Gov. Inslee releases operating and capital budgets

Gov. Inslee released his FY2017-19 operating and capital budgets on December 14, 2016.  The operating budget included $4,000,000 in additional tuition buy back, in lieu of resident undergraduate tuition increases, and $3,600,000 to fund Western’s Student Success Decision Package. 

The Governor’s operating budget also proposes to fund the classified collective bargaining agreements negotiated this fall as well as a general wage increase for Western’s faculty and professional staff.  The proposed general wage increase includes a 2% increase effective July 1, 2017, a 2% increase effective July 1, 2018, and a 2% increase effective January 1, 2019.  While Western is appreciative of the proposed increases, the funding identified in the budget is significantly less than the amount needed to implement them. We are in contact with the office of Finance and Management to determine the reason for the shortfall.

In regards to the capital budget proposal, the Governor’s budget includes $11.6 million for the preservation of minor works on campus and $6.6 million for upgrades to Western’s classrooms and labs. The capital proposal also includes $3.18 million in funding for much-needed safety and ADA upgrades to elevators throughout campus and $2.7 million for disability resource services.  Unfortunately funding for Western’s top capital priority, the Science Building Addition and Renovation project, was not included in the Governor’s budget proposal despite being highly ranked in the state’s prioritized list of capital projects for the public baccalaureate sector. 

This is the beginning of a long journey through the legislative session.  The House and Senate will announce their own respective budgets in the spring.  A negotiation of the budgets will lead to the final budget.  Much effort will be required by all who are Western to advocate for our priorities in order to ensure funding that secures the continuing excellence of our university.  We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more throughout the session.