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Broad opposition at Ways & Means hearing to bill that would let institutions raise tuition and reduce Washington College Grant awards
Summary
Students, faculty and college leaders told the Senate Ways & Means Committee on March 24 that Senate Bill 5785's authority for higher tuition combined with proposed cuts or proration of the Washington College Grant would reduce access and harm enrollment and completion.
Senate Bill 5785 and a proposed substitute drew sustained, largely negative public comment at a March 24 Ways & Means Committee hearing as students, faculty, campus leaders and higher-education advocates warned the measure would reduce access and damage enrollment.
Michelle Alishahi, committee staff, outlined the proposed substitute: for the 2026-27 academic year, resident undergraduate tuition operating fees at public institutions may increase by up to 5% above the existing tuition growth factor; community and technical colleges may raise tuition to operate within state appropriations while public four-year institutions may increase tuition to support employee compensation and operate within appropriations. The substitute would also change Washington College Grant eligibility and create prorated maximum…
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