Important School Voucher Bill to Be Debated Fri in Olympia

It's been a hot button for years, even bigger now with the school system 'shutdowns' (remote learning) due to COVID. According to EducationWeek (edweek.org) Oct. 8, 2020, K-12 enrollment figures in WA State have dropped by 31,000. That does NOT include those who have left since. Many parents are seeking educational alternatives, and one of them is rapidly growing.

It's school choice, and vouchers. These are funds-vouchers that allow parents to choose whether their child goes to public or private schools. House Bill (HB) 1215 has been introduced this week, and is being debated Friday, possibly Monday as well.

This bill would create 130,000 vouchers of $7,000 to be used towards private school education or home tuturing. Citizens are encouraged to weigh in on this. Below is a list of all the legislators who serve on the House Education Committee, with all contact information:

HB 1215

House Education

Committee Hearings & Bill Information: (360) 786-7183

Legislative Hotline Operators: 1-800-562-6000

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Santos, Sharon Tomiko (D)

Chair (360) 786-7944 Email sharontomiko.santos@leg.wa.gov

Dolan, Laurie (D)

Vice Chair (360) 786-7940 Email laurie.dolan@leg.wa.gov

Ybarra, Alex (R)

Ranking Minority Member (360) 786-7808

Email alex.ybarra@leg.wa.gov