Progress continues on approving a new university

OLYMPIA – Making steady progress through the legislative process, a bill to evaluate site options for a new university was unanimously approved today by the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Senate Bill 5322, introduced by Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, directs the state’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) to evaluate site options in the region and make recommendations to the Legislature and governor by Dec. 1, 2007. OFM must contract with an outside neutral consultant for this effort.

“Every step is a small victory,” Berkey said. “I look forward to a frank and open discussion on the Senate floor.”

Faced with unmet needs and a lack of capacity in the current system, legislators heard testimony last week in favor of siting a new, four-year, comprehensive university with a polytechnic focus in the Snohomish, Island and Skagit county region. The proposed university would help meet the demand for skilled, high-tech employees throughout the state.

“If we want to attract and keep high-tech businesses in Washington, we must ensure that our educational system produces the best and brightest,” Berkey said. “A new university, placed in a region with tremendous job growth, is the best way to meet that need.”

SB 5322 now goes to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

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