Legislation passed today by the Senate would improve teen parents’ chances of attaining the education and graduation credentials to position them and their children for more successful lives.
“Helping a young parent complete high school results in a more successful parent and a healthier household,” said Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. “This modest assistance can profoundly change someone’s trajectory. It could mean the difference between success and struggle, now and throughout life.”
Wilson sponsored Senate legislation similar to House Bill 2455, which the Senate passed on a 34-15 vote. The measure extends, within existing resources, full-time subsidized Working Connections Childcare during the school year to parents attending high school or working toward a high school equivalency certificate. The bill also allows school districts to provide transportation to students who request to bring their infant with them on a school bus or other student transportation vehicle. If the request is denied, the district must authorize other arrangements for the child’s transportation.
To be eligible, a parent must participate in 110 hours of approved activities per month and have a household income not in excess of 85 percent of the state median income at the time of application.
Having already passed the House, the bill now goes to the governor to be signed into law.
