SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5746

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 16, 2015

Title: An act relating to including Everett Community College as an aerospace training or educational program.

Brief Description: Including Everett Community College as an aerospace training or educational program.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Hobbs, Liias, Baumgartner, Kohl-Welles, Chase and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/12/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

Background: In 2011 the Legislature established the Aerospace Training Student Loan Program (Loan Program) to provide low-interest loans to students who are enrolled in an authorized aerospace training or educational program (training program).

An authorized training program is a course in the aerospace industry offered by the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center at Paine Field in Everett, the Spokane Aerospace Technology Center, or Renton Technical College. An eligible student must be registered for a training program, make satisfactory progress, and have a declared intention to work in the aerospace industry in Washington.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers the Loan Program and is authorized to award student loans to eligible students from available funds. The student loans may not exceed one year of tuition and fees.

Summary of Bill: Everett Community College is added to the list of authorized training programs that may participate in the Loan Program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Add Everett Community College to the Loan Program because they also have short-term programs that are six months or less. Everett also has a new facility. Since the Loan Program started, 85 percent of the students that received loans have jobs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Linda Lanham, Aerospace Futures Alliance.