Newsbeat

Questions raised about ag research bill

A bill designed to boost funding for agricultural research could lead to unintended consequences, WSU testified Friday. House Bill 1976 would create a property tax on marijuana-related trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade names and such and dedicate those revenues to ag research. But the university is concerned those revenues could ultimately be used to supplant the […]

Now that sequestration is in effect: What is the impact for WSU?

On March 20, the Senate took a step toward avoiding a government shutdown by passing a six-month Continuing Resolution (“CR”) funding the federal government through the end of the Fiscal Year. The bill ended up passing by a 47-vote majority after an agreement was reached to avoid furlough of federal food inspectors.  We now anticipate […]

Flat forecast sets table for new budget

The state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council approved a flat revenue forecast that leaves the state with an estimated shortfall of $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion for the next two year budget cycle. That’s before as much as $1 billion or more in investments for K-12 education are considered. The forecast, found here, provides the […]

Increasing caseloads add $300 million to budget shortfall

The Washington State Caseload Forecast Council Thursday reported an increase in needs for state services, adding $300 million to the state’s budget shortfall. The Seattle Times has the story here. Lawmakers must now fill a roughly $1.3 billion shortfall when writing the next two-year state budget this session. This does not include additional money the […]

Tax collections up with key forecasts looming

State revenues continue to exceed expectations ahead of two key forecasts this month that will determine the ultimate size of the state’s budget problem. But that may not be enough to head off the bad news that may be in those forecasts.  The caseload forecast, essentially a projection of demand for state services, is scheduled […]

House approves second efficiency bill 97-1

With a vote of 97-1, the House passed House Bill 1769 off of the floor Friday afternoon. The bill is one of two priority higher education efficiency bills this session.  The other, House Bill 1736, was approved by the House on Monday. Allowing more flexibilities for colleges and universities to manage their capital budgets, HB […]

House approves first of two efficiency bills

The state House of Representatives on Monday approved the first of two bills aimed at driving new efficiencies within the higher education sector. House Bill 1736 was approved 98-0 and heads for the Senate where a companion bill is already moving. The bill would help reduce time spent on paperwork within human resource departments by […]

Sequestration: What does it mean for WSU?

With the clock ticking, President Obama met with Congressional leaders today in a short and unsuccessful hour long meeting to see if they could reach some kind agreement to mitigate the midnight deadline for the sequester.  Members walked out in the same position they walked into the White House with – no agreement. The White […]