What you need to know about WA’s proposed $70B budget
For the past two weeks, state lawmakers have been rolling out tentative budget plans. It’s still early — and lawmakers are already making tweaks, but a clearer picture of state spending is beginning to emerge along with the cherry blossoms. Lawmakers are teeing up to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $70 billion over the next two years. With that kind of money, you could renovate Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena about 60 times — not accounting for inflation. Those billions will go to public services from highways to schools, and lawmakers plan to make big investments in housing and mental health care. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)
Rep. Lekanoff: Lawmakers must provide equity to charter school kids
Washington families have choices when it comes to schooling. Families can choose from traditional public schools, charter public schools, tribal compact schools, public magnet schools, online academies and more. While these choices are available, they are not equitable. While traditional public schools work for most, the reality is they don’t work for everyone. We should embrace opportunities to support all of Washington’s students. The alternative is hypocrisy highlighted by what we say about equity, and what we do. We have spent considerable time talking about equity and now is the chance to put our money where our mouth is. Continue reading at Everett Herald.
Under proposed bill, Washington state would pick up some fees for childcare centers
The state’s budget could include relief for childcare providers and their potential employees. Senate Bill 5316 would have the state cover costs for background checks, including fingerprinting, of applicants at childcare centers. Those cost about $57, said the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Claire Wilson, (D) Auburn. The bill would also cover annual licensing fees for daycare centers, $125 a year, and the licensing costs for in-home providers, $30 a year. She said the bill would help alleviate the state’s childcare shortage. Wilson said she is “feeling good” the bill will be included in the final budget being negotiated by state legislators this month. Continue reading at KING5.
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