We’re thrilled that your top three priorities from our E-Survey for early learning, K-12, and higher education made it through cutoff.
This week legislators reached the first cutoff deadline for the 2008 Legislative Session. Legislation that has not passed out of education policy committees in the House and Senate will most likely not receive further consideration this session.
Here’s the current status of each priority:
Create the Washington Head Start Program: HB 3168 to create a statewide Washington Head Start Program passed out of the House Committee on Early Learning & Children’s Services on Jan. 31. The bill would align the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) with Head Start program requirements and funding. This bill needs to pass out of the House Appropriations Committee by Tue., Feb. 12, the fiscal committee cutoff deadline.
Establish an End Date for the Basic Education Finance Task Force: SB 6879 sets a final date of Dec. 1, 2008 for the Basic Education Finance Task Force to recommend to the Legislature a new K-12 finance system for Washington’s public schools based on a new definition of basic education. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education on Feb. 6.
Approve a 10-year Vision for Higher Education: HCR 4408 defines the vision of the Higher Education Coordinating Board to expand access, affordability, and accountability for the state’s higher education system. Central goals of the master plan include:
* An increase of the State Need Grant eligibility threshold from 70 percent of median family income to 85 percent;
* Expansion of Bachelor’s and advanced degree programs in high-demand fields; and
* A focus on diversity by increasing the percent of students, staff, and faculty of color in postsecondary education.
The bill passed out of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education this morning.
For questions or comments on these issues, reply to this email or contact us at (206) 728-6448.
