State Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, got his first bill through the House of Representatives.

The House passed a bill on Tuesday that helps low-income students pay for dual-enrollment programs such as College in the High School or Running Start.

House Bill 1973 establishes a pilot program for financial assistance for these students.

“Students shouldn’t have to take on enormous debt in order to attend and graduate college,” said Paul. “This is a creative and cost-effective solution to help students graduate sooner and with less debt. This means family-wage jobs, better financial stability and a stronger economy.”

HB 1973 now heads to the Senate for consideration.