House committee passes trio of financial aid bills

On Friday, three bills aimed at expanding access to postsecondary education and increasing financial aid opportunities for Washington residents passed out of the House Appropriations Committee. 

• House Bill 1659, sponsored by Representative Vandana Slatter, expands the Washington College Grant program by modifying income eligibility thresholds and award levels and provides “bridge grants” to WCG recipients to help cover expenses beyond tuition and fees.
• House Bill 1736, sponsored by Representative Pat Sullivan, establishes the Washington Student Loan Program to issue student loans with 1 percent interest rates to resident students with financial need pursuing undergraduate or high-demand graduate programs.
• House Bill 1835, sponsored by Representative Drew Hansen, creates a statewide marketing campaign to promote the Washington College Grant, establishes a FAFSA/ WASFA outreach initiative, and makes changes to the Washington College Grant program to determine a student’s financial need eligibility based on whether they are receiving benefits through a public assistance program.

Western’s administration, faculty and students have advocated for the passage of all three bills during the course of the 2022 Legislative Session.  The bills are currently before the House Rules Committee and will likely come up for a vote on the Floor of the House of Representatives within the next week.  If approved by a majority in the House, the bills would then advance to the State Senate for further consideration.