OLYMPIA — The Legislature approved two bills requested by the governor to shore up the state’s competitiveness in the aerospace industry.
One bill establishes grant programs for high schools to prepare students for jobs as entry-level aerospace assemblers; for skills centers to enhance manufacturing skills programs; and for high schools to create specialized courses in science, technology, engineering and math.
The grant programs will cost the state about $700,000.
That measure passed on a 77-18 vote in the House, followed by a unanimous vote in the Senate Wednesday. Both had been sought by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Another measure requires the Professional Educator Standards Board to revise certification and certificate renewal standards for elementary teachers and secondary science and math teachers to include knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and math.
That bill passed on a 93-2 vote in the House, followed by a unanimous vote in the Senate.
Both measures now head to the governor for her signature.
Last week, Gregoire testified before a joint meeting of two Senate committees that the measures are needed to help replace an aging workforce for not only Boeing, but for other companies tied to the aerospace industry.
Gregoire has requested a series of bills, including the two passed by the House Wednesday, dealing with the aerospace industry.
Gregoire also wants the state to spend $7.6 million so the University of Washington and Washington State University can enroll 850 more engineering students, and an additional $1.5 million toward aerospace research at UW and WSU through creation of a Joint Center for Aerospace Technology and Innovation. Those measures won’t be taken up until the regular session begins next month.
Also Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed another measure requested by Gregoire, which allows Project Lead the Way examinations to be included in the list of college level proficiency exams that are recognized as a method for fulfilling postsecondary courses. Project Lead the Way is a national organization that provides curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math for middle and high schools. The measure now moves to the House for consideration.
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