As part of its 2016 legislative agenda, WSU is requesting $832,000 in the 2016 supplemental operating budget to build a food systems program which will contribute to research to support agriculture in Western Washington and offer four agricultural degrees.

The university is also requesting $1 million to expand its services to small business owners in high-demand areas. WSU operates 25 Small Business Development centers throughout the state which provide free advising to business owners and entrepreneurs.

In addition to this, WSU requests that funding for investments in the State Need Grant and tuition reduction be preserved to reduce the number of students who receive little from the State Need Grant despite being eligible.

The agenda states that new legislation in 2016 will enable the university to be more efficient by eliminating outdated reporting requirements and facilitating other regulatory relief, allowing more productive use of resources.

Reporting by Cody Cottier