Schoesler bill to allow more EWU engineering courses clears House

April 13, 2009

OLYMPIA….Sen. Mark Schoesler’s legislation to expand access to engineering courses and degrees at Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions cleared the House of Representatives unanimously this morning, completing the Legislature’s work on Substitute Senate Bill 5276. 

“This is good news for students, especially those now in high school, who want to pursue engineering studies closer to their homes,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “It should also send a positive signal to Boeing and other employers who rely on having ready access to engineering talent.” 

SSB 5276 would let Eastern Washington University, which is in the legislative district Schoesler represents, and Washington’s other public baccalaureate institutions join the state’s two research universities in offering majors like civil, chemical, mechanical and aeronautical engineering. EWU already offers degrees in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering technology. 

“Eastern, at least, can make this change with the funding and facilities it already has. That may explain why this bill sailed through the Legislature unanimously.” The Senate passed Schoesler’s bill March 3. 

Once the president of the Senate and speaker of the House sign the measure, it will go to the governor for her consideration. SSB 5276 automatically will become law five days later, or sooner upon her signature. The new law will take effect in late July.

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Additional contact: Eric Campbell
at (360) 786-7503 or campbell.eric@leg.wa.gov