Tag Archives: SB 5543

Boehnke’s college-access legislation headed to governor

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… On April 10, the state House of Representatives approved legislation from Sen. Matt Boehnke that is intended to make college or a technical school more accessible for Washington students. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

Senate Bill 5543 would extend eligibility for College Bound scholarships to students with a high school-equivalency certificate. Currently, only students with a high-school diploma are eligible.

Boehnke, R-Kennewick, who serves on the Senate Higher Education Committee, issued this statement about his legislation:

“This bill is about opportunity and fairness. By expanding College Bound Scholarship eligibility to students with a high school-equivalency certificate, we recognize that not all students follow the same path, which shouldn’t limit their future. Every student willing to work to pursue higher education deserves the chance to access the financial support that makes it possible.”

“Many students who earn an equivalency certificate have overcome significant personal, academic, or economic obstacles. Senate Bill 5443 would ensure those students aren’t left behind simply because they didn’t earn a traditional diploma. By opening the door to financial aid, we’re helping them take the next step toward a brighter future and a better career.”

“Supporting non-traditional learners is just good policy. When we make college more accessible for all students, no matter how they completed high school, we invest in a stronger, more skilled workforce. This bill would promote educational equity, strengthen our economy, and help close opportunity gaps across Washington.”

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco/Credit: Washington State Senate

Senate passes two Boehnke bills creating more financial opportunities for students

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick and Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today brought the deadline for the state Senate to pass legislation across to the House of Representatives, and the list of bills heading to the Legislature’s other chamber includes two of Sen. Matt Boehnke’s pro-education bills.

Senate Bill 5542 and Senate Bill 5543, both of which passed unanimously, would create more financial opportunities for students in Washington to attend college or a technical school.

SB 5542 would eliminate the requirement that a student be 19 years of age or older to be eligible for a high school completion program tuition and fee waiver.

“This is a transformative education bill,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “While it may not solve every challenge, it will significantly reduce barriers for individuals over 19 seeking financial resources for community or technical college. By expanding access, we can increase enrollment and graduation rates, ultimately delivering more skilled workers to our local workforce.”

SB 5543 would extend eligibility for College Bound Scholarships to students who have received a high school-equivalency certificate. Currently, only students with a high-school diploma are eligible.

“Many college-bound kids before the pandemic did not get their high school diploma, for one reason or another, and went on to get an equivalency certificate. This bill opens up more financial resources for these kids and their families and brings a sense of pride. We want to inspire the future for all our kids, and this bill does that.”

Both measures have bipartisan sponsorship and were introduced in cooperation with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Boehnke’s bills have been referred to the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.

 

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