In late December, Governor Inslee released proposals for state spending over the next two years. As the state grapples with projected budget deficits, this budget proposal relies on a mix of cuts and new revenue.
Highlights from the operating and capital budget proposal for WWU include:
Operating
- A budget reduction of $144,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
- Partial funding for cost-of-living adjustments, however, no funding was provided for the new Academic Student Employees collective bargaining agreement.
- Permanent funding for Academic Access & Outreach programming, WWU received this funding on a one-time basis in the last legislative session.
Capital
- Poulsbo Instructional Facility – $7.213 million for design
- Minor Works Preservation – $10 million
- Access Control Security Upgrades – $9.07 million
- Academic Facilities Renewal (Phase 1) – $19.896 million
- Heating Conversion Project – $20.05 million
The Governor’s budget is the first step in the budgeting process. The 2025 legislative session will begin on January 13th and is scheduled to go for 105 days. The House and Senate and are expected to release their respective budget proposals in mid-to-late March.