SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5705
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 13, 2019
Title: An act relating to the Washington opportunity scholarship program.
Brief Description: Concerning the Washington opportunity scholarship program.
Sponsors: Senators Palumbo, Conway, Kuderer and Van De Wege.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/07/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background: The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) program was established in 2011 to provide scholarships to low and middle-income resident students pursuing eligible high demand majors in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health care, and to encourage scholarship recipients to work in the state upon completion of their degrees.
The eligible student needs to be working towards a first bachelor's degree or a professional-technical certificate or degree at an eligible Washington state college or university. For the 2017-18 academic year, 1,862 recipients were selected to receive the scholarship.
The WSOS program is overseen by the WSOS Board and administered by the program administrator. Washington STEM is the current program administrator, and is charged with publicizing the program, selecting scholarship recipients, distributing awards, and managing the account investments.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): Private sources of funds are defined to include donations from private organizations, corporations, municipalities, counties, or other sources but not include state dollars.
Private sources, including municipalities and counties, are eligible for the state match. If the donation from the private source is from a municipality or county, an amount at least equal to the value of the private source plus the state match must be returned to recipients within the municipality or county.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2019.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The WSOS is a winning program and cities like the city of Seattle and Bothell want to be a part of it. This program is helping to close opportunity gaps in our state in high demand and healthcare professions. This bill helps to expand this program to students in municipalities and to strategically invest in building a workforce that matches the needs of the local economy. With the state match the municipality would be able to make investments in training and bolstering the city's ability to attract and retain employers as well as encourage residents to take advantage of opportunities in their own backyards. The WSOS program enabled me to pursue a degree in civil engineering, paired me with a female mentor, and connected me with a construction internship. I was only able to do this because of support from my hometown. More students should have that same opportunity to better the economy of Washington.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Guy Palumbo, Prime Sponsor; Rosemary McAuliffe, Bothell City Council Member; Jose Mariscal-Cruz, Legislative Liaison, Associated Students of University of Washington Bothell; Jessica Monger, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship; Bailey Griffin, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship; Mariam Mayanja, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship; Rosemary McAuliffe, Bothell City Council.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.