Community and technical college system leaders this week testified on behalf a 2017-19 operating budget plan passed by House Democrats and a proposal to increase full-time faculty positions at colleges. Both proposals won praise from the system as the Legislature moves forward to its next week of session. >>
The Legislature was busy this week as attention turned to the Senate Republican budget which was released Tuesday. It passed the chamber along party lines in the early hours of Friday. House Democrats are expected to release their version of the budget early next week. >>
Policy committee hearings continued this week as Senators took up community and technical college system-requested bills on corrections education and the Customized Training Program. The House versions of the bills were heard in the House Higher Education Committee on Jan. 17. Bills on the Opportunity Scholarship and a workforce study also received hearings. Meanwhile, work sessions were held on textbook costs and on teaching requirements for faculty. >>
Two community and technical college system-request bills — allowing colleges to offer degree programs in prisons and making the Customized Training Program permanent — won approval from the House Higher Education Committee this week. House members also heard proposals on faculty hiring and pay while Senate budget-writers learned about higher education funding. >>
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