Dear neighbors,

In eleven weeks, I’ll be back in Olympia for a 60-day legislative session to work on the issues that matter most to you. As Chair of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, one of my largest priorities will be expanding access and affordability to a degree and/or vocational certificate, addressing workforce shortages, and expanding access to living-wage jobs. In combination, these efforts are a contribution to the future of our state by building economic stability, especially for underserved and underinvested communities, and will be a key driver of economic growth and success for the future of our state.

White House Announces Climate Corp Launch

Last month, President Biden announced the launch of the Climate Corp Program to help create a climate ready workforce for the green economy of tomorrow. The American Climate Corps will focus on equity and environmental justice – prioritizing communities traditionally left behind, including communities that powered our nation for generations. Additionally, this program will provide a pathway to good paying and climate resilient industries, while investing in apprenticeship programs, expanding pathways into civil service. I am beyond proud that Washington is one of five new states that are launching this program, and it was an honor to introduce and pass House Bill 1176 establishing the Washington Climate Corp Network. You can sign up to learn more about joining the American Climate Corp here.

Responding To SCOTUS Higher Education Rulings

Last week, Senator Randall and I met with industry experts to discuss the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action for Washington State. If you missed our meeting and would like to learn more about how Washington can continue ensuring that minority communities have access to higher education, click here or on the image below.

Is College Enrollment in Decline?

According to a new report, public colleges and universities in our state are still lagging in enrollment last year after the start of the pandemic. While these declines have slowed, they are more noticeable at the most affordable and accessible of institutions – public community and technical colleges. An enrollment declines of 25% at these institutions, and 10% at public four-year universities threatens to unravel the decades of work our state has achieved in increasing affordability, access, and attainment of post-secondary credentials. The implications of declined enrollment include a threat to educational equity, economic stability, and mobility – especially in minority communities, and reduce the overall competitiveness of Washington’s economy.

But the news isn’t all doom and gloom. The work we’ve achieved in the last 5 years has helped higher education rebound at a quicker rate compared to many other states. Recovering from the pandemic won’t happen overnight, but we’re seeing early signs of recovery across our state. For the first time since 2017, overall enrollment at Washington State University Tri-Cities grew. Meanwhile, the Evergreen State College is celebrating a 23% increase in new student enrollment compared to last year. As higher education continues to rebound and Washingtonians seek access to credentials for economic stability, it’s important to review the work Washington has achieved in increasing accessibility and affordability, and where we can still improve.

Resources for Student Loans

While Washington has made remarkable progress in offering low-interest graduate student loans and funding the WA College Grant; which is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country, federal student loan debt continues to negatively impact over 700,000 Washingtonians. Recently, the COVID-19 loan forbearance program came to an end, and borrowers will be resuming payments at the end of this month. Before resuming payments, I recommend you review these resources to learn more about what options and programs may be able to help.

1. What Borrowers Should Know as Student Loan Payments Restart
2. Payment Count Adjustments Toward Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs
3. SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments
4. NCSL Webinar: What to expect as student loan payments resume

Stay In Touch

Please continue to stay in touch by following my Facebook page or by sending me an email. Next month, I look forward to sharing details on the kick-off of the Washington Climate Corp Network, my visits to Eastern Washington with the House Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, and reviewing your legislative priorities to my survey. Thanks for all you do!

In Service,

State Representative Vandana Slatter