The public schools fare well, primarily as a result of the funding provided by I-728. The Seattle Consumer Price Index dictates the amounts. In addition, the Senate budget provides means by which corresponding salary increases can be provided for school employees supported by federal funds and local levies. Financial aid is increased through the state need grant, Promise Scholarships and work study programs. Additional funds are set aside to boost compensation of part-time faculty and to selectively increase pay to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.
Some limited tuition setting authority is given to the colleges.
Tuition for medical, dental, law, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary, and MBA students is expected to increase to reflect that charged by peer institutions in other states. Funds are also provided to expand immunization for children, and a number of smaller program innovations and enhancements. The budget also maintains the assistance to local governments provided last year as mitigation for the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. All state employees are targeted to receive salary increases at the level established by I-732 for public school employees. Additional compensation is provided to various classes of state employees for which there are particular recruiting and retention problems.