Dear friends and neighbors,
As we gear up for the next legislative session, I’m excited to share my recent engagements and explorations across our beautiful state. From supporting apprenticeships and addressing environmental challenges to celebrating the opening of vital community resources, our work continues to shape the future we envision for Washington. Here’s a look at some of our recent work:
|
|
Unlocking Financial Aid for Your Education
With the new school year upon us, I want to ensure that every family in Washington State has comprehensive and accessible information on the multitude of financial aid programs available to support higher education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical starting point, opening doors to federal and state aid, as well as need-based and merit-based scholarships. And, it is a much simpler form than in years past!
Eligibility for FAFSA is primarily based on your family’s financial need, and it’s crucial to apply early. To get started, gather your financial documents, create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, and complete the FAFSA online. Be sure to meet school-specific deadlines and renew your application annually. While FAFSA is a starting point, it opens the door to an array of state-based programs.
The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) stands out as one of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation. It provides financial assistance for college, career training, and apprenticeships to individuals from low- and middle-income families. Additionally, the College Bound Scholarship offers early financial aid promises to students from low-income backgrounds. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) targets low- and middle-income students interested in high-demand trade, health care, or STEM fields. The Opportunity Grant program assists low-income students in completing up to one year of college and a certificate in high-wage, high-demand careers. These programs ensure that financial assistance is available to those who need it most.
Our state is dedicated to making higher education and post-secondary training in the trades affordable and accessible to all, and I’m proud to be part of legislative efforts to ensure these programs thrive and benefit our community. Please reach out if you have any questions–education is the cornerstone of our future, and I’m here to support you in every step of your journey.
|
|
Empowering Washington’s Future
Every student in Washington deserves the best possible opportunity to receive a high-quality education. They deserve a fair and equitable system that will help them to learn, grow and develop into Washington’s next generation of leaders. I am delighted to share some of our legislative work that directly impact our students and their educational opportunities in our state. This year, we expanded the Running Start program significantly. Established in 1990, this program has proven highly effective in preparing students for two- and four-year colleges. Now, we can offer this program during the summer, allowing students to explore college coursework, pursue technical training like automotive, welding, etc., assess their college readiness, and either get ahead on their studies or catch up on credit recovery. Additionally, HB 1316 mandates that all public schools inform students and parents about the dual-credit opportunities available to students in high school.
In further support of our students, SB 5048 eliminates fees for College in the High School courses. This initiative ensures that high school students can take college-level courses in their own schools and receive both high school and college credit, all at no cost. Through the passage of HB 1308, we are also expanding high school graduation pathway options: this bill adds a new graduation pathway that allows students to showcase their readiness for graduation through performance-based learning exhibitions that employ real-world skills.
This year, we invested $382 million in College and Workforce Development, ensuring that individuals, whether from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college-goers, or parents returning to school, receive the support they need to obtain degrees or credentials. This funding expansion also includes support for Community and Technical Colleges, health care workforce and training, dual credit programs, the Washington College Grant, graduate student loan programs, and post-secondary student basic needs. These programs help to open up diverse educational pathways for our students and ensure access to affordable higher education, and we will continue working to provide the best opportunities for our young learners.
|
|
Fall visits!
Things are picking up as we gear up for the next legislative session! The interim period provides a valuable opportunity for in-depth research, policy development, and on-the-ground engagement with Washington communities. Here’s a glimpse at what I’ve been up to lately:
- UA Training Center, IBEW Training Center and CITC Visit: I recently visited the UA Training Center, IBEW training center and CITC, where we delved into the importance of apprenticeships as a promising career avenue, highlighting their potential to lead to excellent job opportunities. Our discussion centered on dismantling barriers and obstacles that often deter women and people of color from entering this field.
- Center for Urban Waters Tour: During my visit to the Center for Urban Waters, I connected our conversation to the ongoing issue of 6 PPD (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), which are harmful chemicals found in tires that pollute our waters and kill Coho Salmon.
- Love Olympia Cleanup: I want to acknowledge the community’s involvement and initiatives focused on keeping the city of Olympia clean. It was a great opportunity to appreciate and support the ongoing cleanup efforts.
- Nisqually Healing Center Opening: I had the pleasure of celebrating the Nisqually Tribe’s successful opening of their healing center, which received substantial state funding. This clinic is a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis, highlighting the importance of providing comprehensive and accessible care for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
- The Low Income Housing Institute groundbreaking for 64 Units of Housing: We have made steady progress towards our goal for housing for all Washingtonians. The groundbreaking for Martin Way Phase 2, a 64-unit supportive housing apartment building, is a significant step toward addressing housing needs in the region. This project underscores the community’s commitment to providing affordable and supportive housing options for those in need.
- Cedar Grove Organics Tour: This tour provided a firsthand look at how sustainable organic waste practices can significantly contribute to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting a healthier ecosystem. By focusing on efficient and eco-friendly waste management, we’re not only conserving resources but also taking steps to address environmental challenges, underscoring our commitment to a more sustainable and cleaner future for Washington.
- Tacoma Heat and Air Quality Tour: During my visit to Tacoma, I was pleased to learn about the ongoing efforts and initiatives that aim to preserve and improve air quality in the region and grow trees in communities that lack tree canopy to assist with heat dome impacts. Greening Research in Tacoma is a collaborative research project between The Nature Conservancy, the Tacoma Tree Foundation, the University of Washington, and he City of Tacoma to discover the benefits of tree cover on human health.
|
|
Empowering Washington’s future is a shared endeavor, and I’m grateful for your continued engagement. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of Washingtonians and paving the way for a brighter future.
Thank you for reading!
Best,
Rep. Beth Doglio