HB 3103-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that the purpose of the board is to: (1) Develop a statewide strategic master plan for higher education and continually monitor state and institution progress in meeting the vision, goals, priorities, and strategies articulated in the plan;

(2) Based on objective data analysis, develop and recommend statewide policies to enhance the availability, quality, efficiency, and accountability of public higher education in Washington state;

(3) Administer state and federal financial aid and other education services programs in a cost-effective manner;

(4) Serve as an advocate on behalf of students and the overall system of higher education to the governor, the legislature, and the public;

(5) Represent the broad public interest above the interests of the individual colleges and universities; and

(6) Coordinate with the governing boards of the two and four-year institutions of higher education, the state board for community and technical colleges, the work force training and education coordinating board, and the superintendent of public instruction to create a seamless system of public education for the citizens of Washington state geared toward student success.

Transfers the powers, duties, and functions of administering the displaced homemaker program under chapter 28B.04 RCW from the higher education coordinating board to the state board for community and technical colleges.

Repeals provisions of Title 28B RCW.

Repeals RCW 28A.305.280, and 28A.305.285.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 3103-S

April 1, 2004

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 13, Substitute House Bill No. 3103 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to higher education;"

Substitute House Bill No. 3103 refines the roles and responsibilities of the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) to more clearly focus on appropriate administrative and policy functions, and relieves the board of duties that are either outdated or unnecessary.

Section 13 of the bill would have authorized the HECB to manage a competitive process for awarding high demand enrollments that both public baccalaureate institutions and private independent institutions would have been eligible for. In this time of fiscal restraint, we should first direct our limited state resources to providing opportunities for students to fill existing capacity in public institutions before allowing private independent institutions to compete for state enrollment funds.

Given the demographic pressure on the higher education system in the next few years, we cannot ignore the important role that independent colleges and universities can play in meeting student demand. I believe, however, that the state must carefully consider all options before implementing such a significant change in fiscal policy for higher education. Thus, I am directing the HECB to work with the Office of Financial Management and key stakeholders to develop options for utilizing capacity in private independent institutions to help meet student demand for access to higher education.

For these reasons, I have vetoed section 13 of Substitute House Bill No. 3103.

With the exception of section 13, Substitute House Bill No. 3103 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor