The Washington Legislature has reduced its operating budget allocation to Washington State University (WSU) by 10 million dollars over the next two years. The budget approved by the majority Democrats includes a 1.5% cut in funding for WSU and all public higher education in the state, addressing an anticipated 16 billion dollar shortfall over the next four years.

WSU lobbyists report that the state budget allocates approximately 17 million dollars for cost of living raises for faculty and professional staff. However, the budget does not provide funding for the contract negotiated with WSU’s new student workers union and does not cover the costs associated with accrediting the Elson Floyd College of Medicine in Spokane. Additionally, a proposal to raise the cap on annual tuition increases was not approved, keeping the cap around 3% for tuition hikes.

In terms of capital construction, the budget fully funds WSU’s request for 25 million dollars to demolish Heald Hall and design a replacement. It also includes half a million dollars for the pre-design of a modernization project at the Knott Dairy Farm outside Pullman. However, WSU’s request for 5 million dollars to support Clean Building Act requirements and funding to comply with Washington’s Climate Commitment Act was not included in the capital budget.

The spending plans are now set to be reviewed by Governor Bob Ferguson for final approval.