OLYMPIA – Food insecurity and financial emergencies are common for many community and technical college students. Not only can that lead to financial difficulties, hunger, and even homelessness, it also can lead to students dropping out and failing to complete their degree or credential. New legislation passed by the House, sponsored by Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent, can help students stay in school and complete their degrees.
HB 1893 establishes a grant program for community and technical colleges (CTCs) to provide monetary assistance to students experiencing unforeseen emergencies. Many four-year institutions have similar programs and successfully administer these short-term loans or small grants. Under this bill, students that may have an unexpected emergency, such as a medical bill, can apply for assistance.
Many students struggle in school because of lack of access to food, leading to lack of concentration. The bill also addresses the barriers to food access as many CTC lack retail establishments that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. HB 1893 requires the Department of Social and Health Services to request a waiver that expands SNAP benefit access and allows students eligible for the State Need Grant to be eligible for SNAP.
“Whatever it is that will prevent the student from remaining in school and finishing their program, we would like to create an emergency fund to help them. With this bill, we hope students will be able to eat, have emergency funds if needed, and finish school,” said Entenman.
HB 1893 passed by a vote of 56-40 and heads to the Senate for consideration.