Higher Education

Governor Inslee has signed legislation that will allow Washington’s four year public colleges and universities to establish student advisory committees. The student advisory committees were a top priority for both Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) and the Washington Student Association this legislative … Continue reading →

Education – Early Learning through Higher Education Integrating early learning (HB 1723) – Creates a framework for developing an integrated, high quality early learning continuum for low-income children ages birth to 5. Reforming Working Connections Child Care (SB 5595) – … Continue reading →

As we bounce back from the worst recession since the Great Depression, it’s encouraging to see people getting back to work in Seattle. However, we’re not out of the woods yet, especially compared with the rest of the nation, as … Continue reading →

“The House Higher Education Committee, acting in a bipartisan manner, adopted House Bill 1624, which would commit our state to increasing our investment in higher education and set a long-term goal for affordable tuition and access to our state universities. … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA — Here’s a definitive “no-brainer” we can all recognize: Men and women who have come out of the Armed Forces honorably should certainly receive respect and recognition for their service when they are pursuing a college education or professional … Continue reading →

The House of Representatives has approved a batch of bills introduced by Rep. Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) ahead of Wednesday’s critical House of Origin cut-off. Covering a range of issues with statewide significance, the measures will now head to the Senate. … Continue reading →

Greetings from Olympia! Last week was our second major cut-off – bills had to get through their committees by last Friday (unless they are considered “necessary to implement the budget”) to stay in play. This next week is a flurry … Continue reading →

Automatic federal budget cuts kicked in on Friday as a result of Congress’ failure to reach a compromise spending plan. While programs like Social Security and Medicare will largely go untouched, many other areas of federal spending could see spending … Continue reading →

OLYMPIA – Rep. Gerry Pollet is no stranger to elections issues. As a case in point, one needn’t look any further than his work “to get more citizens hooked on voting.”   His advocacy for elections-measures is exemplified by Pollet’s continuing … Continue reading →

Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane), passed his first piece of legislation in the state House of Representatives today.  Riccelli is the 3rd Legislative District’s newest House member.  His bill, HB 1331, authorizes the formation of student advisory committees at … Continue reading →

Mark your calendar: 19th Legislative District Telephone Town Hall on February 27 at 6 pm. You may get a call from us around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, inviting you to join our telephone town hall.  State Representative Dean … Continue reading →

This is a critical week regarding the future of the GUARANTEED EDUCATION TUITION (GET) program and higher education in general. The GET program faces some fiscal challenges ahead. But rather than addressing these challenges to strengthen the program, some lawmakers … Continue reading →

Dear Neighbor, We’re about one month into this year’s legislative session and my focus is simple: good jobs and a strong economy.  The key to good jobs and a strong economy is a quality public education system that is accessible … Continue reading →

Dear neighbors, This is the fourth week of session and things are happening very quickly. As you know, our focus is on balancing the budget as well as fully funding education, as required by the courts. I hope you find … Continue reading →

A new report from the state actuary illustrates how the state’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program, which currently has a projected $631 million unfunded liability, can move quickly from red to black. The report, and subsequent testimony from State Treasurer … Continue reading →

The Ballard News Tribune recently spoke with the newest lawmaker from the 36th Legislative District – Rep. Gael Tarleton. In the interview, Rep. Tarleton discusses her goals of making college more affordable for students, the need for a new transportation … Continue reading →

Lowering the costs of a college education and easing the burden of student debt are two top legislative priorities for Representative Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor), chair of the House Higher Education Committee. Rep. Seaquist wants to hear from students who … Continue reading →

Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) received her committee assignments this week for the 2013 legislative session. Maxwell will serve on the coveted House Appropriations Committee where decisions on budget allocations are made. Maxwell will also serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education … Continue reading →

In this video, Rep. Larry Seaquist shares his ideas on how to fully fund K-12 education, early learning, and higher education in Washington state.

Olympia – The House of Representatives approved a measure that will provide school districts with a cheaper alternative to expensive textbooks. House Bill 2337, sponsored by Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), is designed to fix two major problems with K-12 textbooks: … Continue reading →

Speaker Chopp addresses the House Floor on issues such as job creation, education funding, and marriage equality on the opening day of the 2012 segislative session.

OLYMPIA – The Legislature has passed a comprehensive higher education bill focused on keeping quality and access high, while also addressing reduced support from the state due to ongoing budget cuts. Under House Bill 1795, significant increases in financial aid … Continue reading →