2022 legislative review
Education and Workforce Training
Amy Anderson : Education and Workforce Development
Education and workforce training efforts in the 2022 legislative session focused on expanding eligibility to post-secondary education to meet the ever-increasing needs of Washington employers . Washington ’ s economy continues to see decreased unemployment to a low of 3.6 % in June 2022 , and increased job creation . In November 2021 , nonfarm employment was at 3.9 million jobs . That is 2.6 % below its pre-Covid-19 level . At the same time , the labor market shifted from a labor surplus to a labor shortage , as job openings surged but hiring did not keep pace . Beginning in August 2021 , the number of people quitting their job reached record highs , with quit rates higher in low-wage industries , and lower at large businesses . According to the U . S . Chamber of Commerce analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data , 2.3 million people have left the workforce since February 2020 . It is estimated that 75 % of those have permanently quit their jobs and will not be returning to the workforce .
Washington employers are increasingly finding it difficult to hire a skilled and trained workforce . It is critically important that Washingtonians have access to all tools necessary , including financial aid , to help them attain their post-secondary goals . In an economy that is rapidly advancing technologically , industry heavily relies on the state ’ s community and technical college system and four-year institutions to meet their workforce needs . Expanding opportunities for education beyond high school is critical for Washington state industry and workers .
Education and workforce development bills include :
AWB Government Affairs Director Amy Anderson speaks to employers in Moses Lake .
E2SHB 1659 making higher education more affordable and accessible for students by bridging the gap between cost and need to reduce barriers , improve opportunity , and advance economic security
Passed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Rep . Vandana Slatter , D-Bellevue , E2SHB 1659 establishes a bridge grant pilot program through the Washington Student Achievement Council .
The awards total $ 500 for eligible students beginning in the 2022-23 academic year . Eligible students are students who : are enrolled on at least a half-time basis at a pilot institution of higher education ; receive a maximum Washington College Grant award ; and are not recipients of the College Bound Scholarship . The program is being piloted at Eastern Washington University , The Evergreen State College , Highline College , Yakima Valley College , Wenatchee Valley College , and Tacoma Community College . The bill passed the House 83-15 and the Senate 38-10 .
HB 1805 concerning the opportunity scholarship program
Passed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Rep . Dave Paul , D-Oak Harbor , HB 1805 expands eligibility of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship ( WSOS ) program to include advanced degree students who have a family income over 125 percent of the state median income if they demonstrate financial need . Professional-technical certificates and professional-technical degrees are expanded to include eligible registered
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