Friends and neighbors,
As our children go back to school, I thought it would be good to share some of the accomplishments we made in last year’s legislative session. We made significant progress in career pathways, funding special education, and ensuring no child goes hungry at school. We also invested in school buildings and early learning facilities.
Special education funding
(Credit: LSS Photography)
Part of our paramount duty to fully fund public education is to fund the education of students with special needs. I believe that supporting House Bill 1436 was central to my responsibility as a legislator. This important legislation added $417 million in new funding for special education services across our state. It also increased the cap on how many students for whom a district may receive special education funding from 13.5 percent to 15 percent. I am proud of this historic investment in special education services but am aware we still need to do more as we move forward. Every child deserves a good education.
Getting a jump on career training
College in the High School dual-credit programs are low-cost opportunities for high school students to take college courses at their high school and receive both high school and college credits to help fast-track a college degree or professional credential. Senate Bill 5048 eliminated the fees associated with this program making these classes free for all students who are interested. I proudly supported this bill to help our students access family-wage jobs more quickly and with less debt.
(Credit: LSS Photography)
The Running Start program is another high-quality dual-credit program that serves a similar function to College in the High School. Established in 1990, Running Start prepares students to attend two- and four-year colleges. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the ability to offer this program to students in the summer when they have extra time on their hands or want to take one course in a less strenuous time. House Bill 1316 permanently expanded the Running Start program to include summer opportunities. This will allow students to dip their toes into college coursework, allowing them to assess their college readiness, prepare for a professional certificate, or get a jump start on their degree.
I also think it’s important that we recognize that working while in school is not a choice, but a family necessity for many students. House Bill 1658 allows public high school students aged 16 and up to earn elective credit for paid work experience. Students must show that they meet grade-level financial literacy standards to get credit. This is an important skill for students to master before graduating.
(Credit: LSS Photography)
Finally, I proudly supported House Bill 1013. This bipartisan legislation directs OSPI and the Educational Service Districts to create the Regional Apprenticeship Preparation Pilot Program. The initial pilot will have five statewide sites to give high school students the opportunity to learn valuable skills that lead directly to well-paying jobs.
Feeding kids so they can focus on learning
(Credit: LSS Photography)
Hungry kids can’t learn. If you’ve ever had to manage a 1st grader on an empty stomach, you know this is true. That is why we passed House Bill 1238 to expand access to free school meals, feeding an additional 90,000 students in Washington. This is in addition to 350,000 students who gained access through legislation last year. Because of this legislation and the $112 million investment made in the operating budget, kids who need breakfast, lunch, or both will have guaranteed access to food at school. They will get fed, free of stigma, and will be ready to learn during class.
Construction Budget investments into schools and early learning
Finally, there are some important investments the legislature made this year to improve school and early learning facilities. We allocated $872 million to help build new schools, or repair and expand existing school buildings. The budget also allotted $70.4 million to help expand early learning facilities statewide.
Our youth need buildings that will meet their learning needs. High Schoolers and 4-year-olds alike need safe, inviting spaces to learn. This is why we are helping local communities build facilities that are conducive to learning.
Events in the Community
There are some important opportunities over the next few months to engage with me and other officials who represent you. I would like to invite you to join me for any or all of these events. I look forward to seeing you.
Future of Retirement Security Town Hall – With State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti
Monday, August 28th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Steilacoom Town Hall, 1718 Lafayette St, Steilacoom
University Place Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, September 21st 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
University Place Library, 3609 Market Pl W, University Place
Lakewood Coffee and Conversation
Tuesday, October 10th, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
Burs, 6151 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood
Fircrest Coffee and Conversation
Tuesday, December 12th, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Espresso Yourself, 1009 Regents Blvd, Fircrest
As always, please reach out if you have questions, thoughts, or concerns. It’s an honor to serve the beautiful 28th!
Thank you,
Rep. Mari Leavitt