Legislative leaders adjourned their 2026 legislative session Thursday night after approving supplemental operating and capital budget agreements that yield a $3.3 million operating reduction for WSU while making investments in a handful of capital improvements for the university.
The operating budget compromise agreed to by Senate and House budget writers makes a $1.4 million general reduction to the university and cuts Climate Commitment Act funding allocated to the university’s Institute for Northwest Energy Futures by $1.9 million. The total reduction is significantly lower than the original reduction proposed by the governor of $18.1 million and slightly higher than proposals from the Senate and House budgets late last month. The halving of funding for INEF reflects a broader legislative strategy to cut or eliminate the use of temporary Climate Commitment Act funds to pay for ongoing programs, particularly in the Department of Commerce.
On the capital front, the final budget follows the approach of the Senate proposal and provides WSU with the following:
- $6 million for minor works projects.
- $7 million to design and renovate space for Team Health Education in Spokane. In tandem with an updated reappropriation of $2.9 million from last biennium, this would be sufficient to complete the renovation.
- $1.5 million for upgrades to Ensminger Pavilion in Pullman.
- $400,000 for upgrading soil health research infrastructure.
- $1 million to improve energy systems in the WSU Creamery.
- $500,000 for a virtual fencing study for the cattle industry.
All eyes now turn toward what figures to be a difficult 2027 legislative session. The next state revenue forecast will be released in June.