2021-2023 Biennial Budget Side-By-Side

All amounts are per biennium unless noted

(Governor’s budget was proposed prior to last 2 rounds of federal stimulus)

All amounts are per biennium unless noted

All amounts are per biennium unless noted

Early Childhood Education

(Federal and State funding allocated through the Fair Start for Kids Act and/or other investments)

FPL = Federal Poverty Line
SMI = State Median Income

WCCC: Increase income eligibility to households at 210% FPL and reduce some copayments

WCCC: Expand income eligibility to households at 60% SMI, increase the subsidy rate to 75% of market rate in 2022 and 85% in 2023, and restructure copayments

WCCC: Expand income eligibility to households at 60% SMI, increase the subsidy rate to 85% of market rate in 2021, and restructure copayments

(Federal Funding)

For childcare stabilization grants

For childcare stabilization grants

K-12: Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

(Federal and State funding)

Does not include $1.7 billion in recent federal funding to districts.

For expanded learning opportunities after school, during the summer, or to expand the school year

To address lost learning time, summer enrichment, and after school programs

+$71.8 million

To support grants to community-based organizations, dual language programs, career and technical education (CTE), small school assistance, and other areas

+$278.1 million

To extend the 2021-22 school year by five days

One-time funding for learning recovery and acceleration

+$18.5 million

To support after school programs through Community Learning Centers (Federal funding)

+$17.7 million

To assist districts in providing a week-long program in schools for students to re-engage in learning, physical activity, and social interaction (Federal funding)

+$18 million

To provide grants to entities or organizations to provide outdoor education summer enrichment programs (Federal funding)

One-time increase in funding to support student transportation for the 2020-21 school year

One-time funding to ensure districts receive at least $1,500 per student in COVID-19 relief funding when combined with federal funding

+$358 million

One-time increase in funding to support student transportation for the 2020-21 school year

To support residential broadband connections for families who cannot afford access to the Internet

To expand connectivity for K-12 students and to support students and districts in acquiring and supporting the use of learning devices (House Bill 1365)

To support expanding connectivity for students

K-12: Student Supports

To continue the work of the Language Access Workgroup

To continue the work of the Language Access Workgroup and provide technical assistance to districts aligned with the 2020 workgroup report

To continue the work of the Language Access Workgroup and provide technical assistance to districts aligned with the 2020 workgroup report

Provides increased flexibility for districts, enables more community partnerships, and supports implementation of the WA Integrated Student Support Protocol (House Bill 1208)

To support differentiated instruction including support for student Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and providing educational advocates at institutions with more than 40 students

To increase access to guidance counseling support in high-poverty elementary schools starting in 2022-23

To increase access to guidance counseling support in high-poverty elementary, middle, and high schools starting in 2022-23

To increase access to guidance counseling support in high-poverty elementary schools starting in 2022-23

(A framework that uses targeted behavioral, social emotional, and academic services to support students)

To support district implementation of MTSS

To support district implementation of MTSS

To support students experiencing homelessness to attend school and participate in school activities, including providing wraparound supports

To support students experiencing homelessness to attend school and participate in school activities, including providing wraparound supports

To continue supporting schools and districts in the adoption of inclusive practices

K-12: Special Education

(Federal funding)

To support the special education Safety Net program

Federal funding that must be spent consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

(Federal funding)

Extending eligibility for transition services of students turning 21 during the last two school years and not graduating with a regular diploma

Extending eligibility for transition services of students turning 21 during the last two school years and not graduating with a regular diploma

To hire a special education parent and family liaison

To hire a special education parent and family liaison

To hire a special education parent and family liaison

K-12: Other Program Areas

Expanding the elimination of student co-pays for the reduced-price lunch program from the current K-3 to K-12

To provide two days of professional development per year and to create online training in community, family, and student engagement

To provide two days of professional development per year and to create online training in community, family, and student engagement

To provide two days of professional development per year and to create online training in community, family, and student engagement

To remove the enrollment limit on college course enrollment

Eliminates subsidies for dual credit course and exam fees for students from low-income families

Funding for the School Nurse Corps to support small school districts and increase staffing at regional safety centers

Higher Education

To support programs designed to improve student success with redesigned academic programs and expanded academic advising and student services

To support programs designed to improve student success with redesigned academic programs and expanded academic advising and student services

To provide funding to support diversity, equity, and inclusion work

To provide funding to support diversity, equity, and inclusion work (Senate Bill 5227)

To provide grants, mentorship, and student support services to college students or apprentices who have experienced foster care or homelessness

To provide grants, mentorship, and student support services to college students or apprentices who have experienced foster care or homelessness

To provide grants, mentorship, and student support services to college students or apprentices who have experienced foster care or homelessness

To provide monetary aid to students at community and technical colleges who experience unforeseen situations that impact their ability to attend class

To help families and students connect with financial aid opportunities