Gov. Inslee signs capital, operating budgets
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee signed the 2023–25 capital and operating budgets, allotting millions in funding for WSU programs and initiatives across the state.
“These are investments in our people,” Inslee said. “These are investments in housing, in climate change efforts, in mental health. Our state is going to be better because of this and people are going to have more opportunities.”
In addition to funding a significant portion of WSU’s compensation request, the operating budget includes millions for new degree programs, scholarships and university-affiliated centers across the state. Among them:
- $7.7 million for the development of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at WSU Tri‑Cities
- $2.5 million for the creation of a public health degree program offering an infectious disease track in Pullman and a behavioral health path for WSU Spokane and WSU Vancouver
- $2.4 million to establish a two‑year Journalism Fellowship Program via the Murrow College of Communication
- $1.6 million to establish a four-plus-one bachelor’s and masters degree program at WSU Tri‑Cities
- $1.2 million in one-time funds to establish a Native American Scholarship Program
- $1.2 million in core support for the Ruckelshaus Center
The 2023–25 capital budget includes $53 million for facilities preservation efforts as well as small-scale improvements systemwide. Another $40 million in state support will match philanthropic gifts towards Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture’s planned Student Services Building. A further $7 million is dedicated to design a new Team Health Education Building on the WSU Spokane campus, giving students access to state-of-the-art simulation training.
More information on the latest bill signings is available on the governor’s website.
