Story Ideas

How American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will Impact Pullman:

On Thursday January 15 the House Democratic leadership proposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This stimulus package includes $5 billion for rural development. The bill is expected to be in the House on January 28th and signed by the President in mid-February. The Rural Community Facilities will be receiving $200 million to support $1.2 billion in grants and loans. How will this impact the development on the Palouse? As the County Commission finalizes and tries to balance the budget, do they anticipate receiving federal funding? This story would deal with how this federal bailout will impact local projects and spending.

Public Safety Cutbacks

According to the Whitman County Commission 60-70 percent of their annual budget is allocated to public safety. As they attempt to stay afloat during difficult economic times they are looking for cost reductions in public safety. What will change and how will be cut back in public safety in Whitman County? The story would cover how they are going to reduce cost and the ideas being considered in order to make public safety efficient yet affordable.

How the Next Bailout will impact WSU:

Also under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $49 billion will be allocated to states for local school districts and public colleges and universities. At a recent WSU Forum President Elson S. Floyd is struggling with the $31 million dollar budget cut he is anticipating. Would such a stimulus change WSUs’ current economic situation? This story would look at how the next bailout will impact WSU.

Finacial Aid and What the New Administration Means for You as a Student

How will the financial crisis WSU is facing affect student finances? Will financial aid be reduced? The cost of attending a public college has risen by 35 percent in the past five years. According to President Obama’s web-site, “The money spent on subsidies for guaranteed loans over the last few years would have been enough to provide every low-income college student an additional $4,000 in grant aid.” President Obama is expected and has pledged to use direct college loans and provide $3.5 billion for Pell Grants. What can you anticipate for next year in way of student aid? This would cover how financial aid will be impacted by the economic crisis and when more efficient loans will be introduced.

Sustainable Development at WSU

The Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $1 billion in grants for sustainable infrastructure and energy efficient technology projects for “institutional entities” including universities. Will WSU try to be a recipient of such grants and how will the university continue to create a more sustainable environment? Will construction be halted or will more Lead Certified buildings spring up on campus? This story would look at development plans for WSU. At the most recent Budget Forum President Floyd said he felt he needed to spend money in order to save money.