Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Higher Education and Workforce Development
- Workforce Pathways (2026) Senate Page, Bo Bjordahl, asks members of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee about what needs to be done in the legislature to ensure that people who take a non-traditional path after high school are valued in the workplace. Chair T’wina Nobles, Democrat, and Ranking Member Judy Warnick, Republican, respond.
- AI in Higher Education (2026) House Page, Miriam Selkin, asks members of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee about how, and if, the legislature is planning on regulation AI in higher education. Senator T’wina Nobles, Democrat, and Senator Judy Warnick, Republican, speak to the need to protect data privacy in their answers.
- Middle-income Affordability Gap (2026) House page, Neil Kumar, asks members of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee about what the legislature is doing to address middle income families who do not qualify for the Washington College Grant but do need financial aid. Senator T’wina Nobles, Democrat, and Senator Judy Warnick, Republican, acknowledge the issue and respond to the question.
Essential Questions:
- What is the legislature focusing on in terms of artificial intelligence in higher education?
- How should the legislature address college grants for middle income earners?
- How can the legislature ensure that both community and technical colleges and four-year universities are valued in Washington?
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee
Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee considers issues relating to:
- The state’s public and private colleges and universities
- Apprenticeship and workforce programs
- Governance and coordination of higher education
- Higher education faculty, not including collective bargaining issues
- Financial aid
- Tuition
Teacher Guide