Action on all three major budgets (operating, capital and transporation) is expected when the House of Representatives convenes this morning at 10:00 a.m. Members are expected to go to caucus to discuss proposed amendments to the biennial spending plans and then return to the chamber to enact each budget. Because the House has delayed action on their budget proposals until this morning, the Senate is expected to delay release of their budget until Wednesday this week.
A number of bills important to the University will also be heard this week as policy committees have until Friday to act on bills from the opposite chamber. HB 1506 which extends authority to use alternative public works mechanisms for another six years is scheduled for a public hearing this morning in the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee. HB 1882 which is the Governor’s Washington Learns bill that establishes the Global Challenge State per student funding goals for higher education is scheduled for executive session in the House Appropriations Committee this afternoon.
The UW is also watching SB 6099 which establishes a mediator to resolve potential disputes which may arise during the process to plan the design of a new State Highway 520 floating bridge. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Ed Murray (D-Seattle) receives a public hearing this afternoon in the House Transportation Committee.