OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, shared the following comments upon the passage of Senate Bill 5311, which provides $800 million in additional funding for special education programs in Washington schools.

“Special education programs in Washington’s schools have been chronically underfunded. Although the funding in this bill still doesn’t go far enough in meeting the needs of children receiving these services, Senate Bill 5311 is a step in the right direction. Every child in our schools has the right to a basic education, regardless of their personal challenges or abilities. I couldn’t be prouder to support this bill.”