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Free community college proposal gets public testimony in house Higher Education Committee: will open the door to opportunity for Washington families

OLYMPIA – The House Higher Education Committee heard public testimony today on HB 2820, the Washington Promise. Rep. Gerry Pollet, (D-Seattle), introduced the Washington Promise program in the House (Sens.... READ MORE

State House approves equal pay legislation

OLYMPIA – Washington State took a major step toward pay equity today with the passage of the Equal Pay Opportunity Act. HB 1646, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island),... READ MORE

Rep. Walkinshaw’s comments on the Free to Finish College program.

“We absolutely need innovation to make higher education accessible to all Washingtonians. We also know that too many low and middle-income students in our state begin down a path for... READ MORE

Rep. Hansen proposes Free to Finish College program

OLYMPIA – Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, Rep. Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island), has proposed the Free to Finish College plan. “We have a lot of students who had... READ MORE

3rd LD legislators to host Telephone Town Hall on Monday, February 8

MEDIA ADVISORY Who: State Sen. Andy Billig, State Reps. Timm Ormsby and Marcus Riccelli What: Telephone town hall When: 6 – 7 p.m. Monday, February 8 Where: 3rd Legislative District... READ MORE

Budget committee hears from 13-year-old girl, passes ABLE Act 29-3

OLYMPIA—A little girl with purple hair changed their minds. Emma Patterson sat in front of lawmakers and cameras, in a meeting of the most powerful committee in the House—Appropriations—to talk... READ MORE

House Finance Chair Lytton looks to simplify business taxes and licensing

OLYMPIA – House Finance Chair Rep. Kristine Lytton (D – Anacortes) wants to make it easier for Washington businesses to file their B&O taxes. Today the Finance Committee will hear... READ MORE

Pollet pushes bill to reign in for-profit college excesses

OLYMPIA – On the day after the Washington House of Representatives Higher Education Committee held a hearing on the legislation to protect students of for-profit colleges from deceptive claims and... READ MORE

Rep. Derek Stanford, D-1 Aaron Barna
Stanford bill to ban excessive non-compete agreements scheduled for hearing next Monday

OLYMPIA – Next Monday, Feb. 1 the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee will hear Rep. Derek Stanford’s (D – Bothell) bill to ban non-compete agreements for non-executive and low-wage... READ MORE

Freshman Rep. Noel Frame Advances Mental Health Legislation

OLYMPIA – During a year of major advances to the state mental health system, the state legislature passed a law that allowed outpatient treatment as an option for those in... READ MORE