HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1640

BYRepresentatives Fox, Jacobsen, Miller, Kremen, Spanel, Heavey, Silver, Nelson, Jesernig, Braddock, Wineberry, Winsley,R. King, Valle, Leonard, Dellwo, Peery, Haugen,H. Sommers, Jones, Wang, Scott,P. King, Basich, Nutley, O'Brien, Hine, Sanders, Sayan, Pruitt, Todd, Lux,K. Wilson, Unsoeld, Betrozoff and Rust

Establishing the G. Robert Ross public service award program for outstanding public service by faculty.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Barnes, Basich, Fox, Jesernig, Miller, Nelson, Prince, Silver, Unsoeld and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Majority Report:  The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass.  (20)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Belcher, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Brough, Butterfield, Ebersole, Grant, Grimm, Hine, Holland, McLean, Peery, Silver, H. Sommers, Spanel, Sprenkle, Wang and B. Williams.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Fuhrman and Nealey.

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS/APPROPRIATIONS

FEBRUARY 7, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Participation in public and community service efforts to help enrich and improve the lives of Washington's citizens is an integral component of the mission of Washington's universities and colleges.  These efforts are one way that institutional personnel are implementing one of the goals of the Washington State Master Plan for Higher Education.  The goal: "to develop and maintain a higher education system that provides for cultural enrichment, develops social leadership and fosters economic development".

Faculty at the state's institutions of higher education have taken these civic responsibilities seriously for many years.  Many have worked tirelessly, volunteering their time and expertise in philanthropic, cultural, and local governance organizations.  Some of their efforts include bringing cultural events to isolated rural areas, creating new opportunities for economically disadvantaged and handicapped youth, and providing leadership in finding creative solutions to problems plaguing their communities.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL: The Legislature finds that G. Robert Ross, immediate past President of Western Washington University, was an exemplary university president, a convincing spokesperson for excellence in all areas of education, and a leader in encouraging university employees to participate in community service efforts.

The legislature wishes to honor the public spirit, dedication, integrity, perseverance, inspiration, and accomplishments of Washington faculty who have outstanding public service records through the creation of the G. Robert Ross Public Service Award.

The G. Robert Ross Public Service Award Program is established.  The program is intended to recognize the outstanding public service efforts of one faculty annually from the state's four-year universities and college.  The recipient of the award will receive a stipend of $25,000, and a certificate of recognition from the governor.  The stipend is not considered as compensation for the purpose of computing pension benefits.

The program will be administered by the Council of Presidents.  The Council will adopt program guidelines, and is encouraged to consult with representatives of various faculties and civic and philanthropic organizations in developing criteria for the nomination and selection of award recipients.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL: The $25,000 stipend will not be considered as compensation for the purpose of computing pension benefits.

CHANGES PROPOSED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS/APPROPRIATIONS:  The name of the award is changed from the public service award to the G Robert Ross Distinguished Faculty Award.  The award will be presented to Western Washington University faculty rather than one faculty from among the six state universities and college.  The Board of Trustees will administer the award rather than the Council of Presidents.  The Board will also establish a local endowment fund for the receipt of private and public money to support the distinguished faculty award.  The $25,000 stipend is changed to the amount of interest income from the endowment fund as determined by the board.  A general fund appropriation of $250,000 is provided as matching money for the receipt of an additional $250,000 from the Distinguished Professorship Trust Fund.  RCW 28B.10.870, the Distinguished Professor Program, is amended to allow a specific state appropriation to qualify as match for the Trust Fund.

Appropriation:    $250,000 to Western Washington University from the General Fund.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 26, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Higher Education) Bob Waldo, Council of Presidents.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations) Rep. Jacobsen.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Higher Education) None Presented.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations) None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Higher Education) This award program is an appropriate memorial for an outstanding university president. The program captures Bob Ross's contribution to higher education, and his commitment to public service. It creates an award for an important educational responsibility that is not often rewarded through other means.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations) Same as for Higher Education Committee.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Higher Education) None Presented.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations) None Presented.