College financial aid still a challenge in Washington

The new school year is underway in Washington, and four-year university students are paying 16 percent more than last academic year for tuition and fees, compared to a national average hike of just over eight percent. State budget cuts are to blame for much of the increase, as well as competing priorities for fewer education dollars.

State Representative Chris Reykdal (D-Dist. 22) of Tumwater, on the House Education Committee, says the next year will bring more tough choices for lawmakers.

“We have a new, I would say priority, about early learning, based on a ton of research. We have a constit...