Governor Expected To Sign Bill Guaranteeing Student On The WSU Board Of Regents - SSB 5517
Staff members for Gov. Gary Locke are predicting that he will sign Senate Bill 5517, adding one seat to the WSU Board of Regents that is exclusively for a student. The legislation passed the state House of Representatives Tuesday with an overwhelming 87-11 vote. The state Senate approved the bill 31-18 on Feb. 17. The governor is expected to sign the bill into law by Monday.
Supplemental Operating Budget Clears The House Today On 54-43 Partisan Vote - ESSB 6108
The full House of Representatives approved its version of the operating budget proposed by Chairman Tom Huff, R-Gig Harbor. The vote came at about 12:30 a.m. today, just after midnight. There were no substantial changes to the higher education section of the budget. An amendment to add funding for institutions with "over-enrollments" was defeated. Differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill on higher education largely center on how the Spokane Riverpoint Park will be managed. The Senate budget transfers management of the park, except for the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute, to WSU. The House has not yet taken a position in the budget. The state Senate passed its budget version 29-20 along partisan lines on Feb. 25. The bill now goes to conference committee.
Supplemental Capital Budget Awaits House Action - Substitute Senate Bill 6455
Both House and Senate versions of the capital construction budget proposal fund $3 million of the $3.5 million requested by WSU to make necessary repairs and improvements to WSU Pullman campus buildings. The funding was reduced when WSU was required to settle legal disputes over construction of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The Senate passed its version of the bill on a 41-8 vote.
Real Estate Research Center Bill Passes House 94-4, Awaits Governor`s Signature - SB 6396
Legislation sought by WSU and the Washington Association of Realtors passed the Legislature Wednesday. The bill would impose a fee of $5 per year on real estate licensees to support WSU research and instruction in real estate issues. The Senate vote was 35-7.
Border County Bill Awaits Action In The State Senate - House Bill 2373
The pilot program proposed by the House to allow Portland-area students to take eight or less credits at WSU Vancouver at resident tuition rates is moving through the state Senate. The bill, which passed the House 97-0 on Feb. 13, has been amended by the Senate. The Senate version takes out provisions that would have allowed Washington students to use their state financial aid at Oregon schools. House sponsors have indicated they will attempt to pass the bill with the Senate amendments.
Advanced College Tuition Bill Has Passed The Legislature - Second Substitute House Bill 2430
It appears that the Higher Education Coordinating Board will be able to begin the program that allows families to purchase "tuition credits" at 1998 prices for state institutions like Washington State University. The bill, which passed both houses unanimously, goes to the governor.
Pharmacy Student Waiver Bill Passed The Legislature - House Bill 2534
A bill reducing tuition fees for students registered for a doctor of Pharmacy degree has passed both houses of the Legislature. The legislation now goes to Gov. Gary Locke. Both WSU and the University of Washington offer the Pharmacy degree.
Higher Education Endowment Bill Stuck In The House Rules Committee - Sub Senate Bill 6242
Senate Bill 6242, that would set up a matching higher education endowment, is apparently in trouble in the House Rules Committee. House leadership have put a "hold" on the bill which could prove fatal. The enabling legislation contains no funding and monies for the program are unlikely in this legislative session. Both Senate & House budgets provide no funding. WSU hopes that the Senate version of the bill could be adopted by a House-Senate conference committee. The conference committee could be convened to resolve differences between the two houses. The House version of the bill, adopted by the House Appropriations Committee, has serious problems for WSU. It appears the bill would require two private matches of $250,000 each for every $250,000 in state funds provided for distinguished professorships. The Senate bill allows for many more matching programs and would continue the practice of a single match for distinguished professorships. The bill has drawn sharp opposition from the state private universities that argue that state-matched endowment programs will adversely impact their own fundraising efforts and those of charities such as United Way. The data does not seem to support their contention and many charities also disagree with their position. The bill passed the state Senate 40-8 on Feb. 16. A related bill on distinguished professorships, SB 6727, is on the calendar.
Spokane Higher Education Bill Assigned To The House Floor - Sub Senate Bill 6655
Legislation eliminating the Spokane Joint Center for Higher Education and creating a new state agency to manage a Spokane technology institute is expected to get a vote before the full House. Elements of the bill passed the Senate 28-21.
