Career Tech education is rising to the forefront of the conversation on education and workforce reform. “Career Tech education” is a term that refers to classes taught in 7-12th grade & community/tech. colleges that use hands-on, applied methods rather than solely book-focused, lecture-based training. Career Tech courses arm students with the information, skills, and experiences necessary for a lifetime of career success.
Unfortunately, Washington State’s Career Tech classes are in jeopardy because of a funding shortfall. There were promising efforts to enhance funding in the 2016 session, but none of them became law.
Career tech legislation
During the 2016 legislative session, a number of bills were proposed to strengthen Career Tech.
- Senate Bill 6415
- House Bill 2868 (companion to SB 6415)
- Senate Bill 6661 (funding attached)
- House Bill 2989 (funding attached)
- House Budget Amendment 2376 (died in a party-line vote; all Rs in favor, all Ds opposed)
Let’s look back at the session that was and identify some who stood up in support of hands-on, vocational learning for Washington students.
This list is not exhaustive. There are many more individuals who advocated for Career Tech in K-12. If you know an elected official who deserves inclusion, let the Business Alliance know.
Who deserves praise for behind-the-scenes work, and sticking their necks out for the career tech cause?
Rep. Matt Manweller (R, Ellensburg)
- Organized the Career Tech floor vote on 2989
- Gave a passionate floor speech
- Holds a leadership position among the House Rs.
Rep. Ed Orcutt (R, Olympia)
- Gave a passionate floor speech for Career Tech.
Senator Linda Parlette (R, Lake Chelan)
- Former Majority Caucus Chair.
- Cares about her district Ag. programs.
- Retiring.
Rep. Liz Pike (R, Vancouver)
- Sponsored legislation that would require every student to complete a job internship in high school.
Rep. Chris Reykdal (D, Olympia)
- Running for Superintendent of Public Instruction (will not stay in Legislature)
- Bill sponsor
Senator Ann Rivers (R, Vancouver)
- Sponsor of multiple Career Tech bills.
- Serves on Senate Ed. Committee.
- Serves on McCleary Taskforce.
- Majority Whip.
Senator Christine Rolfes (D, Bainbridge Island)
- Senate Democratic floor leader.
- Career Tech Bill Sponsor.
- Serves on Ed. Committee.
- Serves on McCleary Taskforce
Rep. Norma Smith (R, Whidbey Island)
- Gave a passionate floor speech for Career Tech.
Rep. Gael Tarleton (D, Ballard)
- Majority Floor Leader
- Sponsored Career Tech bills
REP. VAN WERVEN (R, LYNDEN)
- Strong advocate for House Bill 2868
Rep. Maureen Walsh (R, Walla Walla)
- Voice for Career Tech within her caucus.
- Sponsored Career Tech bills.
- Gave a passionate floor speech.
Senator Judy Warnick (R, Ellensburg)
- Sponsor of Career Tech bills.
- Member of joint final budget negotiations.
Rep. Jesse Young (R, Bremerton)
- Sponsoring legislation to facilitate more maritime/aerospace K-12 learning options.
Senate Bill 6415 and House Bill 2868
All the legislators who co-sponsored these companion bills should be praised for their support for career-connected learning in Washington schools.