OLYMPIA Washington State University should soon have the authority to start a new medical school on its Spokane campus. The question now is, will it have the money to dothat?

On Wednesday, the Senate voted 47-1 to send Gov. Jay Inslee a bill repealing a 1917 law that says only the University of Washington can operate a state-sponsored medical school. Considering bills had passed both chambers in identical forms by large margins in the past month, that result wasnt really indoubt.

Inslees office said the governor expects to take action on the bill next week during

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OLYMPIA Washington State University should soon have the authority to start a new medical school on its Spokane campus. The question now is, will it have the money to dothat?

On Wednesday, the Senate voted 47-1 to send Gov. Jay Inslee a bill repealing a 1917 law that says only the University of Washington can operate a state-sponsored medical school. Considering bills had passed both chambers in identical forms by large margins in the past month, that result wasnt really indoubt.

Inslees office said the governor expects to take action on the bill next week during a visit to Spokane, although details must still be determined. His staff doesnt confirm a bill will be signed before it happens, but Inslee has already said he wouldnt stand in the way of the legislative decision, and hes unlikely to travel 280 miles to veto abill.

Some indication of whether WSU will get the $2.5 million it is requesting to seek accreditation for the new school and begin hiring faculty could surface late Friday morning when House Democrats release their proposal for the 2015-17 operating budget, which includes money for public university programs. Although the House also gave the authorization bill strong support on March 9, among the No votes were the leaders of the Appropriations, Finance and Health Carecommittees.

After Wednesdays vote, supporters were buoyed by the fact the proposal drew votes from members across the state in bothchambers.

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WSU medical school in Spokane gets Senate OK - Thu, 26 Mar 2015 PST