During their tour, the four legislators had an opportunity to learn more about these institutions

Four Southwest Washington representatives got an up-close and personal look at three important educational facilities in Clark and Cowlitz counties on Wednesday (Oct. 25), as part of the House Capital Budget Committee’s career and technical education tour.

Reps. Stephanie McClintock, Greg Cheney, Joel McEntire, and Peter Abbarno visited Lower Columbia College, Cascadia Tech Academy (operated by nine local school districts and located in the Evergreen School District) and Prairie High School (Battle Ground School District), as part of the committee’s effort to evaluate the regional coordination of the development of facilities for career and technical education.

“These types of programs have a major impact on our students and open additional career paths and opportunities for advancement,” added McClintock, R-Vancouver. “We look forward to seeing what these students will accomplish and how they impact Washington in the future.”

“As part of the Capital Budget Committee, it’s our duty to make sure these funds are going toward the right programs and facilities,” said Cheney, R-Battle Ground. “This was a great opportunity for us to see how our state, and Southwest Washington specifically, is doing at developing new career and technical education opportunities for our young people.”

During their tour, the four legislators had an opportunity to learn more about these institutions, hear from program administrators and instructors, visit with students, and see them in action.

“I was really impressed with the quality of career and technical education I saw, especially the instruction of the professionals from various fields. These students represent our state’s future and will help shape its economy and infrastructure,” noted McEntire, R-Cathlamet. “As we look ahead, the Legislature has more work to do to ensure these high-demand educational opportunities are available to more students around our state.”

“Workforce development is one of our priorities,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia, ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee. “The State of Washington must help prepare our students for the workforce of today, tomorrow, and into the future. Touring three different styles of career and technical education helps our committee develop policies unique to their industry, community, and student needs.”

The capital budget makes appropriations for projects tangible in nature that have a long usable life, such as schools and other public buildings, behavioral and mental health facilities, parks, low-income housing, water infrastructure, and habitat. It is funded through a variety of fund sources, including general obligation bonds, dedicated cash accounts, federal funds, and alternative financing contracts.

The 2024 legislative session is scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 8

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans houserepublicans.wa.gov.