In a 57 to 3 Vote, the Arizona House Passes Legislation Allowing Community Colleges to Provide Some Four Year Degrees

In what could be major tuition savings for Arizona college students, the Arizona State House passed, by a 57 to 3 margin, a bill that would allow Community Colleges to offer four-year degrees for some programs.

What is in the Bill?

The bill, HB2523, would allow Arizona Community Colleges to offer these degrees with some stipulations. Those, as reported by the Arizona Capitol Times, are:

  • The four-year degree has to be in an area of vocational need. In Maricopa and Pima County (a favorite target for conservatives,) there is a strict percentage requirement that can only offer up to ten percent of possible four-year degrees in the first four years of the program and 15 percent afterward.
  • Meeting staffing requirements to provide the four-year program.
  • No power to raise local property taxes to fund programs.
  • Tuition for these four-year programs can not exceed 150 percent of normal community college course charges.

The result of this legislation should it pass the State Senate and be signed for the Governor could provide tuition savings to students who can not afford the exorbitant University rates that violate the State Consitution.

Dr. Linda Thor discusses the benefits of passing HB2523

Maricopa County Community College Board Member Dr. Linda Thor, who testified before the House Education Committee on HB2523, offered her perspective on the importance and benefits of passing this legislation. These comments were taken from her remarks to State House Members.

“I have seen varying versions of the bill over the years including several study committees. Yet none led to opening access to degrees for our students. I think this year’s version of the bill is the strongest yet because we worked more collaboratively with the universities and included very prescriptive language to eliminate any chance of duplication, and ensuring that degrees are tied to workforce need. We agreed to every condition asked of us by the universities. As was mentioned, 23 other states have enacted some form of this legislation, including all the states that border Arizona. We have studied their successes. National data affirms that this authority is going to bring a positive outcome for our state, and most importantly, our students. Nationally, less than a third of community college students enroll in a four-year institution. This legislation will support students who would not transfer but will enroll if they have an option that is convenient and affordable and leads to a good-paying career. Nationally, three in four students enrolled in these programs are from populations historically underserved in higher education. These programs are an important tool for closing equity gaps. Nationally, in-state tuition and fees in the average community college baccalaureate program is less than half of that at a four-year public university, leading to a significant reduction in student debt. In summary, this bill would enhance equity and access to bachelor’s degrees, it will help fill employer needs in high-demand workforce areas like teaching and healthcare, and it will save students money.”

Moving Forward

It is very welcoming that 95 percent of the State House banded together to pass a bill that can potentially help people move forward in their education, career, and life.

That is what good government is about.

Although some details need to be figured out like what degrees will be offered and the recruitment of staff to fill in the faculty gaps, this is a step in the right direction for students who do not want to be plagued by massive student loan debt.

If only the legislature could find the same approach to make it so Universities can reduce their tuition rates or fully fund all parts of K-12 education.

If only.

3 thoughts on “In a 57 to 3 Vote, the Arizona House Passes Legislation Allowing Community Colleges to Provide Some Four Year Degrees”

  1. This is good. Pam will have to explain the vote. The real crime is no State funding to Maricopa and Pima Counties community colleges, while, sort of, funding non metro community colleges. This violates the State Constitution, but the Republican majority never worries about that pesky State Constitution.

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