Rep. Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) has put forth a budget request aimed at increasing state support for Western Washington University (WWU), the state's third-largest higher education institution. The proposal seeks $21 million to correct what's been described as a historical imbalance in per-student funding compared to other state colleges and universities.
WWU has consistently received the lowest state funding on a per student basis over the past thirty years. "Despite being number three in student enrollment behind the University of Washington and Washington State University, Western’s students are bearing a greater cost for their education than students at other schools," Timmons stated. He emphasized the importance of this adjustment for the 2029-31 biennium, not merely as a remedy for WWU, but as a critical step towards addressing Washington's wider postsecondary educational attainment crisis.
This funding shortage has significant implications for the state, as less than half of Washington high school graduates currently move on to college. Such a deficit could hamper Washington's ability to staff a workforce increasingly demanding degrees and credentials. "This is a tough ask to make while looking at the budget challenges we are facing as a state. But Washington’s students deserve access to affordable and quality higher education, and that’s how dire Western’s situation is," Timmons told House Democrats.
The funding shortfall has already led WWU to cut degree concentrations and lay off staff members. Timmons highlighted Western's role in the community, stating, "Serving nearly 15,000 students, Western Washington University is a vital institution in Whatcom County and a leader in our state in terms of student outcomes such as graduation rates. It is crucial that we support Western’s ability to provide higher education, job training, and career opportunities. This is critical to ensure Western remains a leader in preparing our students, our region, and our state for the economy of the future."
The proposed funds would raise WWU's state contribution to a level closer to that of Central Washington University, which currently receives about $900 more per student. The House and Senate are expected to reach a consensus on the budget and revenue plan by the end of the legislative session on April 27, leaving hope for WWU and its supporters that the disparity will soon be addressed.
