PULLMAN WSU administrators are working to respond to a request from the state Senate for alternate budget reduction scenarios one reflecting the 12 percent budget reduction called for in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s budget proposal and another reflecting a cut of 18 percent.
Contrary to some media reports, the information being prepared is simply advisory at this point and does not reflect any final decision on the state allocation to WSU that will be included in the state budget to be enacted later this spring. President Elson S. Floyd stressed that the Senate’s request for information is just one step in the ongoing legislative budget process.
Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly issued a memo Thursday to university deans, vice presidents and chancellors asking them to prepare, in addition to the 12 percent budget reduction scenario already requested, a preliminary plan calling for a 20 percent budget cut within their areas to allow the university some flexibility in responding to the Senate’s request.
They have asked for those plans to be prepared and submitted to the university budget office by Jan. 30.
Floyd said the university is committed to providing the information necessary to state leaders in making budget decisions. At the same time, WSU leaders will continue to advocate strongly for adequate higher education funding to help drive the state’s economic turnaround.
The university is continuing to provide updates on the budget process as it moves forward on the University Budget Committee Web site. It may be accessed at https://budget-committee.wsu.edu.
