Which students are learning computer science?
I believe equity matters, especially in access to education that prepares students for family-wage jobs. Computer science is a high-demand field and is an industry that will lead to the next great breakthrough in technology. Who are the students learning these valuable skills? Who will have a seat at the table as new technologies emerge? We are going to find out.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed HB 1577, which will help our state track data about enrollment demographics in computer science courses in our schools. I introduced this bill because I believe we need to ensure that girls and students from underserved populations have access to these classes. Computer science education can lead to good, family-wage jobs, and we need to make sure all of our residents have an opportunity to pursue these careers.
Other bills I have passed in the House
In addition to making sure our computer science classes are equitably accessible, I have also been able to pass four other bills off the House floor that help our kids and our schools, and recognize our veterans. HB 1657 allows the Office for Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection to offer expanded services for kids who are homeless and in dangerous situations. HB 1900 aligns our laws with a new federal statute for family-first prevention services. This allows us to leverage federal dollars to help families with emerging difficulties before they have a crisis. Without this bill, Washington state cannot access that federal funding affecting our most vulnerable children. I was also able to pass HB 2108, which adjusts the K-3 class size requirement timeline allowing our schools to have the funding they need to work towards implementing lower class sizes in K – 3 classrooms.
Finally, I just passed a bill that waives fees for Purple Heart license plates for our brave veterans who have been wounded in combat, or the families of those who have been killed. HB 2058 passed unanimously off the floor of the House a short time ago.
5th Legislative District Town Halls in Maple Valley, Issaquah, and North Bend
I am looking forward to seeing as many of you, and other 5th District residents, at the three town hall meetings being held this Saturday, March 16th in Maple Valley, Issaquah, and North Bend. Senator Mark Mullet, Representative Bill Ramos, and I will provide an update on the 2019 legislative session, share our thoughts on our legislative priorities, and answer your questions on issues that interest you. The details of the three town halls are listed below. We would love to see you there!
WHO: State legislators for the 5th Legislative District: Sen. Mark Mullet, Rep. Bill Ramos, Rep. Lisa Callan.
WHAT: 5th Legislative District Town Hall
WHEN: Saturday, March 16
WHERE:
10:00 a.m:
Tahoma High School Performing Arts Center
23499 SE Tahoma Way, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Google map link
12:30 p.m.
Issaquah Blakely Hall
2550 NE Park Dr, Issaquah, WA 98029
Google map link
2:30 p.m.
North Bend Library
115 E 4th St, North Bend, WA 98045
Google map link
I look forward to seeing you this weekend. As always, you can contact me, or my Legislative Assistant Zach Hall, at Lisa.Callan@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7876. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Rep. Lisa Callan