1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

Pass the Community and Technical College Investment Act and the Career and Technical Education Access Act, two bills designed to expand opportunities for students to access affordable higher education, gain in-demand skills, and build stronger pathways into the workforce. What this legislation would do: Tuition-Free Community & Technical Colleges: It would provide grant funding to states so that community and technical colleges can be made tuition-free, especially for students with the greatest need. Wraparound Support Services: The bill includes funding to expand non-tuition services such as housing, food, transportation, childcare, and other supports, recognizing that tuition is only one barrier. Emergency Grant Fund: For unexpected life, employment, or family emergencies that threaten a student’s ability to continue, the bill would supply emergency cash grants so students are not forced to drop out because of crises. Workforce & Economic Mobility Alignment: It requires states to assess gaps in workforce training, childcare, higher education access, and human services systems, and to better coordinate state and federal resources to improve completion rates and meet local and regional labor market needs. Rep. Smith’s critical legislation would: - Lower student debt burdens and remove financial uncertainty for thousands of students. - Increase college completion, especially among historically underserved students. - Strengthen regional workforce pipelines to meet employer and community needs. - Bolster economic mobility and equity across Washington State and the country. Cosponsor and support the Community & Technical College Investment Act and the Career and Technical Education Access Act. Doing so would signal a commitment to higher education as a public good – not a privilege – for all Americans.