Enrollment drops, but demand for workforce development grows at community colleges
Washington employers are turning to community colleges to meet their workforce needs amid a worker shortage. But the pipeline for skilled workers is running dry. Enrollment declines at community and technical colleges hit many institutions hard during the pandemic, and a full return to pre-pandemic levels remains elusive. Community and technical colleges have long been regarded as premier providers of mid-skilled workers, like electricians, carpenters, dental assistants and construction managers, among others. Demand for such jobs is expected to increase in the coming years as more potential workers shy away from the prospect. Continue reading at PSBJ. (Anthony Bolante)
Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short
State funds that pay for homelessness services in Washington are running low, and the Legislature may need to find extra money to avoid program cuts. The Department of Commerce anticipates a nearly $403 million shortfall in fee revenue that goes toward programs like emergency shelter grants, temporary rent assistance and support for homeless youth. The department is asking the Legislature to set aside general funds to maintain current levels of service, to address inflation and to help local governments who have seen declines in their own homelessness funding.
Continue reading at the Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)
Could Trump withhold federal funding to Washington state? Treasurer prepares for worst
As Washington state officials prep for a second Trump presidency, perhaps no state official has been more explicit than Pellicciotti about preparing for what he sees as the worst possible outcome: Donald Trump and his administration cutting federal funding to liberal states. In the last fiscal year, the federal government provided Washington state more than $27 billion: health care, law enforcement, education funding. Pellicciotti has also been speaking to other Democratic treasurers or comptrollers around the country trying to get ready for similar things. Continue reading at KUOW. (Scott Greenstone)
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Yakima Herald-Republic
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Broadcast
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KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
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KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
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KNKX Public Radio
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KUOW Public Radio
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Could Trump withhold federal funding to Washington state? Treasurer prepares for worst
KXLY (ABC)
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Crosscut
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MyNorthwest
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