Yesterday's Higher Ed hearing drew quite a crowd

Yesterday’s public hearing on HB 1706, the bill to extend eligibility for state financial aid to some undocumented high school students, sparked some of the most intense debate seen so far in the session.

The legislation essentially allows undocumented students who are graduating high school, have lived here for more than three years, and have indicated an intent to seek citizenship access to State Need Grants. The State Need Grant program helps low-income students receive higher education. Undocumented students already qualify for in-state resident tuition rates, but currently do not qualify for financial aid.

You can read about the hearing here and here. You can also hear Rep. Dave Quall, sponsor of the bill, in his own words. He spoke to Dave Ross on KIRO 710 this morning.