Rep. Larry Seaquist: Education Ladder of Opportunity Stands Strong

The following information was released by Rep. Larry Seaquist.

OLYMPIA – This weekend, the legislature invested nearly $400 million more dollars in Washington colleges and universities. The 2013-2015 budget passed the Legislature on Friday and was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Sunday. 

Since the recession began, the legislature has been forced to make massive cuts to higher education resulting in skyrocketing tuition costs. This year, is different.  Finally, legislators can tell students there will be no tuition increases next year. 

In addition, hundreds more students will be able to take computer and engineering courses that produce the high value degrees our economy desperately needs. 

“Huge thanks are in order, to the higher education stakeholders, champions in the legislature, and the thousands of college students who made it clear to the legislature how important a high quality education is to them, their families and the entire state. Due to their tireless efforts, we were able to pass a budget that recognizes higher education is the ladder out of the recession,” said Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor). “This is great news for kids, the economy, and the American Dream.” 

The budget agreement evoked high praise from stakeholders.

“Overall this budget constitutes a vote of confidence from the legislature in higher education and the role it plays in creating a vibrant economy for our state,” said President Elson Floyd of Washington State University.

Michael Young, President of the University of Washington, said, “Budget negotiators are to be commended for their vision in making these essential investments in Washington’s economy and future leaders. I am optimistic the investments in this budget are a sign of renewed focus and investment in higher education in Washington State.”  

A key feature of the budget is increased state funding to colleges to ensure the exceptional quality of students’ educations in Washington state is retained. 

Another critical part of the budget, Seaquist said, is the strategic investments in medical programs to help our rapidly growing health care sector.

Read the full statements from the University of Washington and Washington State University.