Brad is proud of his higher education and is a strong believer in advanced degrees beyond high school, but he does not believe that the state should be forcing students into college. A rigorous and high-quality K-12 education should prepare all students to succeed after graduation as contributing members of our economy, either by entering universities, community colleges, career and technical schools, military service, or directly into the job market. The cost of higher education has created a tremendous strain on students and families, often burdening them with unimaginable student loans and other debt. Brad is proud to have assisted students and families by voting to freeze college tuition in 2013-15 and providing a historic 15% tuition reduction in 2015-17. Washington State was the only state in the nation to provide such a tuition reduction that year. While many gains have been made in our state's higher education system, much more work and flexibility can provided, including expanded opportunities for the Running Start Program, Advanced Placement classes, and online opportunities.