On Friday (April 24), the Legislature adjourned from its regular session. With several critical items left undone, including a 2015-2017 operating budget, Governor Inslee announced he will call the Legislature back into session this Wednesday (April 29). Meanwhile, the Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler has called for the Legislature to finish its work by May 15. For more background on where things stand with higher education budgets, be sure to read this Seattle Times article.
Stay tuned to the blog for more updates as we head into special session!
In other news, Governor Inslee recently signed two bills related to higher education (and offered by UW alums!) into law.
SB 5638 sponsored by Sen. Bob Hasegawa expands access to the State Need Grant.
HB 1138 sponsored by Rep. Tina Orwall creates a task force on mental health and suicide prevention.
Gov. signing SB 5638 with COP, @SBCTCWashington, @WorkforceWash, @WSACouncil staff, expanding access to financial aid pic.twitter.com/9rmsUuzKKY
— Council of Presidents (@CouncilofPresWA) April 27, 2015
Yay to signing of HB 1138 creating task force on mental health & suicide prevention in higher ed @tinaorwall pic.twitter.com/vdmke7MEzp
— WWU Government Relations (@WWUGOV) April 27, 2015