Newsbeat

State tax collections dip slightly

Revenue collections were lower than forecasted for the last month, according to the latest revenue update report published by the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council on Thursday afternoon. Between February 11th and March 10th, the state collected $29.5 million, 1.5 percent lower than forecasted in February. The forecast last month projected slow growth in […]

Governor signs WSU-backed NIL bill

A bill signed by the governor today will clarify state ethics law for university employees engaging student athletes in activities regarding the student’s name, image, and likeness (NIL). Senate Bill 5913 received bipartisan support from lawmakers in the Senate and House during the 2024 legislative session that adjourned last week. Sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, […]

Three WSU alums bid farewell to Olympia

Among the slew of departures from the Legislature announced in recent days were three Washington State University alums who left their mark. You can watch their farewell addresses and tributes paid to them yesterday on the floor of the Senate and floor of the House of Representatives. Rep. JT Wilcox of Yelm is best known […]

Legislature adjourns 2024 session Sine Die

The state Legislature concluded its brief yet consequential 2024 legislative session on Thursday afternoon, adopting an austere operating budget while approving notable policies relating to financial aid, opioid prevention on college campuses, and student athlete name, image, and likeness.  As is custom, gavels in each chamber fell simultaneously as the Legislature adjourned “sine die,” Olympia […]

Regent Picha’s re-appointment confirmed by Senate

Douglas Picha’s re-appointment to the Washington State University Board of Regents was unanimously confirmed by the state Senate today. Senator Drew Hansen rose to speak on Picha’s behalf, noting he is a “proud Cougar graduate” and went on to highlight his service to the community, decades of work as president of the Seattle Children’s Foundation […]

Operating, capital budget agreements released

An agreement announced today on the state’s 2024 supplemental operating budget provides partial one-time funding for a collective bargaining contract WSU agreed to with academic student employees, the university’s top priority. The separate capital budget agreement announced Tuesday includes funds for Climate Commitment Act compliance and deferred maintenance. Both budgets are expected to be taken […]

House sends WSU-backed NIL bill to governor

The state House of Representatives has approved a measure to clarify state ethics law permitting university personnel more latitude in advising student athletes seeking to profit off the use of their name, image, and likeness. The measure — previously approved by the Senate 47-1 and by the House 92-2 last night — now heads to […]

Regent Dickinson’s re-appointment confirmed

Marty Dickinson’s reappointment to the Washington State University Board of Regents – the institutions governing board – was unanimously confirmed by the state Senate on Friday. Two prominent legislators rose up highlighting Dickinson’s many accomplishments ahead of the Senate vote. Senator Andy Billing representing the 3rd district Spokane, noted the many ways Dickinson “is deeply […]

WSU-backed NIL legislation receives unanimous vote in House committee

A bill that would clarify state ethics law for certain university employees who engage student athletes in activities involving their name, image, and likeness (NIL) passed unanimously out of the House State Government and Tribal Relations commitee this afternoon. On Valentine’s Day the committee heard Senate Bill 5913 which is sponsored by Senator Javier Valdez. […]

House capital budget unveiled, heard in committee

The House Capital Budget Committee heard testimony on its proposed capital budget Tuesday morning, which provides funds for the WSU Pullman campus to conduct decarbonization planning in the university’s pursuit of compliance with the Climate Commitment Act. The Pullman campus is considered a covered entity under the new cap and invest decarbonization law. To become […]