College affordability bill heard, WSU testifies in support

A number of bills seeking to address college affordability were heard in front of the House College & Workforce Development committee this morning. Among these was HB 1659, which WSU supported with public testimony during the hearing.

HB 1659 would expand access to the Washington College Grant program by expanding the income eligibility thresholds and allow bridge grants to be awarded to College Grant recipients who receive the maximum grant benefit. These bridge grants could be spent on non-tuition expenses that students incur, such as textbook and housing costs.

“What started as an effort to fully fund the State Need Grant has turned into the advent of the Washington College Grant, has turned into this effort to bring the full power of the Washington College Grant to even more families” said Chris Mulick, WSU Director of State Relations in virtual testimony to the committee. Bridge grants could be spent on important non-tuition expenses that students incur during their academic journeys, such as textbook and housing costs.

The bill now waits for a vote by the policy committee which has not yet been scheduled. You can view Mulick’s full testimony below: