House committee hears widespread opposition to striker that would change Washington College Grant eligibility

The House Appropriations Committee received a staff briefing and heard public testimony on substitute Senate Bill 57‑85, a striker that would reshape the Washington College Grant (WCG) and College Bound awards. Staff described sector‑by‑sector changes in the proposal: elimination of WCG awards for private for‑profit two‑ and four‑year institutions beginning fiscal year 2027; a reduced maximum for Western Governors University; modified apprenticeship awards; and a provision that would tie private nonprofit four‑year awards to 50% of the research institutions’ maximum starting in FY27. The striker also mirrors those changes into College Bound with delayed effective dates and would restore a time limit on College Bound award use (six years or 150% of program length). The striker contains an emergency clause effective July 1, 2025.

Why it matters: The Washington College Grant and College Bound are primary state financial aid programs used by tens of thousands of residents. Committee staff explained the changes would produce near‑term general fund savings on paper; the EBB fiscal summary presented an estimated $16.5 million NGFO savings in FY25‑27 and a four‑year impact figure…