Issue Position: Higher Education
Issue Position
Before he entered the Legislature, Representative Drew Hansen served for six years on the board of the Olympic College Foundation, helping students from Kitsap County train for new careers. Representative Hansen's legislative accomplishments on higher education include:
Securing new funding to expand the engineering program at Olympic College, doubling the number of engineering degrees produced in Kitsap County.
Sponsoring a bill that would require colleges and universities to offer early course registration to veterans and National Guard members on the same terms as other groups, which would have helped veterans and National Guard members to enroll in the classes they need to train for new jobs and new careers. Hansen's bill passed the House unanimously, with Republicans as well as Democrats speaking in its support, but was not taken up in the Senate.
Supporting funding for the design of a new College Instructional Center at Olympic College in Bremerton to expand space for students seeking degrees in professional technology programs like pharmacy technology, digital multi-media, and health.
Co-sponsoring legislation to expand the Aerospace Training Student Loan Program, a program that helps people access the education they need to prepare for careers in aerospace.
Successfully advocating for restoration of full funding for the State Need Grant, a critical program for making college affordable.
Working with other legislators to develop the Career Pathways Act, a bill that would have educated students about the many paths to great jobs that don't require a traditional four-year college degree, such as apprenticeships, certificates, and on-the-job learning.
Supporting legislation to make it easier for high school students in foster care to graduate high school and continue on to college.
Supporting legislation that streamlines contracting practices at colleges by eliminating unnecessary administrative requirements.
Supporting legislation that ensures transparency for students regarding school activity and service fees.
Source