Dear friends & neighbors,
As we approach the final weeks of 2023 and prepare for the festive season, I wanted to reach out and provide you with an update on legislative activities over the last few months and share some helpful resources that may be of benefit to you and your loved ones.
Committee Days Update
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives convened committee hearings for two days to receive stakeholder input on upcoming legislative priorities. In the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, we discussed higher education attainment and completion rates, wage equity among adjunct staff, reviewed data on employment services for adults with disabilities, discussed training opportunities for careers in retail, and received an update on the growth of Career Connect Washington programs across the state.
Looking ahead as Chair of this committee, I believe we are well positioned to address critical workforce shortages, uplift overburdened communities in achieving postsecondary education credentials, and help build the workforce of tomorrow! To watch our committee hearing, please click here.
Seeing Workforce Development in Action
Last month, I traveled to Spokane’s universities including Eastern and Washington State University, and University of Washington, and Spokane’s two community colleges – Spokane and Spokane Falls Community College. Alongside my colleagues on the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, I was able to meet with school officials, professors, and students to see firsthand the innovative initiatives being implemented to address workforce shortages.
I was particularly impressed by the colleges’ proactive expansion of access to technical training programs in critical fields like HVAC, welding, and nursing, as well as their dedication to removing barriers for low-income students and those from underserved communities.
One school that particularly stood out to me was Spokane Falls Community College, which supports students through specially funded programs like Basic Food Employment and Training, WorkFirst, Passport to College, and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness. We learned that although Washington has made leaps in addressing basic student needs, much more work remains in adequately funding schools with resources to meet existing student need.
I remain unwavering in my commitment to supporting our students and our state’s higher education institutions’ ability to ensure equitable access to workforce programs, improve student outcomes, and address their fundamental needs, including childcare, housing, and food security.
Addressing National Barriers to Workforce Development & Higher Education
On December 12th, I participated in the National Conference of State Legislators Summit on the State-Federal Relationship in Higher Education in Washington, D.C. This groundbreaking convening united over 50 policymakers and higher education leaders, including Paul Francis, Washington’s Executive Director for the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, state legislative leaders from 25 states, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Undersecretary James Kvaal, and other prominent higher education executives and federal policymakers.
I actively engaged in discussions regarding critical state and federal strategies to improve access and affordability in higher education. These discussions focused on vital issues, including increasing completion rates, and mitigating the burden of unrepayable student debt.
The summit proved to be an invaluable platform for addressing federal-state partnership, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Our taskforce gained valuable insights and strategies that will be instrumental in meeting the needs of students and families, as well as managing workforce and educational challenges in Washington State and around the nation. I am confident that the lessons learned, and the progress achieved at this meeting will contribute to shaping a more effective and equitable higher education landscape.
Climate Corp Network Kickoff
Last month, we kicked off the long-anticipated Washington Climate Corp Network (WCCN). The WCCN was created by my bill, House Bill 1176 last session which acknowledges the severity of climate change and recognizes service as a key solution in building a clean energy economy. I was so happy to be accompanied by the Governor, Serve Washington, labor, and climate partner organizations for this momentous occasion.
To learn more about the WCCN, this funding opportunity, and how to get involved, please visit this website and review my recent press release.
Mental Health Resources
While the holidays can be a symbol of hope and celebration for many communities in our state, it is also a time a difficulty for many Washingtonians. Many factors, including the stress of current events, can lead the mental and behavioral health challenges that can be starker this time of year.
If you or your loved one is experiencing mental or behavioral health struggles or is in crisis, there is hope through Washington’s 988 system. Don’t hesitate to call, text, or message 988 and get connected with people who can help. 988 Lifeline services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects. If you have a hearing impairment or use TTY, you can use your preferred relay service. You can also dial 711 and then 988.
Food Assistance
In addition to being a stressful time of year mentally, the holidays can also be a challenging time for individuals and families facing food insecurity. If you or someone you know needs help putting food on the table, here are some resources available:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/tanf-and-support-services
- Basic Food (SNAP): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/basic-food
- Apply for TANF, Basic Food, or other assistance programs: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/
- Find your closest food bank: https://www.parenthelp123.org/
These resources can provide essential food assistance and support during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
See You in Olympia!
Three and a half weeks from now, the 2024 legislative session will begin. If you haven’t shared your legislative priorities with me in this short survey, please do so before the New Year. As the year draws to a close, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued interest in my representation of the 48th legislative district and for taking the time to read my updates. Your support and engagement are truly appreciated.
Early next month, please keep an eye out for exciting news about my legislative priorities for 2024 and how you can testify on legislation that impacts you and your family, our neighbors, and our community.
Thank you for all you do. Wishing you and your family a restful and warm holiday season and a happy New Year!
Sincerely,
State Representative Vandana Slatter