Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal to allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields hit a roadblock when the House Higher Education Committee chair, Rep. Katie Stuart, did not call for a vote on the bill by the deadline. Despite this, there is still hope for the bill’s passage as legislative deadlines are not always strictly enforced.
Pritzker had initially proposed the expansion of community colleges’ role in offering affordable and accessible four-year degree programs in areas where they are not readily available. The bill, HB 3717, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, aims to implement this plan by requiring community colleges to demonstrate a need for the program and have the necessary resources to sustain it.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts on existing bachelor’s programs at four-year universities, particularly those serving minority populations. A coalition of university presidents expressed concerns about duplicating efforts and increasing costs, but they are open to compromise.
Despite these challenges, Pritzker’s office remains optimistic about reaching a compromise that satisfies lawmakers, universities, and stakeholders. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, but there is still time for negotiation and discussion during the legislative session. The proposed bill aims to address the needs of Illinois students and employers by expanding access to higher education opportunities in the state.
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