Those working to plant the flag of Washington State University in Everett won support of the state Senate on Wednesday night and may try their luck in the House as early as today.
Senators passed SB 5636 on a 39-9 vote. Five Democrats, including Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, and four Republicans dissented.
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, the bill’s prime sponsor, said there’s been a litany of studies in the last 25 years citing the need for more higher education opportunities in Snohomish County.
“This bill puts in place a process to some day achieving that goal,” she said. “If not now, when.”
The proposed legislation orders Washington State University to replace Everett Community College as operator of the University Center of North Puget Sound.
The takeover would occur July 1, 2014 if WSU completes a plan for meeting the future academic needs of the region and establishes an engineering degree program at the center. Also, the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board must bless the change of management.
At the University Center, public and private colleges provide an array of bachelor’s and master’s courses. Today, about 500 students are enrolled in the classes which are conducted on the community college campus.
The only other speaker Wednesday was Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, who endorsed the bill with some reservations.
“I know we need something for Snohomish County. I consider this bill a work in progress,” said Hobbs, who saw his own bill for creating a polytechnic university die earlier in the session.
Hobbs is concerned the bill rams WSU control down the throat of Everett Community College and wants the two-year school’s interests protected in the transfer of power and state funds.
State Sen. Nick Harper, D-Everett, who worked with Haugen to round up votes, issued a statement following the Senate action.
“We are going to continue to strengthen what has been built at the University Center and create more access to affordable higher education options to the young people of our state,” he said.
The Senate bill now heads to the House. A similarly-worded House bill is ready for a vote on the floor though its supporters may want to focus on passing Haugen’s bill.
“My druthers are to grab (Haugen’s bill) and run with it,” said Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett.
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