Stevens named to Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee

December 18, 2008

OLYMPIA…Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, has been named a member of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.   

The committee proposes legislation related to the state's public and independent colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, and private career schools. It considers issues such as the governance and coordination, accountability, meeting the global education challenge, financial aid, tuition, campus safety and private college licensing. 

“This year will be a difficult one for Washington universities, yet some are still pushing for a university campus in Snohomish,” Stevens said. “Instead of adding an expensive new campus, I’d like to see us re-think how and where we offer higher education in Washington. This economy demands that we think creatively and implement less costly but more innovative solutions, such as distance learning and video classrooms. We need ideas that will keep our students on track for their degrees yet keep our state on track for a balanced budget.” 

Stevens remains ranking Republican on the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee.  Her work on that committee has made an enormous difference in relieving the hurt of Washington families, through her legislation mandating that children who must be removed from their parents be placed with relatives and siblings be kept together. She is also continuing as a member of the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean and Recreation Committee and the Senate Rules Committee. 

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Sen. Stevens represents the 39th Legislative District, which includes part of rural King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

For more information contact Pat Albright
at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov^.