McDonnell announces higher-education legislation

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced legislation Monday that would expand the number of slots for Virginians seeking to attend state colleges and establish a long-term link between higher education and job creation.

But details of the "Top Jobs" Higher Education Opportunity Act were not ready for public unveiling at the governor's news conference — a bipartisan show of support for the plan to increase the number of degrees awarded in the state by 100,000 over the next 15 years.

The legislation, still in draft form after more than six months of work by McDonnell's higher-education reform commission, is expected to be introduced later this week.

McDonnell said the commission's work already is having an impact. He praised the University of Virginia for its plan to add about 1,000 spaces for in-state students as the kind of innovation needed across the higher-education system.

But only 38 percent of Virginians can go to a Virginia school, he said. "That says that we have a ways to go."

The legislation will follow the recommendations approved by the commission last month. They are designed to make college more affordable and to link degrees with careers in high-demand fields such as science, technology and engineering.

The panel endorsed year-round use of school facilities, more online courses and innovative degree programs such as U.Va.'s plan to allow students to obtain both bachelor's and master's degrees in four years.

Both public and private schools would receive enrollment-based funding to increase access for Virginia students. A Revenue Stabilization Fund would be established as a rainy-day fund to help prevent tuition spikes.

McDonnell was joined at the announcement by the legislation's sponsors: Sens. R. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania, and Thomas K. Norment Jr., R-James City, and Dels. M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg. The four lawmakers are members of the higher-education commission.

Two university presidents who also serve on the panel spoke in support of the legislation. Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger said the plan would aid research universities by speeding up the commercialization of intellectual property.

Hampton University President William R. Harvey praised the backing that private institutions will get from the state, saying it is important to use "all of the arrows in our quiver" to reach the degree goal.

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