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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Seattle Times reported Saturday that with tuition and student loan debt increases, students are beginning to take advantage of new and existing state programs to lessen the burden these increases impose on earning a degree and starting a career. The article highlights recent and soon-to-be graduates who have used such programs. “The cost savings […]
Passed by the House Wednesday with a vote of 95-1, House Bill 1331 would allow student government to form committees advising university administration on issues that affect student access and success, such as tuition and fees. The Seattle Times has the story here. WSU supports the legislation as the university already has mechanisms in place […]