Statement from WEA President Kim Mead on Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed state budget (linked here):

“Washington educators are pleased Gov. Inslee’s budget proposal provides funding for the newly negotiated agreement to improve health insurance for K-12 educators. Gov. Inslee’s budget plan also calls for restoring levy flexibility, which will allow school districts and voters to meet the specific needs of their students beyond state-funded basic education.

“We urge the Legislature to support the Governor’s educator health care and school levy proposals and his plan to fund training for paraeducators who work with students.

“We also appreciate Gov. Inslee’s proposal to add elementary and middle-school counselors and student health services. It’s a good step toward hiring more K-12 school counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, therapists and other support staff who provide the additional help our students need to be successful.

“Healthy students and safe schools are a priority for WEA members.

“We appreciate Gov. Inslee’s strong record of support for public schools, including his leadership on funding K-12 education as required by the state Supreme Court’s McCleary decision.

“We still have more work to do. Educators believe all students deserve the individual help, support and resources they need to be successful in the classroom and in the community – including the increasing number of students who have serious emotional, economic and behavioral challenges.

“WEA members believe students, educators and community members have a fundamental right to be safe at school.

“In the upcoming 2019 legislative session, we urge the Washington Legislature and Gov. Inslee to fund additional counselors, psychologists, nurses, therapists, social workers and other mental health services for all students in every public school.”

WEA’s legislative priorities are here.

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