Higher education chairs call for protecting college affordability, student aid in state budget
State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to the news section of his legislative website on 2026-01-31 09:01:03
OLYMPIA — The chairs of the Legislature’s higher education committees are calling for continued protection of college affordability, financial aid, and workforce training investments as lawmakers finalize state budget decisions.
Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, and Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), chair of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, are highlighting the Washington State Legislative Higher Education Caucus budget priorities focused on student access, affordability, and program stability.
The caucus priorities call for: protecting and restoring financial aid for college and workforce training; preventing further reductions to higher education programs and student support services; and preserving dedicated Workforce Education Investment Act funding for its intended higher education and workforce purposes.
Higher education and workforce programs serve students statewide, including recent high school graduates, working adults, veterans, and apprentices seeking credentials tied to high-demand fields. State financial aid and workforce investments are designed to improve access, support completion, and align training with employer needs.
Since 2017, the Legislature has capped annual tuition growth at 3.3%, a policy intended to provide predictability and help keep public college tuition within reach for students and families.
“State financial aid, stable tuition policy, and workforce training investments work together to keep postsecondary education accessible,” Nobles said. “When those pieces are in place, more students enroll, persist, and complete credentials that connect directly to Washington jobs.”
Lawmakers are weighing budget options during a period of continued cost pressure for households and uncertainty around several federal support programs affecting student basic needs, including health care, housing, and food assistance.
“Higher education funding decisions have direct, measurable effects on enrollment, completion, and workforce supply,” Paul said. “Protecting financial aid and dedicated workforce funding helps ensure students can finish their programs and employers can find qualified workers.”
Nobles and Paul encourage residents, educators, students, and employers to share input with their legislators regarding higher education affordability and workforce training priorities as budget discussions continue.
