House Bill 1722 - Secondary career education

I am writing on behalf of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce to express our strong support for House Bill 1722, which seeks to review and revise state restrictions affecting students participating in secondary career and technical education (CTE) programs and other state-approved career pathways. As an organization committed to fostering a skilled and prepared workforce, we believe that this legislation is a crucial step toward enhancing student learning opportunities and better preparing our youth for successful careers.

​CTE programs provide students with practical skills and real-world experiences that are essential for their future employment. By reevaluating and potentially removing unnecessary state-imposed barriers, HB 1722 will enable more students to fully engage in these valuable programs. This increased participation not only enriches students' educational experiences but also equips them with the competencies required in today's dynamic job market.

Furthermore, aligning state regulations with federal standards, as proposed in HB 1722, ensures that educational policies are consistent and supportive of student advancement. By facilitating smoother transitions from education to employment, this bill will contribute to a more robust and capable workforce, ultimately benefiting the economic growth and competitiveness of Washington State.

This bill also helps Washington businesses by preparing students with the skills they needed to join the workforce. When students can learn job-related skills early, they become stronger candidates for employment after graduation. Local businesses benefit from a larger pool of workers who are ready to contribute on day one. HB 1722 supports both students and employers by ensuring that education matches the needs of current jobs.

We believe that HB 1722 is an important step toward building a stronger future workforce in Washington. It provides students with more opportunities to learn and grow and helps businesses find skilled workers in their own communities. For these reasons, the association encourages lawmakers to support House Bill 1722.