Video & Transcript Research : 'enrollment priority'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- addressing this issue is a top priority addressing this issue is a top priority and<00:14:32.759
- do have certain areas where enrollment do have certain areas where enrollment is<00:40:18.480>
- We look at how many children are enrolled, how many children are actually meeting our priority categories
- We look at how many children are enrolled, how many children are actually meeting our priority categories
- We look at how many children are enrolled, how many children are actually meeting our priority categories
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Education K-16 Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We could visit about the priority set.
- Enrolled students in 2022–23.
- And your total enrollment is roughly how much now?
- So that would be a significant capacity to help not only the existing enrollment, but also future enrollment
- Also, ...or priorities. This is two right here.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits.
The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation.
Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That we proudly enroll.
- Our campuses embody a wide range of characteristics, large enrollments of nearly 20,000 to small enrollments
- Since 2010, our system-wide enrollment is up 32%.
- Uh, little bit of an enrollment overview for you.
- You know, they get ready to enroll.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- mandates that um those highest priority mandates that um those highest priority mandates<00:09:10.519
- <00:16:42.800>
and continual supply of K12 enrollment and continual supply of K12 enrollment - <01:17:37.440>
the <01:17:37.639>problem enrollments exacerbate the problem enrollments - <01:18:27.080>
Grant Minnesota concurrent enrollment Grant Minnesota concurrent enrollment - <01:19:23.199>
in should be incentivized to enroll in should be incentivized to enroll in
Summary:
The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates.
Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends.
Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 5/15/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And this, I will say this again, was their number one priority.
- That was their priority. 20,000 people. That was their priority.
- again, was their number one priority. again, was their number one priority.
- So, there are about 20,000 people enrolled in the program.
- enrolled to stay on with small premiums. enrolled to stay on with small premiums.
Summary:
House and Senate DFL lawmakers, joined by Unidos Minnesota and other allies, held a press event responding to a budget deal they said would end MinnesotaCare coverage for roughly 20,000 undocumented adults at the end of the year while preserving coverage for children. Speakers, including Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Sen. Sandy Leafman, and Emilia Gonzalez Davalos, argued the agreement was cruel, would harm vulnerable families and essential workers, and was being justified under a false claim of fiscal responsibility. They said the affected people are Minnesota residents who work, pay taxes, and contribute to the state, and they rejected the idea that private insurance markets are a viable substitute.
The speakers emphasized that many enrollees are receiving ongoing care such as cancer treatment, dialysis, insulin, and asthma medication, and warned that losing coverage would push people into emergency rooms and increase costs for hospitals and communities. They also said the deal set a dangerous precedent by using mixed-status families and undocumented workers as bargaining chips in negotiations. Several speakers framed the issue as part of broader attacks on immigrant communities at the federal and state levels.
In response to questions, the lawmakers said they had not been given meaningful input on the agreement, that the DFL leadership had tried to make the “least harm” choice, and that the members speaking would vote no on the provision. They said their focus was on this specific health-care agreement rather than other budget bills, and they indicated the program’s cost was within projections, citing about 20,000 enrollees, roughly 17,000 adults, and spending under $4 million so far. The event ended with a call to continue fighting the deal and to pursue a Minnesota public option and broader long-term coverage solutions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Special education enrollment is rising, 13% to 15% among TK through 12 students, despite overall enrollment
- And so declining enrollment, the formula is based on the enrollment census, so the entire ADA of an LEA
- Since SB 554 passed in 2019, allowing adult learners to enroll in dual enrollment courses, the policy
- Since SB 554 passed in 2019, allowing for adult learners to enroll in dual enrollment courses, the policy
- Thank you for your time. all dual enrollment students, including adult dual enrollment students.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on dual enrollment, reading difficulty screeners, special education, school facilities, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing programs. On dual enrollment, the Department of Finance described a $100 million one-time Proposition 98 investment to expand the Dual Enrollment Opportunities Grant Program, along with changes to make regional occupational centers eligible, add funding for justice-involved youth, prioritize higher-need LEAs, support teacher professional development, and reduce daily instructional minute requirements for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the new funding as not clearly addressing implementation barriers, while CDE supported the proposal and suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Committee members and public commenters generally supported the expansion, with some asking for technical assistance and broader access, including adult dual enrollment.
The committee also reviewed a $40 million one-time Proposition 98 proposal for reading difficulty screener implementation and related trailer bill language that would require screening after 91 school days for kindergarten and 46 school days for grades 1-2. Finance said the timing was intended to reduce over-identification and align with evidence from preliminary data; the LAO recommended rejecting the funding and redirecting it to a discretionary block grant. CDE supported the funding and the general approach but acknowledged the need for local support and training. Several committee members and public witnesses raised concerns that the proposed timing restrictions were too rigid and could delay early intervention, while others supported the delay as a way to improve accuracy and avoid misidentification.
For special education, Finance proposed ongoing Proposition 98 increases to adjust for COLA and enrollment changes and to raise the statewide special education base rate to $99 per ADA, equalizing rates across SELPAs. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be funded for less than the Governor’s figure. CDE and multiple local education representatives strongly supported the increase, citing rising special education enrollment, cost pressures, and large local funding gaps. The committee also heard a brief overview of the school facilities proposal, which continues $1.5 billion in Proposition 2 bond funding for the School Facility Program; OPSC reported significant remaining bond authority but also substantial pending demand, and explained that natural disaster school rebuilding draws from the broader new construction and modernization pools. Finally, the committee reviewed Commission on Teacher Credentialing proposals, including the already-funded $300 million Student Teacher Stipend Program, new state operations resources for misconduct investigations and grant administration, and a $250 million one-time continuation of the Teacher Residency Grant Program. CTC said its grants management system is ready and that it expects better data tracking; public testimony broadly supported the educator workforce investments and urged continued funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and additional support for rural and leadership pipeline programs. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- So it says the agency shall have priority enrollment of the zero to three population, the lowest income
- So these are just a few examples of our 27 priorities.
- They're doing the enrollment and eligibility.
- Chair, the LFC language talked about priority.
- And I don't think that's the top priority with you.
Bills:
SB2
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THERE IS A DUAL ENROLLMENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND THAT HELP SUPPORT STUDENTS WHO ARE IN DUAL ENROLLMENT EITHER
- LESS THAN 10 PERCENT OF OUR ENROLLMENT IS BACCALAUREATE ENROLLMENTS BUT OUR DEGREES ARE STILL AS A SYSTEM
- SOME COLLEGES EVEN GREW DURING THE PANDEMIC WHEN LOSING ENROLLMENT ESPECIALLY AA ENROLLMENT DURING THAT
- AND WORKFORCE ENROLLMENTS WHICH INCLUDE BACCALAUREATE ENROLLMENTS AND JUST MAKE SURE THAT WORKFORCE
- WE ARE HOLDING OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE MISSION IN TERMS OF ENROLLMENT IN THE PRIORITY OF WORKFORCE
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (7-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, enrollment are Kentucky students.
- So that's our number one priority.
- So that's our number one priority.
- We have four priorities and initiatives. We have four priorities and initiatives.
- general fund bianum priority request. general fund bianum priority request.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55
Approval of Minutes 00:02:01
Information Items 00:02:10
Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20
A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48
B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21
C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43
D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44
E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56
F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09
G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00
H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52
I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations.
Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows.
KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Turning to page 10 for item 5, enrollment trends.
- With so many charter schools already under enrolled, if vouchers created enrollment, does that raise
- enrollment cap was lifted in 2018.
- It's not on enrollment. There's only a little teeny bit that's based on enrollment.
- One of your top priorities.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- ONE OF THE KEY PRIORITY AREAS IS ELEVATING STUDENT SUCCESS.
- AND WANTS TO ENCOURAGE ENROLLMENT.
- IT'S TO TEACH OUT PHASE OF THE INDICATE THAT THE STUDENTS ENROLLED WE WILL STOP ENROLLMENT IN THIS PROGRAM
- >> FIRST OF ALL I HOPE YOUR DAUGHTER GETS ALL THE BENEFIT OF DUAL ENROLLMENT THAT'S AMAZING.
- IT IS NOT JUST DUAL ENROLLMENT BUT AP AND ACE.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Public Higher Education Study Committee (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- year with the state support enrollment year with the state support enrollment in<00:18:36.880>
also that about 30% of this enrollment also that about 30% of this enrollment activity<00:19:05.080 - We know that about 6,000 of them enroll in the community college system, about 6,600 enroll in the university
- We know that about 6,000 of them enroll in the community college system, about 6,600 enroll in the university
- <00:38:46.319>
Center we call it an Outreach Enrollment Center we call it an Outreach Enrollment
Summary:
The Public Higher Education Study Committee held an organizational meeting and received an update from the university and community college systems on implementation of recommendations from the governor’s higher education task force. The systems said the task force report contained about 40 recommendations, and they have focused first on operational items while continuing to work on larger policy issues, including better alignment of public higher education with workforce and economic development needs. The committee also discussed reporting requirements under the amended law and whether quarterly reports are required or whether annual updates are sufficient unless the committee requests more.
A major topic was expanding Early College and dual-enrollment opportunities. The chancellors reported strong growth in Early College participation, significant student and family savings, and state scholarship support that they described as producing a strong return on investment. They said the goal is to build clearer pathways so students can earn college credit, reduce debt, and stay in New Hampshire for postsecondary education. They also noted ongoing work to simplify admissions and transfer processes, including about 100 transfer pathways between the systems, direct-admit efforts for community college and university students, and continued development of transfer equivalency tools.
Members pressed the systems and the Department of Education on direct outreach to high school students, especially juniors, so students would know they are eligible for direct admission and other opportunities. The main obstacle discussed was access to student contact information, with officials saying the issue may involve contract limits with the College Board and possibly statutory constraints on sharing data. Department of Education staff said they are meeting with the systems and vendors to determine what changes are needed. Committee members urged faster action so students and families can receive letters or other notices about in-state options, affordability programs such as Granite Guarantee, and pathways to community college and university enrollment.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- From 2022 to fall of 2024, there has been a 13% increase in enrollment. enrollment headcount, 17% increase
- our largest spring enrollment.
- WT supports Chancellor Sharpe's system priorities.
- with a 12% enrollment increase.
- Last fall, we celebrated a 17% enrollment increase.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , seeing uh an increase in enrollment, seeing uh an increase in enrollment, which<00:31:03.200>
<00:37:51.680>- Like Senator Fate said, you know, we had decades or more kind of lull in enrollment, low enrollment,
low kind of lull in enrollment low kind of lull in enrollment low enrollment - Uh but uh my priority and the<00:52:17.680>
priority <00:52:18.000>of <00:52:18.079> - . priorities. priorities.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Mar 11th, 2026
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the priorities that I'll go over a little bit later in my presentation is the IT improvements
- There were a couple of delays just with other priorities that have hit the desks of many of our folks
- One in particular is to be able to track a lot of the enrollment data.
- This is at the very top of the priority list, aside from the capacity issues for the field group.
- Those are very high on our list of priorities. Thank you for the discussion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That was a priority for MAPCS for a number of years before it was passed this year.
- basic needs were met as I went to enroll basic needs were met as I went to enroll at<00:15:58.639
- That is why making college affordable is our top priority.
- suggests positive impacts on enrollment suggests positive impacts on enrollment for<00:53:39.119
- The last priority we are...
Summary:
The committee heard informational testimony from student and advocacy groups focused on higher education affordability and support programs. Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students urged full funding for the Minnesota State Grant, describing it as essential for low- and moderate-income students and noting prior successes such as increased support for hunger-free campuses. Two student witnesses, including one first-generation college student and one refugee student, said the grant made college possible for them and warned that underfunding or cuts would limit students’ ability to choose the right school, especially at private colleges not covered by North Star Promise.
Members asked questions about the students’ schools, majors, and why they chose their institutions. The witnesses emphasized scholarship opportunities, campus community, faith-based support, and the importance of financial aid in making college accessible. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.
The committee then heard from Vivian Dudley of Foster Advocates, who testified in support of the Foster Independence Grant. She described how the grant allowed her to begin college, stabilize housing and basic needs, and continue toward a social work degree, while warning that aging out of eligibility leaves foster youth facing renewed financial barriers. Members responded with supportive comments and asked about her educational path and work with youth; she said she wants to use her education to help others and to educate campuses on better supporting foster students.
Finally, Shay Hornik of the University of Minnesota student government testified in support of North Star Promise, arguing that the program reduces financial burdens and signals that higher education should be accessible regardless of family income. Hornik cited student financial stress, rising living costs, and public opinion favoring greater investment in higher education, and urged expansion of North Star Promise to help middle-class families. No committee action was taken in the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, where it calls out that the Chancellor's Office will set enrollment targets.
- Will set enrollment targets, and if somebody doesn't hit the enrollment targets, then they have to come
- The Subcommittee 3 had a series of hearings about enrollment, both over-enrolled and under-enrolled campuses
- Air pollution and environmental health is an urgent priority.
- Air pollution and environmental health is an urgent priority.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes.
Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds.
The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- About 15% are enrolled in our basic education for adult programs, and about 40% are enrolled in our..
- . ...enrolled in our basic education for adult programs and about 40% are enrolled in our academic transfer
- We're continuing to see that enrollment growth.
- We do continue to see that increase in enrollment.
- I'll help you out there on the enrollments there.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system with State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, 34 colleges serving more than 307,000 students, relatively low tuition, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, and strong outcomes such as more than 46,000 credentials awarded last year. They also highlighted system initiatives including guided pathways, I-BEST, dual enrollment, tribal partnerships, a new program search tool, and six colleges named Aspen Prize finalists. At the same time, they emphasized major challenges: high rates of student food, housing, and homelessness insecurity; sharply rising emergency aid requests; and federal funding disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, adult basic education, Carl Perkins, NOAA-related tribal work, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP impacts, declining high school graduates, and how BFET and TANF interact with other aid programs. The presenters also discussed system priorities such as AI, Workforce Pell, capital planning, nursing accreditation alignment, and the Washington College Grant.
The committee then heard testimony from AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education on faculty and staff conditions in the community and technical college system. Jackie Kane and Suzanne Sutherland argued that classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty are essential to student success but face low pay, instability, and weak retention, and they urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. They said working conditions for faculty and staff are student learning conditions, and that underfunding leads to reduced services, shortened advising, and program instability.
Marina Parr of the Workforce Board presented on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell provisions and the updated Career Bridge website. She explained that Workforce Pell would allow federal aid for short-term training programs of 8 to 15 weeks, with high completion, employment, and earnings thresholds and a requirement that credentials be stackable and portable. She said Washington is well positioned to implement the program because of its existing eligible training provider evaluation system and Career Bridge, which now has a redesigned public portal, digital portfolios, multilingual access, and performance data on programs. Members asked about rulemaking, possible gaps in state services, and how the wage and completion standards would be applied.
The Washington Student Achievement Council then briefed the committee on the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. Staff described an advisory board with statewide representation, a pilot that used microgrants and other supports at 25 priority schools, and a new goal of 46,000 FAFSA or WASFA completions this year. They reported that completion rates were tracking slightly ahead of last year, with 24% of high school seniors having completed a FAFSA by the end of November, and they showcased a public dashboard with subgroup data and a WIAA-based leaderboard. Members asked about outreach to rural and homeschool students, legislative communications, Pierce County representation, and barriers to FAFSA completion, and staff said they would provide toolkits and continue expanding outreach. The committee then began hearing from student presenters about affordability, access, equity, and student experience.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- The university has been laser focused on achieving enrollment growth.
- fall, and we've just realized our largest spring enrollment.
- WT supports Chancellor Sharp's system priorities.
- with a 12% enrollment increase.
- Last fall, we celebrated a 17% enrollment increase.
MN