The Challenge for 2020
In 2019, the state legislature took steps toward reversing the chronic underfunding of our CTCs that has been a hallmark of the last 30+ years. The creation of a dedicated higher education fund, an increase in per-student funding, enhanced student supports, and funding to increase enrollment are important strides. So too is the passage of our bill calling for improved counselor-to-student ratios and defined standards for counselors’ jobs. These steps are because the legislature listened to us and to our allies and finally heard our call for increased investment in the community and technical colleges.
It is not enough. In 2020, which is a non-budget year, we will focus on policy rather than funding, and we will build momentum for the big financial push in the 2021 session. There is always work to be done.
Our priorities for this year are:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Adjunct equity
- Increased full-time positions
Washington’s students desperately need these investments. You can read more information about each of our priorities on the linked pages, but the short version is that our students are best served with colleges that recognize and understand the diverse world we live in, where we treat the professionals that are responsible for educating our students with the security and respect they deserve.
In 2021, we will fight for faculty and staff compensation, to give our students the benefit of instructors and staff who can devote their time to education; today, we fight to give students the best tools we can so that they can get the most of their educations.
Who is with us
Washington Education Association (WEA); the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC); Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE); Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA); and over 1,000 individual students, union members, and community members.
Join us in the fight for our students.