Bill > HB2070

This bill addresses funding disparities for Western Washington University (WWU) by establishing a mechanism to ensure more equitable state funding. The legislature recognizes that WWU has historically received the lowest per-student funding among Washington's public universities, despite strong student performance. The bill creates a new funding approach beginning with the 2029-2031 biennium, where the state will calculate a funding ratio by dividing the carryforward level funding average from near general fund outlook accounts by the number of full-time equivalent students in state-supported academic programs. If WWU has the lowest calculated ratio among regional universities and state colleges, the legislature will appropriate additional funding to bring WWU's funding closer to the next lowest institution. The bill highlights broader context about Washington's educational needs, noting that 70 percent of family-wage jobs require a bachelor's degree and the state will need approximately 300,000 more bachelor's degree holders over the next decade. By addressing this funding disparity, the bill aims to support postsecondary educational attainment and make higher education more accessible for Washington residents.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2070&Year=2025&Initiative=false