We, the students, staff, and faculty in our state’s community and technical colleges (CTCs), and our allies, petition you to take immediate action to address the long-standing and growing need for enhanced funding to the CTC system. We need to [Re]Invest in Our Colleges.

Our 34 colleges are responsible for educating 60% of the students in our state’s higher education system. Our colleges provide the high-demand job training our students want and our employers need. Our colleges are the affordable option where 40% of Washington’s baccalaureate graduates start their degrees. Nearly 50% of CTC students are pursuing a professional-technical education to start their careers, and over 10% are completing basic skills courses. A recent economic impact study determined that the CTC system adds $20.5 billion annually to Washington’s economy.

Despite our colleges’ contribution to the state’s economy and to the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, they receive less than 40% of the state funding allocated for higher education, despite educating 60% of our higher-ed students. Tuition, service fees, and other related expenses are simply too high for many of our students, and salaries for staff and faculty are completely insufficient to live on in many areas of the state.

When eight in 10 Washingtonians have either enrolled in one of our colleges or have a family member or friend who has, there is no denying the impact our colleges have on the lives of our fellow residents. Our colleges play a critical role in gaining a post-high-school education, and our communities see that. Almost 90% of our families, friends, and neighbors think it is time to better fund our colleges. It’s time for full investment in one of Washington’s biggest economic drivers. It’s time to [Re]Invest in Our Colleges.

We therefore call upon you to provide $500 million in permanent funding over the next two years, to improve our CTCs and to fully support the vehicle Washingtonians use to achieve a more stable, brighter future.