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Governor
approves tuition waiver increase for CWU students
Measure will increase access to the university for
students in need
A measure co-sponsored by
Rep. Judy Warnick
and Rep. Bill
Hinkle that will increase the opportunity for students at
Central Washington University to receive a tuition waiver was signed
into law today by Gov. Christine Gregoire. House Bill 1497
will permanently bump CWU's state-funded tuition waiver authority
from 8 to 10 percent.
"This is very exciting for
our local and regional students. It brings Central Washington University
closer to the other state colleges and universities in the ability to
provide greater access to higher education for our students in need,"
said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. "This measure is the product of many people
working together to make this happen. I'm very glad that these efforts
have culminated in a signed law that will help students get the
education they seek."
"We are very happy to see
the governor sign this bill into law. We thought we had this issue
addressed last year through the budget, but it was vetoed out," said
Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum. "This was truly a team effort with the
university, students, legislators from the 13th District, and those in
the Legislature who are alumni all providing support. I'm proud to have
been a part of this process and to support such a great institution for
higher learning."
Warnick and Hinkle noted
that the 2007-09 operating budget contains $500,000 for a "down payment"
on a five-year phase-in of full funding for the increased tuition waiver
authority.
"I'm also very pleased
that this bill will help veterans returning from the Iraq war who want
to further their education," added Warnick.
Tuition waivers reduce
some or all of the operating fees students must pay to attend CWU.
The measure goes into
effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns the 2007 session.
# # #
Prior to the signing of House Bill
1497, students and administrators from Central Washington University,
Ellensburg, gather with Reps. Judy Warnick and Bill Hinkle on the steps
inside the rotunda of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. From left
to right: Mike Bogatay, Ann Anderson, Steve DuPont, Rep. Bill Hinkle,
Katie Underwood, Jim Huckabay, Derrick Peacock, Heather Whitty, and Rep.
Judy Warnick.
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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