Judy East, WSPTA Family and Community Engagement Director, testified Monday in the House Appropriations Committee in support of Governor Inslee’s proposed operating budget. In particular, Judy said:
“This budget addresses many of the important elements of WSPTA’s two-year platform, as voted on by our membership. These include:
- A focus on social and emotional health with enhancements for family engagement coordinators, mental health, and counselors.
- Improving student outcomes through Learning Assistance Programs, supports for foster youth, and career and technical training and career-ready pathways.
- Investing in the professionals who educate our children by increasing the share of their compensation paid for by the state, supporting their professional development and providing mentoring programs for new teachers, and by offering additional training to para-educators.
- Expanding access to Early Childhood Education and Assistance ProgramĀ (ECEAP), which is one of the smartest investments the state can make.
- Preserving the tuition reduction made in the last few years, ensuring continued access to higher education for learners from all backgrounds.”
Judy thanked the Governor for putting out the first bold proposal, and told legislators that WSPTA is ready to assist as they grapple with meeting the state’s constitutional obligation to amply fund education for our students.
Her testimony can be found about 1 hour, 11 minutes into the TVW video.
Marie Sullivan
WSPTA Legislative Consultant