Dec. 19, 1994,
December 19, 1994 - GOVERNOR'S OPERATING BUDGET PLAN RELEASED
Additional Students Would Be Served Under the Lowry Plan
Governor Mike Lowry today proposed a 1995-97 operating budget
that provides for additional enrollment at the four WSU campuses.
The Governor said "the baby boom-echo has now reached college
age." He went on to say he expects another 50,000 college
age students within the next 15 years. Noting that "the
college-age population is growing 30 percent faster than the general
population," Lowry recommended funding of an additional $3.6
million for student enrollment increases at Washington State University.
WSU would need more than $30 million to keep up with population
growth. Here's how student access would be affected by the
Lowry budget at the various campuses:
WSU Requested Increase Proposed
Campus Current Enrollment Increase Lowry Budget
Pullman 15,991 1,151 115
Tri-Cities 541 302 24
Vancouver 595 454 78
Spokane 258 132 10
Provides First WSU Pay Increases In Over Two Years
The Governor`s proposal provides pay increases for faculty and
other university employees. The Lowry salary increase proposal
is 2.9 percent in fiscal year 1996 and 3.1 percent in 1997.
Governor`s Plan To Raise Tuition Up To 6 percent for Resident
Undergraduates
Up to 10 percent for Graduate and Other Students
The Governor's budget directs institutions to make unspecified
cuts to programs and exercise a local option to increase tuition
rates to provide the necessary funding. As promised, the Governor
proposed a B&O tax credit to provide additional financial
aid. The Governor's supporting documents presume that institutions
will cut budgets by at least 2.4 percent which could dictate a
minimum 5.7 percent tuition increase per year at Washington State
University.
This is the Governor`s recommended budget and it is too early
to say how much tuition will be increased. WSU will be watching
the legislative budget process with great interest. Tuition decisions
must be made in conjunction with General Fund State appropriations.
