The state Senate unveiled its proposed operating budget earlier today and the Ways and Means Committee heard testimony this afternoon. WSU weighed in with its support.
The Senate proposal provides $2.5 million in start-up funding for WSU’s request to pursue accreditation for a new medical school in Spokane. Additionally, the Senate funded $4 million to bolster STEM degree production at the university.
It also funded half of WSU’s $4.5 million request to bring four new degree programs to the Everett University Center. The university has proposed to offer new programs in software engineering, data analytics and agriculture as well as for Central Washington University to offer an aviation management degree.
The Senate proposal also would provide funding to backfill a 27 percent tuition reduction at WSU over the next two academic years. The budget also funds small compensation increases for university employees.
Video of WSU’s testimony can be viewed below.