1. State Budget Situation -The State of Washington will have about a $5.3 billion shortfall for 2011-2013. -Why?: A decrease in revenue (Our revenue relies on sales tax) along with increasing mandatory costs for the state.

2. 2009-2011 Saw a $12 billion deficit -WWU saw a $44 million cut in state support. - The budget reductions for 2011-2013 will be added onto any reductions already made.

3. State Funding vs. Student Funding -The State of Washington funds 43% of the operating budget for Higher Education, this means for the first time ever students pay more than the state. (This is worse than even California, called a crisis of funding by their Governor)

4. Proposed Budget Reductions to WWU – House Budget Proposal: 13% Tuition Increase Suspension of State Work Study Program Maintenance of State Need Grant 3.3% Overall Reduction to WWU Operating Budget (-$36m in State support) – Senate Budget Proposal 16% Tuition Increase State Work Study Cut by 50% Maintenance of State Need Grant 2.9% Overall Reduction to WWU Operating Budget (-$37m in State Support)

5. Legislative Timeline All timelines are approximate, our state legislature rarely operates on a predictable timeline. April 18 th -25 th: State budget (and WWU’s) is reconciled by both the Senate and House and approved. April 26 th - ?? Special Session. – During Special Session the primary issue will be reconciling the budget differences between the House and Senate.

6. Want more information? Go to http://www.wwuadvocates.org/http://www.wwuadvocates.org/ Or contact: – wwuvotes@gmail.com wwuvotes@gmail.com – ASVP.GOV@wwu.edu ASVP.GOV@wwu.edu – AS.Legislative.Liaison@wwu.edu AS.Legislative.Liaison@wwu.edu