Budget writers in Olympia on Monday released three separate budget proposals – two operating budgets and one capital budget – with two-and-a-half weeks left in this year’s legislative session.
The Senate operating budget fully funds the proposed Soil Health Initiative proposed by WSU, the state Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Conservation Commission. The House proposal released Monday does not.
The House capital budget proposal unveiled Monday does not fund WSU’s $4 million request to design the Life Sciences Building at its Vancouver campus as the Senate plan released last week does.
Both requests are still in play as budget writers work this week to pass their respective proposals to set up negotiations to reach compromise plans to send to the governor. This year’s legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 12.