One compelling story we heard over the past few weeks came not in the form of testimony, but in a video message from Washingtonians who were hoping for a better future -- people who had been laid off or out of work but now hope to be medical assistants, welders, or machinists, or to learn English so they can get a job and chase the American Dream. Their hopes and dreams depend on colleges supported by our state budget.

Here is their story, from Renton Technical College: