A WA State legislator has introduced a House Bill that aims to provide free financial aid for post-secondary education to individuals receiving supplemental food assistance from the state. The proposed legislation, known as HB 2214, is co-sponsored by House Reps Vandana Slatter and Steve Bergquist.
The bill is based on a recommendation by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), an organization that advocates for college financial aid and opportunities for students from lower-income families. The WSAC suggests that individuals who qualify for Basic Food assistance, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), should receive free financial aid without having to apply through traditional financial aid programs such as FAFSA or WASFA.
According to the WSAC, funding would be guaranteed to eligible Washingtonians of all ages, not just recent high school graduates. Families making up to 65 percent of the state’s median family income, which could amount to as much as $78,500 for a family of four in 2024-25, would be eligible to receive the equivalent of free public college tuition. This income threshold is well above the requirement for Basic Food assistance.
The proposed legislation aims to support the lowest-income residents of the state, as more than 70 percent of the roughly 600,000 Washington adults currently receiving food benefits have no college experience or degree.
As of now, there is no information available on the cost of implementing this program, as no fiscal note has been attached to the bill. However, the House Committee for Post-Secondary Education and Workforce has scheduled an executive session to discuss the bill.
The introduction of this bill has garnered significant attention, as it seeks to expand access to higher education for individuals who may not meet the criteria for other types of financial aid and scholarships. By offering free financial aid to food stamp recipients, Washington State hopes to create equity in educational opportunities and improve outcomes for lower-income families.
If the bill becomes law, it could have a substantial impact on individuals and families who struggle to afford college education. However, it is important to note that the cost and feasibility of such a program are still under consideration.
Overall, this legislation reflects a push to provide equal educational opportunities and financial aid to individuals from lower-income backgrounds, aiming to bridge the gap and increase access to higher education for all.
