||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||
As we embrace the autumn season and our schools reopen their doors, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the strides we’ve made in education over the past two years. Our commitment to improving early childhood, K-12, and higher education has been unwavering, with a focus on both policies and fiscal investments.
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The McCleary Act: A Foundation for Progress
The McCleary Act, a landmark decision by the state Supreme Court in June 2018, marked a significant victory for Washington’s K-12 public schools and students. It mandated substantial increases in state funding for basic education, resulting in billions of dollars allocated towards competitive educator compensation and support. The ruling holds the state accountable for its constitutional duty to provide “ample provision for the education of all children.” Moreover, McCleary safeguarded funding for basic education, making it immune to budget cuts except for academic reasons. This crucial decision underscores the importance of maintaining an equitable tax structure to support students’ additional needs, such as mental health, social work, nutrition, and housing.
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Building a Brighter Future for Washington’s Children, Youth, and Families
Our dedication to children, youth, and families goes beyond just policy; it reflects our values and the society we aspire to create. We’re committed to making childcare affordable, safeguarding children in crisis, supporting foster youth and adults, protecting survivors of sex trafficking, addressing foundational family needs, and ensuring healthcare access. In 2023, we’ve achieved significant legislative milestones in pursuit of a brighter future for all. Our accomplishments include expanding the Working Connections Child Care program to support first-year apprentices, establishing systems to assist children in crisis, offering support to youth seeking protected healthcare services, connecting foster youth to developmental disability services, and implementing the Family Connections program. Additionally, we’re supporting adults with lived experience of sex trafficking, strengthening assistance programs, and accelerating stability for people with work-limiting disabilities. These initiatives are driven by our unwavering belief in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all Washingtonians.
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Empowering K-12 Students
In 2023, our unwavering commitment to providing every Washington student with a high-quality education has led to significant legislative achievements. We recognize that each student deserves equitable access to a fair and robust education system. We’ve taken substantial steps by passing both operating and capital budgets, allocating billions of new dollars to public education, including the largest increase in special education funding since 2017. Our efforts extend beyond funding; we’ve introduced bills that empower students in various ways, such as expanding high school graduation pathways, extending the Running Start program to summers, and allowing high school students to earn elective credit for paid work experience. Furthermore, we’ve prioritized vital initiatives, such as transitioning to kindergarten programs, ensuring access to recess, and enhancing accountability for private special education providers. Our commitment to education remains resolute, and we’re dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Washington’s next generation of leaders.
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Advancing Economic Resilience and Workforce Development
In 2023, our focus was to bolster economic resilience and workforce development across all communities, emphasizing critical areas like behavioral health, nursing, apprenticeships, and the burgeoning green economy. We expanded access to financial aid, addressed student basic needs through innovative programs, and invested in a robust behavioral health workforce. Initiatives to eliminate educational barriers, streamline licensing processes, and enhance employment opportunities were set in motion. We also recognized the importance of supporting military spouses, apprenticeships, and expanding educational access. As we move forward, our commitment continues with initiatives aimed at creating credential transparency, establishing scholarships, enhancing access to correctional institution programs, and bridging gaps in state and financial aid eligibility.
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Honoring the Legacy of Senator John McCoy and Advancing Indigenous Education
I would like to take a moment to honor the late Senator John McCoy, a 20-year member of the United States Air Force, and a dedicated tribal leader at Tulalip. He served our state legislature with distinction as both a representative and a senator. His contributions were invaluable, and we honor his legacy.
McCoy’s father, fluent in the Tulalip Tribe’s language, tragically refused to teach it, saying “they beat it out of me” at a boarding school. In 2005, as a member of the state House of Representatives, he played a pivotal role in passing a bill that encourages school districts to teach Native history and culture while consulting with Tribes in developing that curriculum. His tireless efforts continued in the State Senate, ultimately leading to the passage of the innovative “Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State” curriculum in 2015.
Senator McCoy’s vision was that “we must teach history – the good, the bad, the ugly – so that everybody understands how Indians were treated.” Senator McCoy devoted nearly two decades of service to the State of Washington’s 38th district, making lasting contributions in the Washington House of Representatives from 2003-2013 and in the State Senate from 2013 until his retirement in 2020.
In light of these significant developments, I’d like to draw your attention to recent legislation that I have championed: in 2020, I proudly passed a bill that permits Native students to wear tribal regalia for graduation. It was amended to allow objects of cultural significance to be worn, without requiring them to be attached or worn with the cap and gown. Passing this bill acknowledges the profound relationship between our state and tribal governments while respecting the unique cultural heritage of Native Americans living in our state.
In 2023, I sponsored and passed House Bill 1332, which aims to require all school districts to incorporate a tribal sovereignty curriculum into their social studies curricula. This curriculum will encompass materials about the history, culture, and government of their nearest federally recognized tribes. By doing so, we can address the unfortunate lack of Indigenous history in our education system, promote historical transparency, celebrate culture, and increase Indigenous representation.
We must bridge the gap of knowledge and erase the misinformation that perpetuates fear, racism, and harm. Inclusion and understanding are key to a more equitable future, and I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that tribal history and culture have their rightful place in our education system.
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Retired Teachers
We’ve also worked diligently to support our retired teachers, with improvements in their tier programs and cost-of-living adjustments. Their dedication to education is deeply appreciated, and we’re committed to providing them with the benefits they deserve.
For retired teachers under PERS 1 and TRS 1 programs, a one-time benefit increase of 3% per month was granted in July to eligible retirees. This adjustment does not affect retirees already eligible for annual increases in 2023 through existing provisions. FAQs provide details on eligibility, exceptions, and how this increase interacts with other benefits. The increase should have been reflected in your pension payment at the end of July, ensuring greater financial security for retired educators.
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Opportunities for Higher Education Students
For higher education students, I’m excited to announce that applications for the Washington State Legislative Intern Program are now open! This program offers a unique opportunity to work closely with legislators, gaining valuable experience in Olympia. Don’t miss the October 22nd priority deadline for applications.
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As we navigate the school year ahead, let’s remember that education is the cornerstone of our future. Together, we’re shaping a brighter tomorrow for our children, teachers, and communities.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in the important work of improving education in our great state.
