Washington students deserve better: Rep. Joshua Penner fights for underfunded schools (SB 5998) скачать в хорошем качестве

Washington students deserve better: Rep. Joshua Penner fights for underfunded schools (SB 5998)

Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, took to the House floor to advocate for Washington’s most vulnerable students by supporting Amendment 2114 to Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget. The amendment sought to protect critical education funding that many of the state’s property-poor districts rely on to provide essential student supports. Penner emphasized that for many districts, like those in the 31st Legislative District, Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding is not just a budget line item—it is the backbone of student success. He shared the story of a hypothetical third-grader with autism to illustrate the real-world impact of these funding decisions. In many cases, the state's current funding formula fails to cover the full cost of a paraeducator for students with special needs. This forces school districts to pull funds from other vital areas, such as after-school programs, music, and counseling services, to ensure every student receives the support they need. By reducing the LEA formula from $250 to $150 per pupil, the proposed budget disproportionately impacts districts with lower property values. These are communities where families are already stretched thin, often commuting hours each day to afford their homes and support their children. Penner argued that cutting this funding further undermines the very "scaffold" that helps these students achieve their full potential. While Amendment 2114 was ultimately not adopted, Penner remains committed to ensuring that all Washington students—regardless of their zip code—have access to a high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed.