The 2022 legislative session begins Jan. 10 and will focus on the supplemental budget, which modifies the biennial budget passed last session. Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled his 2022 operating and capital budget proposals today, as a first step in the state budget process.
The Governor’s proposed operating budget emphasizes climate action and poverty reduction. His climate package devotes $626 million to decarbonization, successful implementation of the Climate Commitment Act, and building Washington’s clean energy future. An additional $187 million is allocated for salmon protection and recovery. Inslee also dedicates $800 million to help find solutions to the state’s homelessness and housing emergency. The funding will provide permanent affordable housing, resources to help people retain their housing, and support services for individuals with behavioral health needs.
The Governor’s proposals funded all the University of Washington’s legislative priorities and a few additional items including:
- $11.1M for salary adjustments for faculty and staff, who are currently not scheduled to receive wage increases in the biennial budget and are critical to the continued success of students and the UW.
- $2M to expand computer science and engineering enrollment for underrepresented students by an additional 100 per year to meet high student and employer demand.
- $505K to create two behavioral health pharmacy residencies housed at the new Behavioral Health Teaching Facility to address the state’s critical behavioral health patient and workforce needs. This request is in partnership with Washington State University, who is requesting additional funds for two pharmacy residents in Eastern Washington.
- $800K for a three-year research program led by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation in Spokane focused on community health metrics to help proactively address health disparities in rural and tribal communities in Eastern Washington.
- $621K for maintenance and operation (M&O) for Milgard Hall at UW Tacoma, which expects occupancy in Winter 2022 instead of mid-2023.
- $500K for the UW School of Medicine to collaborate with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide mentoring, preparation, and career awareness for students of color in grades 6+.
- $3.5M in operating funding for the Clean Energy Institute testbeds.
- $10M in capital funds for UW Seattle facilities to improve seismic preparedness, reduce safety risks, and extend the life cycle of the facilities.
- $7.5M in capital funds for the Clean Energy Institute for a modular dry room, electrical upgrades, and equipment for an open-access battery fabrication testbed facility to enhance material, imaging, and analysis capabilities.
The Office of State Relations is thrilled to see the investments the Governor proposed for the University and students. The House of Representatives and Senate will introduce their budget proposals during the upcoming 60-day legislative session.
The proposal also puts $600 million back into the state’s “Rainy Day” fund, which was utilized to bolster services and the state’s economy during the pandemic. Washington’s economy is rebounding with the most recent revenue forecast showing strong 2021-23 Near General Fund budget collections. The state’s reserves are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels over the next four years.
For additional details, see the Washington State Office of Financial Management’s budget and policy highlights and the brief prepared by the UW Office of Planning & Budgeting on their Briefs page.