All students deserve access to a well-rounded education, but young people currently face major economic barriers to achieving their goals. Twenty years ago, when I was a student at University of Washington, the state paid 70% of tuition costs. Since then, that amount has shrunk to only 30%, resulting in increased tuition, larger class sizes and fewer opportunities for student research and internships. Affordable education is a must if our state wants to see continued economic development. If elected, I will oppose cuts to funding for higher education, and will make this a priority in my first term.