WSU Medical School Gaining Big Support in Olympia
Washington State University’s pursuit of a medical school took a big step forward today when two bills – one in the Senate and one in the House – were introduced today and would allow WSU to operate a public medical school. A law that dates back to 1917 currently mandates that only the University of Washington can operate a public medical school in Washington.
Senator Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) introduced the bill in the Senate, while Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) introduced the bill in the House.
WSU President Elson Floyd weighed in today in his President’s Perspectives column.
KXLY has a cool photo of the two dropping their bills in the Hopper, along with a story on the two bills. The Spokesman-Review has coverage as well.
LEGISLATIVE SPONSORSHIP FOR WSU MEDICAL SCHOOL PROPOSAL
Stars represent where supportive legislators reside.
The bill in the House already has 60 co-signers, while the bill in the Senate has 17. This is tremendous support for WSU and the rural areas that are underserved.
A contingent of WSU and WSU Spokane representatives are in Olympia this week with a group of about 100 business, education and community leaders from the greater Spokane area, part of the Greater Spokane Incorporated Olympia Fly-In. The WSU reps have heard from a number of lawmaker and will continue to do so throughout the week, and there is great support from lawmakers the group has met with.
There are still a number of steps to take. The House bill will go before the House Higher Education Committee on Jan. 27. The $2.5 million in startup funds still needs to be included in the final operating budget out of Olympia. The legislative session in Olympia is scheduled to finish by the end of April. There is, as always, the possibility that lawmakers could go into a special session beyond that April end date.
Stay tuned, as this issue will continue to gain traction.
In the meantime, find out why a WSU medical school is needed in the greater Spokane region.