OSD4ALL
Legislative Priorities 2025-27

Legislative Priorities 2025-27

ISSUE OVERVIEW

Washington StateEDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT, and it’s crucial that every student has access to quality education, regardless of their individual needs. The state has a responsibility to ensure ample funding for education, and right now, our schools are facing a $4 billion shortfall in the services they need to support students effectively.

It’s important for us to engage with our elected officials and encourage them to prioritize the needs of students and staff. This isn’t just about finding new sources of funding—it’s about making education a top priority for all.

Join OSD4All, our community, and statewide partners as we advocate for essential funding for staff, students, and all school workers for the upcoming biennium. Your voice is vital—let’s take action together!

KEY PRIORITIES

  1. SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING: By providing ample state funding, the state ensures that all students with disabilities receive the support and education they are entitled to.
  2. MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, & OPERATING COSTS (MSOC): An inflationary increase in MSOC allocations is essential to maintain the quality of education. As costs rise, school districts struggle to provide necessary materials and supplies. State funding will restore purchasing power, enabling schools to offer high-quality education and robust programs.
  3. TRANSPORTATION: Reliable funding for school transportation ensures that all students, particularly vulnerable populations like those in special education or foster care, have access to education. Consistent and safe transportation is vital for academic attendance and success, making it a key priority for state funding to promote equity.
  4. LIFTING LOCAL LEVY CAPS: By lifting the local levy cap, school districts can access funding to support a variety of enhancements such as increased teacher pay, extracurricular activities, enrichment classes, and support services for students.
  5. CREATING A P-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM:  A P-12 system fosters seamless transitions between educational stages, ensuring that learning is consistent and cohesive from early childhood through graduation. Expand state funded early learning programs like the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transition to Kindergarten (TK) to support our youngest learners and efficiently use district facilities. 
  6. EQUITABLE RESOURCES FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES (ALE): For over a decade, Washington’s ALE programs have lacked enhanced Career & Technical Education (CTE) funding. ALE students, who are part of the public school system, should have the same access to vocational courses and career pathways as students in traditional schools. The lack of these programs in ALE schools is an unfair disadvantage. Restoring this funding would provide ALE students with equitable opportunities to succeed in diverse post-high school endeavors.

HOW TO ENGAGE

  • SIGN UP FOR OSD4All’S LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMUNITY: Members will receive updates on important bills that support increased funding for education. During session, we host weekly Zoom check-in’s to discuss what’s happening in the Legislature and how you can help move our priorities forward.
  • CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS: Reach out to your state Representatives and Senators to express your support for these priorities. You can find a list here.
  • ATTEND PUBLIC HEARINGS: Participate in upcoming legislative public hearings to provide testimony and share personal stories that highlight the importance of these funding requests. OSD4All will update you via text message and newsletter. Make sure you are signed up here.
  • ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY: Mobilize parents, educators, and community members to raise awareness and build support for these initiatives. Share this overview with your network and encourage them to sign up for notifications.
  • JOIN US FOR THE BILLION DOLLAR BAKE SALE ON JANUARY 30th: The Billion Dollar Bake Sale is a statewide campaign calling on Washington state to fully fund education. Communities from across the state will gather in Olympia to urge lawmakers to invest in quality education for all students. Stay tuned for more details on our website!

CALL TO ACTION!

OUR STUDENTS DESERVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO THRIVE. Education is a constitutional right, yet many schools in Washington are still facing funding challenges that leave students at a disadvantage.

We can make a difference by coming together and advocating for the resources our schools need. Reach out to your legislators, engage with your community, and help raise awareness about the importance of fully funding education. Every voice counts—let’s work together to create a brighter future for all students!

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