This blog post was written by Colleen Laing, United Way of King County director of systems change and public policy. This is an update from an earlier blog post.

Please join United Way of King County in supporting a bill in the Washinton state legislature (Senate Bill 5850) that creates a barrier reduction program for youth who are re-engaging with their education.

Students in Washington’s Open Doors high school re-engagement program face hurdles to sticking with school. Barrier reduction services will help students complete their education by resourcing reengagement staff to provide access to basic supports such as school supplies, transportation, food, clothing, and child care.

Legislators are deciding which bills to keep alive and which will never see the light of day during this legislative session, which ends on March 8^th. Senate Bill 5850 has to make it through various committee votes, pass a vote of the entire Legislature, and be signed by the Governor. We need your help to ensure it stays alive!

We are asking everyone to call your legislators now and urge them to support Senate Bill 5850. This important policy needs to pass this session—struggling students can’t wait another year.

Call the toll-free hotline: 1.800.562.6000 (TTY for hearing impaired 800.833.6388). They’ll help you identify your senator and get your message to them. This is critical!