WSU REACTION: '98 LEGISLATURE PASSES SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING BUDGET
(ESSB 6108) AND ADJOURNS
Many had low expectations for the 1998 legislative session. Indeed,
the state spending limit declined with the adjustments passed in the supplemental
operating budget. Lawmakers largely held to addressing only tax cuts, "emergencies"
and "opportunities that will not be available next biennium." Yet, WSU
believes significant issues were addressed that offer real assistance.
Non-glamorous issues such as WSU litigation/settlement costs, funds for
building maintenance, and conversion of computers for the year 2000 were
directly paid by the Legislature. Politically, such critical issues could
have been ignored by legislators without immediate consequences. If lawmakers
had not acted responsibly, existing WSU programs (already struggling with
reallocations) may have suffered additional hardship. There were also a
few far-reaching initiatives, such as a successful West-Prince bill that
changes how higher education programs will be delivered in Spokane. Educators
are disappointed that a broad endowment program proposed by all of the
state's public four-year and two-year institutions did not survive in the
House (SSB 6242). Likewise, additional WSU tuition waiver authority died
in budget conference committee. Important issues involving funding K-20
electronic classrooms and managing WSU trust lands were barely considered.
Yet, such disappointments are tempered by some important breakthroughs:
Permanent funding was identified for distinguished professorships and graduate
fellowships for the first time in history. Funding was also secured to
finally begin a pre-paid tuition program that may help families plan for
college. Two new WSU regents were confirmed. Realtors dipped into their
own pockets and supported a self-imposed fee to rescue WSU real estate
programs, another sign that private/public partnerships are working at
the university. Funds allocated for state-wide efforts like Internet 2
and a Cooperative Library Network will hold benefits for WSU. WSU met lawmakers
more than half-way by proposing to adjust enrollment targets to more realistic
levels. It is an unprecedented action that earned WSU credibility in the
Legislature (even referenced by the Ways and Means Chair in floor debate),
returned $2.65 million to the state, and avoided substantial penalties
to the university. The supplemental operating budget passed the Legislature
Wednesday night along fierce partisan lines. Most Senate budget votes passed
26-23. It was one of the last actions by legislators who believed they
could not afford much spending in 1998. WSU appreciates the action of lawmakers
like Sen. Jim West, Sen. Gene Prince, Sen. Jeannette Wood, Rep. Tom Huff,
and Rep. Don Carlson.
PASSED - Supplemental Capital Construction Bill Passes Legislature
- SSB 6455 A supplemental capital construction bill that provides $3
million to make necessary repairs and improvements to WSU Pullman campus
buildings has passed the Legislature. Gov. Locke has until early April
to act on the bill. The House honored Capital Budget Chairman Barry Sehlin,
R-Oak Harbor, on the final day of the session. Sehlin, who announced he
will retire from the Legislature, has been instrumental in providing for
many WSU construction projects during his six years in office. He will
be missed.
SIGNED INTO LAW - Bill Allowing WSU Employees to Regain Retirement
Service Credit - SB 6303 A bill allowing certain WSU employees to buy
back lost credit for past years of service was signed into law today.
PASSED - Spokane Higher Education Bill: - SB 6655 Legislation
eliminating the Spokane Joint Center for Higher Education and making other
changes intended to result in more WSU programs in Spokane has been sent
to Gov. Gary Locke. The bill makes SIRTI an independent state agency.
PASSED - Distinguished Professorships and Graduate Fellowships -
Senate Bill 6727 WSU's share of the first allocation is projected to
be three new distinguished professorships and ten graduate fellowships
or about $1 million. Ten percent of the $50 million balance in the state
"Education Savings Account" will go to distinguished professorships, graduate
fellowships, and community college "exceptional faculty" awards.
CONFIRMED- Rob Fukai Confirmed As New WSU Regent - SGA 9313 Rob
Fukai, vice president of external relations for Washington Water Power
Company, has been confirmed by the state Senate as the newest member of
the WSU Board of Regents. Fukai holds WSU accounting and business administration
degrees. He serves as a board member of Spokane School District No. 81.
Fukai is also a past chairman of United Way of Spokane County. He has also
been a member of the WSU Spokane Advisory Council and the WSU Foundation
Board. Regent Bill Marler was confirmed earlier in the legislative session.
The Senate also confirmed Costco Senior Vice President Bob Craves as chairman
of the state HEC Board.
PASSED - Real Estate Research Center Bill - Senate Bill 6396 Imposes
a $5 per year fee to support WSU research and instruction on real estate
issues.
PASSED - Dairy Nutrient Bill - Substitute Senate Bill 6161 Washington
State University will play a role in legislation designed to better handle
manure from dairies to protect water resources.
PASSED - Pharmacy Students Fee Waiver - House Bill 2534 Permits
waiving some operating fees for students registered for a pharmacy degree.
DIED - Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2027 House-passed
legislation that prohibits state employees from reimbursement for airline
tickets purchased over-the-counter has apparently died without consideration
by the state Senate. WSU opposed the legislation.
DIED - Vancouver Border County Bill - House Bill 2373 House-approved
legislation creating a pilot program for reduced tuition for Portland students
at WSU Vancouver died on the Senate calendar.
