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State Lawmakers Propose Bill to Boost Funding for Western Washington University
The bill aims to align WWU's per-student funding with other regional schools in the state.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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State lawmakers in Washington are considering a bill that would increase funding for Western Washington University (WWU) amid its critical budget deficit. The bill, HB 2070, seeks to align WWU's per-student funding with that of other regional schools in the state, which have historically received higher allocations. WWU President Sabah Randhawa says the school was forced to make deep cuts last year, including to administration, student support services, and essential infrastructure.
Why it matters
WWU has consistently received the lowest per-student funding in the state for most of the past 30 years, putting it at a disadvantage compared to other regional universities. This funding gap has had significant impacts on the school's operations and its ability to provide educational opportunities for students.
The details
HB 2070 was proposed by 42nd District Rep. Joe Timmons, who says he's seen the effects of the funding gap on his constituents. If passed, the bill would require WWU to receive enough funding to match the per-student funding of the next-lowest regional school in the state. Currently, WWU is receiving several thousand dollars less per full-time equivalent student than both Central and Eastern Washington universities in the state's 2026-27 biennium budget.
- The public hearing for HB 2070 was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
- The current legislative session in Washington is scheduled to end on March 12, 2026.
The players
Joe Timmons
A 42nd District Representative who proposed HB 2070 to boost funding for Western Washington University.
Sabah Randhawa
The President of Western Washington University, who stated that the school was forced to make deep budget cuts last year due to the funding gap.
What they’re saying
“These are my neighbors who no longer receive the same educational opportunities that maybe they did before on campus and these are my neighbors that maybe don't have a job anymore because of the cuts that our state has done.”
— Joe Timmons, 42nd District Representative (MyBellinghamNow.com)
“We had to cut deeply into administration, eliminating two divisions, and into student support services and other essential infrastructure that contribute directly to student retention and success.”
— Sabah Randhawa, President, Western Washington University (MyBellinghamNow.com)
What’s next
The state legislature has two weeks remaining in the current session to consider and potentially pass HB 2070 before the session ends on March 12, 2026.
The takeaway
This proposed legislation highlights the longstanding funding disparity that Western Washington University has faced compared to other regional universities in the state, and the significant impacts that this gap has had on the school's operations and ability to serve students. The outcome of this bill could have far-reaching consequences for WWU and its community.
