Legislative Update (continued)

The Senate is expected to release its version of the biennial state budget this week.

Overall, the Governor's and House budgets are highly supportive of the University of Washington. The Governor calls for a 7 percent tuition increase. The House calls for a 5 percent increase while back-filling the state-funded level by 2 percent over what the Governor provides, which means the funding level is the same in both budgets. However, in the House version, less of the burden is carried by students. Both budgets take substantial steps toward closing the gap in per-student funding between the UW and its peer research institutions. The funding translates into improved compensation, faculty retention, support for research and related educational activities that help our state be competitive in the global marketplace.

UW Tacoma has been following ESHB 2164, a bill that would keep the 10-year property tax abatement from applying to multi-unit housing projects within our campus footprint. UWT owns 70 percent of its 46-acre campus footprint and purchases property over time as the state provides funds. The tax abatement, granted through authority of the state and the city, has been a great success in encouraging developers to build condos in downtown Tacoma. However, it also been encouraging developers to speculate about building condos within the campus footprint on property we do not yet own. Condominium projects within the footprint would greatly interfere with UW Tacoma's ability to complete the cohesive, cost-effective campus outlined in the master plan. ESHB 2164 passed out of the House and is working its way through the Senate process.

With regard to the budget, nothing is assured until the Senate and House agree on a budget and the Governor signs it into law. The last day of the regular session is April 22.

If you have any questions about the 2007 legislative session, contact Mike Wark at 692-5771 or mwark@u.washington.edu.