Legislative Story Proposal

Gov. Christine Gregoire’s capital construction package and how it relates to Washington State University.

During the last two years, or the 2007-2009 biennium budget, Washington State University was allocated $262 million for the operating budget. Gregoire’s budget proposal suggests that this be cut by 12 percent or $31 million for the 2009-2011 biennium budget. Furthermore, the Governor’s proposal approves none of the new requests made for its operating budget which include salary increases for faculty, staff and graduate students, funding for a new Core Computer Systems program, money to accommodate increased enrollment, funds for the new School of Global Animal Health and funds for new agriculture-related projects.

Although these requests weren’t allocated to Washington State University’s operating or capital budget, many requests did become a part of Gregoire’s capital construction package. The following are all proposed to encourage economic recovery in the state of Washington.

$38.6 million for an Applied Technology Classroom Building at WSU Vancouver.

$7.4 million in design funds for a Veterinary Medical Research Building in Pullman, the university’s second-highest legislative priority.

The package provides $15.7 million for construction of a wastewater reclamation plant to supplement to the existing Pullman wastewater treatment facilities.

Possible Sources
1. Larry Ganders, Assistant to the President and Lobbyist
2. Joan King, Executive Director of Budget and Planning
3. Matt Skinner, Associate Director of Budget and Planning
4. Gov. Gregoire's Office


Analyze the House’s 2009-2011 capital budget proposal (HB 1216) and compare it the Senate’s 2009-2011 capital budget proposal (SB 5222). How does allocation to Washington State University differ?