WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Wylie’s e-newsletter for Feb 5, 2013

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 my e-newsletters informative, I will try to keep you frequently updated.

Watch my latest video update!

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Budget picture

While the overall economic picture in our state is improving, the legislature will still have to resolve a projected shortfall in the state budget about $1.4 billion.  We ended last year’s session with a balanced budget, but since then the revenue we’ve taken in has not equaled the cost of operating our schools and colleges, prisons, and safety net programs. 

Additionally, a year ago the state Supreme Court ruled the legislature is not fulfilling its constitutional duty to fully fund basic education (known as the McCleary decision). While the House has led the way in recent years on educational reforms that put us on the path to fully funding education, this year we’ll need to devote an estimated $1.4 billion in funding for our public schools to keep us on the right track and comply with the Court’s order.

That’s a hole of at least $2.8 billion in the next two-year budget – on top of the $12 billion we’ve already reduced state services the last few years. 

I’d like to hear your thoughts about the state budget and education funding.  If you have ideas, please take a moment to send me an email. Your feedback is crucial as I establish my priorities this session and work with my colleagues to solve these important issues.


Rising college costs and student debt

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More than half of Washington’s college students have some amount of school debt, and the average debt amount per student is $22,244.  At the same time, the cost of higher education continues to rise.  The trend of rapidly-increasing tuition and corresponding rise in debt loads is becoming a barrier to obtaining a college degree for many students. This has lawmakers – and employers looking to hire skilled workers in our state – very concerned.

The discussions have already begun about ways to rein in tuition increases and help students access higher education without incurring crushing debt.  The chair of the House Higher Education committee wants to hear from students across Washington who are struggling to afford their education.  Students can submit their stories via photo or video, and these will be shared with lawmakers and the general public during committee work sessions.  For more information on how to submit your story, click here.


Follow all the action

You don’t have to come to the capital to be up on what’s happening this session. I’ll do my best to keep you informed with these newsletters, but you can also sign up for email notifications about House and Senate committees, schedules, and other information.  And here’s a list of all House committees.

Most public hearings and floor action in the House and Senate can also be viewed online through TVW’s website (click on “Schedule” or “Archives” at the top of the page for current or past audio and video clips).

Confused about how to read a bill online?  Here’s a great tutorial.

Want to come to Olympia anyway and testify for or against a bill, or visit me in my office?  Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Legislature, and be sure to contact Megan Walsh, my legislative assistant, if you want to schedule a meeting with me.  

Looking forward to hearing from you, 

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