The following is a release from the office of Rep. Roger Goodman:

In the House Higher Education Committee, HB 1988, the “Tuition Lock” sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, had a public hearing on Feb. 18.

“As far as I’m concerned, higher education is the top priority in my district,” Goodman said in his testimony. “The vast majority of people in the 45th legislative district are families with children who want to attend college. These and other families across Washington are worried about the increasing cost of their kids’ college education.”

HB 1988 offers a “tuition lock” for students who remain enrolled full-time for the entire length of their academic program, usually four years. If a student completes college on time, tuition will remain the same freshman year through senior year.

“Tuition lock is good for students, families and universities,” Goodman said. “Let’s give families the chance to plan for costs and let’s give students an incentive to complete college on time. College should be within reach for everyone, not just the wealthy few.”

Goodman noted that the bill’s implementation comes at minimal cost because students will move more efficiently through institutions and less financial aid will be needed. HB 1988 now awaits a vote in the Higher Education Committee.