2024 legislative review
Education , Workforce and Health Care
Emily Wittman , Education , Workforce and Health Care
Emily Wittman is AWB ’ s government affairs director for education , workforce development and health care .
Lawmakers passed key legislation this session that supports Washington ’ s current and future workforce . As the state ’ s economy continues to recover from the pandemic , these bills will help develop skilled workers and ease the workforce shortage .
Legislators voted to enter Washington in three workforce mobility compacts , which are important as the state strives to attract the best and the brightest . These compacts make it easier for individuals in much-needed professions — teachers , physician assistants and social workers — to become credentialed and go directly into a job . This is especially critical in Washington because the state has a significant number of military installations , and military spouses working in these positions will now be able to get to work more quickly after they arrive .
Another win this session was the passage of House Bill 2230 , which expands a pilot program designed to lift people out of poverty across the state . Qualified families and individuals can receive a $ 1,000 stipend along with a year ’ s worth of financial literacy and mentorship to help them become more self-sufficient and financially stable . Individuals who were unable to afford a car , for example , may now qualify for a loan that would provide them with reliable transportation . The bill will ultimately help employers fill workforce needs .
Legislators missed an opportunity to help provide valuable training opportunities through new apprenticeship programs . Currently , the threshold for objecting to a new apprenticeship program is very low , and House Bill 2287 would have improved the process for challenging apprenticeship programs by establishing consistent and efficient standards . Unfortunately , the bill did not make it out of committee .
A number of bills expanded access to postsecondary financial aid . Senate Bill 5904 extends the amount of time a student is eligible to receive state financial aid to six years , recognizing that not every student follows the traditional timeline for completing college . House Bill 2214 allows high school students who already receive income-qualifying social services to automatically qualify for the Washington College Grant , which is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country .
AWB also supported education-related bills that weren ’ t directly tied to business interests . Two bills addressed the fentanyl crisis in our schools . House Bill 1956 establishes the Lucas Perry Act , named after a 16-yearold who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022 . The bill requires public middle and high schools to educate students on the dangers of fentanyl . House Bill 2112 funds similar education efforts at the postsecondary level while also making fentanyl test strips and the overdose reversal drug naloxone available on college campuses across Washington . Considering that 22 high school students die of drug overdoses each week in the U . S ., robbing the nation of young talent , AWB was happy to see legislators support our youth through these bills , which will save countless lives .
12 association of washington business