HOUSE BILL REPORT
HCR 4404
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Higher Education
Brief Description: Commending the higher education coordinating board for its initiative to develop a higher education system plan.
Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Carlyle, Sells, Morrell, White and Kenney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 2/18/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Carlyle, Driscoll, Haler, Hasegawa and White.
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195)
Background:
The public higher education system in Washington includes:
11 baccalaureate degree granting system campuses;
10 university centers;
39 off-campus teaching sites; and
34 community and technical colleges, seven of which also offer applied baccalaureate degrees on a pilot basis.
In 2008 the Legislature approved the 2008 Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education in Washington. A central planning principle of the implementation plan calls for the higher education system to expand on demand so that new postsecondary educational resources are authorized when there is a demonstrated demand. At the same time, new resources must be in concert with the other parts of the existing system.
To this end, the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is undertaking an examination of the structure of the current higher education system and how that structure can be expanded and shaped over the next 20 years to build off of the recommendations of past planning processes and best meet the needs of the citizens while optimizing the public investment in postsecondary education. Collaborating in this effort are the Council of Presidents, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Independent Colleges of Washington.
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Summary of Bill:
The HECB is commended for undertaking this collaborative examination and development of the system design plan. The HECB is also encouraged to include stakeholders and representatives of the institutions and agencies that compose the higher education system, as well as business, labor, and civic leaders. Finally, the Legislature resolves to work with the HECB to gradually and deliberately implement both the system design planning work and the implementation plan for the Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Development of a plan is necessary work. It is not a study but a plan. The deadline of November 2009 will be met.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Wallace, prime sponsor; and Chris Thompson, Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.