SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2292
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 23, 2012
Title: An act relating to the aerospace training student loan program.
Brief Description: Including Renton technical college in the aerospace training student loan program.
Sponsors: Representatives Maxwell, Sells, Dahlquist, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Seaquist, Springer, Pettigrew, Lytton, Clibborn, Kenney, Orwall, Carlyle, Ryu, Roberts and Santos.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/12, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/22/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: The Aerospace Training Student Loan Program makes loans available to eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center (WATR Center) and the Spokane Aerospace Technology Center (SAT Center). The WATR Center offers courses through partnerships with Edmonds Community College and Renton Technical College.
Eligible students must be registered in one of these aerospace training programs, be making satisfactory progress as defined by the aerospace training program, and have a declared intention to work in the aerospace industry in Washington. The loans may not exceed one year of tuition and fees, and must be repaid within 36 months after completion of the training program. The loan program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Legislation enacted in 2011 made loans available to students registered for courses offered by the WATR Center and the SAT Center, and the 2011-2013 State Omnibus Operating Appropriations Act appropriated funds for the program. The 2011 Supplemental Operating Budget made loans available to students enrolled in courses at Renton Technical College, and it appropriated additional funds for the program.
Summary of Bill: The Aerospace Training Student Loan Program is made available to students enrolled in aerospace industry courses offered by Renton Technical College.
References to the Higher Education Coordinating Board are replaced with references to the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Renton Technical College is supplying workers for Boeing. The classes are part online and part in person. At the end of March 2012, 79students will graduate from the program. They have an 85 percent completion rate. Funding is already appropriated for this. Only certain community colleges have this program. We are in strong support of this bill. If you expand the program at other community colleges, you will also have to expand funding. This is important for the aerospace industry in Washington. We need to replace Boeing workers who are going to retire.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Susanna Williams, Renton Technical College; Doug Levy, City of Renton.