Washington State University, one of the state's largest public universities. The outcome of these budget negotiations could have significant implications for WSU's operations and ability to serve students.

The details

The Senate is calling for a $1.4 million cut in the WSU budget, while the House is calling for a $2.6 million reduction. Both of these proposed cuts would be less than 1% of WSU's state appropriation. In contrast, Governor Bob Ferguson's draft budget reduces WSU funding by over 5%. The House and Senate plans also neutralize the governor's request that would increase WSU's insurance premiums.

• The proposed operating budgets in Olympia are expected to receive floor votes this week.
• The Washington legislative session ends on March 12th.

What’s next

The proposed state budgets are expected to receive floor votes this week, kicking off negotiations between the House and Senate before the legislative session ends on March 12th.