State Rep. Vicki Kraft, R-Vancouver, said that while the school funding package passed by lawmakers last year had positive elements, it could be setting Washington up for another protracted legal battle.
The school funding package was passed in response to the McCleary state Supreme Court case[1] that found the Legislature had failed to fund basic education, creating inequities across the state. But speaking before The Columbian Editorial Board, Kraft said the funding school districts will receive varies by region and their teachers’ level of experience. She said it could create new inequities between Washington’s west and east side, as well as north and south.
“So we essentially fixed something in 2017, and now we’ve potentially created those inequities again, and it could set us up for a challenge,” said Kraft, calling the situation “McCleary 2.0.”
Education funding was among the topics discussed with the board by Kraft and her Democratic challenger Tanisha Harris, a program specialist for the Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
A lifelong resident of Clark County, Harris unsuccessfully ran for Clark County Council in 2016 and co-chaired a campaign earlier this year that helped pass a $695 million facilities bond for Evergreen Public Schools[2]. So far, she’s raised $53,676 to Kraft’s $52,688. She’s also lined up endorsements from party heavyweights, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, as well as Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and various labor groups.
Now seeking her second term, Kraft said her priorities remain the same and she will continue to sponsor legislation aimed at improving the state’s business climate. During the interview, Kraft touted her experience in the private sector, including writing grants for nonprofits. She also said she
