After passing its supplemental operating and capital budgets and a $17 billion transportation budget, the Legislature yesterday at about 11:30 p.m.

For the community and technical college system, the operating budget includes funding for:

  • Cybersecurity workforce ($7.2 million)
  • Assistance for homeless students ($2.9 million)
  • Financial aid outreach with community based organizations ($2.7 million)
  • Climate curriculum review ($1.5 million)
  • Refugee education ($1.7 million)
  • Health care simulation lab equipment ($8 million)
  • Health care workforce Opportunity Grants ($8 million)
  • Nursing education ($3.8 million)
  • Commercial Driver’s License training ($2.5 million)
  • Outreach specialists ($1.5 million)

The budget includes funding to expand the Washington College Grant’s maximum award from 55% of the state’s median family income to 60% and establishes a new bridge grant program to support students receiving the maximum WCG award. It also provides $150 million in one-time funding to start the Washington Student Loan Program, which would provide student loans with a 1% interest rate to qualified students.

Legislators passed its supplemental capital budget Wednesday, including full funding for an asbestos mitigation project at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s Olympic South building and $8.5 million in minor works infrastructure funding.

The budgets head to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature or veto.