This session, we passed huge reforms when it comes to higher education.
I’d like to tell you about three new laws that will make a big difference to families and businesses here in the 24th District.
Free tuition for working families
Now that House Bill 2158 is signed into law, tuition at public colleges and universities will be fully covered by a new state grant for families making up to 55 percent of the state median income.
That’s roughly $50,000 for a family of four—which also happens to be the median income for most counties here in the 24th District.
For families making more than the state median income, the new Washington College Grant offers tuition assistance on a sliding scale.
The legislation also boosts capacity for high-demand degrees such as nursing, engineering and computer science.
This is a huge opportunity for the people of the 24th District, and it drastically drops the barriers to attending one of our local community colleges to get a one-year certificate or two-year degree.
The new law also makes a four-year degree far more affordable for working class and middle-class families, whether a student is getting their two-year degree at a local community college first or going straight to one of our great four-year universities like Washington State University, the University of Washington or Western Washington University.
I’m so excited that we got this done. I also want to thank my seatmate, Rep. Mike Chapman, for all of his hard work advocating for better higher education opportunities in timber and farm country.
Expanding access to the College Bound Scholarship
A new law House Bill 1311 allows students to sign a College Bound Scholarship (CBS) pledge in the 9th grade if they were ineligible in the 7th or 8th grade.
It also prioritizes College Bound Scholarship students for Washington College Grant assistance and expands eligibility for students in the 9th grade—and for families who are over the low-income threshold but can’t afford college tuition on their own.
Helping college students through emergencies
House Bill 1893 establishes a grant program for community and technical colleges to provide assistance to students experiencing unforeseen emergencies like homelessness, medical bills or lack of food.
Far too many hard-working students are forced to end their studies because of unforeseen hardships.
This new law will help students in the 24th District stay in college and earn their degree.
What do you think?
I’m interested in your thoughts, ideas and comments when it comes to higher education—or any issue—here in the 24th District.
You can reach me by email (steve.tharinger@leg.wa.gov) or by calling the toll-free Hotline (800-562-6000).
I hope to hear from you soon!
