Only an hour before midnight, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6562 – a.k.a. the tuition policy bill – with a vote of 29-19.

The debate on the floor with regard to SB 6562 did not cut along Democratic and Republican lines but along much more subtle differences in principles and policies with regard to the future of higher education in Washington.

Senator Kilmer, sponsor of the bill, shared the thoughts of many of the Senators who supported the bill with regard to quality and affordability.  Kilmer stated that the bill provides greater predictability for institutions and students by setting tuition limits in the future, accountability for the state and Washingtonians through the requirement of institutional performance agreements, and affordability by off-setting the tuition increases permitted through additional commitments to financial aid for low- and middle-income students.

Senator Schoesler spoke in opposition of the bill arguing that the accountability provided in the bill is not enough to ensure affordability, predictability, and accountability within higher education. Schoesler, who summed up many of the same concerns others who opposed the bill shared, argued that the best policy and the best financial aid program is low-tuition which allows for a wider door to be open to a post-secondary education for Washingtonians.

Senators spoke to the bill citing concerns with regard to the potential impact on student mix and the missions’ of Washington’s institutions of higher learning. Others expressed frustration that the emergence of this bill comes because the state has not kept its commitment to higher education through strong funding. Finally, Senators across both aisles gave props to the efforts of students this afternoon and this session to be heard with regard to tuition policy.

Two amendments were proposed on the floor. The first amendment, which passed, was a technical amendment that clarified the inclusion of graduate students as only “resident” graduate students.

The second amendment sponsored by Sen. Pflug, which failed, would have made tuition setting authority and waivers contingent upon full funding of the state work study program.

Senate Bill 6562 now goes to the House for further consideration.