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We interrupt Arizona’s ongoing cagefight over the Nov. 3 election to report the oh-so-welcome news that Republicans and Democrats actually teamed together to do something good for the state.
No longer will students have to go into hock to attend one of the state’s three research universities, the only public schools that now can offer bachelor’s degrees in Arizona.
“Arizona is a school choice state, and today’s action is school choice for higher education,” Ducey said, in signing the bill. “This is ‘Opportunity for all’ in action.”
It’s also a long-overdue move, given the state’s need for more teachers, more nurses and an all-around more highly educated workforce.
Gov. Ducey signs bill that allows community colleges to offer 4-year-degrees
Azcentral.com
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation on Tuesday allowing colleges to offer four-year degrees.
Under Gov. Ducey s legislation, community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees must approve each program based on specific criteria, including workforce need, financial and administrative analysis of the feasibility of offering the program, and mitigating duplication.
“Arizona’s community colleges play a critical role in supporting students of all ages and equipping our workforce with skills and resources,” said Governor Ducey.
Gov. Ducey adds, “Arizona is a school choice state, and today’s action is school choice for higher education. This is ‘Opportunity for All’ in action. It will allow students even more opportunities as they strengthen their education and expand their employment opportunities. Thank you to Senator Paul Boyer and Representati
PHOENIX It s taken at least four decades.
But Arizona s community colleges appear to be on the verge of being able to offer four-year degrees.
On a 24-6 vote Wednesday, the Senate gave final approval to legislation setting out the conditions for these traditional two-year and certificate institutions to start offering baccalaureate degrees. With the House already having approved, the only thing that remains now is a decision by Gov. Doug Ducey.
An aide to the governor said he does not comment on pending legislation.
Ducey is likely to face a last-ditch effort by the Arizona Board of Regents which has for at least 40 years fought any effort to infringe on what it sees as its turf as the governing body of the state s three universities. Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, one of the champions of SB 1453, said they tried to quash this bill, even after proponents included much of what the universities wanted limiting when and how such upper division courses can be offered.
AZ Legislature Gives Go-Ahead For 4-Year Community College
The Arizona Legislature has approved a senate bill that would allow community colleges in the state to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees. The legislation passed the Senate yesterday with strong bipartisan support in a 24-to-6 vote. The bill, originally proposed by Republican State Rep. Becky Nutt, now heads to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk to be signed into law. The support comes as President Joe Biden proposes free community college nationwide concerning two-year programs.
Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic On Tap For Williams
Coconino County officials plan to hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Williams on Friday, offering doses of the Pfizer vaccine outside Williams Middle School. Officials say no appointments are required for the free vaccine, though people in attendance must wear masks. The county estimates nearly 46% of the population has received a COVID-19 vaccine. The Arizona Department of Health Services estimate
Mark Finchem
Upping the stakes in what has become a political feud over the 2020 election, Rep. Mark Finchem (R-Oro Valley) is suing a Democratic lawmaker charging she smeared his name.
The lawsuit filed in Yuma County Superior Court says that the Rep. Charlene Fernandez (D-Yuma) knew or should have known that there was no evidence linking either Finchem or now former Rep. Anthony Kern (R-Glendale) to the Jan. 6 riot and breach of the U.S. Capitol. Yet Fernandez, along with other Democratic lawmakers, sent a letter to the FBI and the Department of Justice asking that they investigate the pair who were in Washington for the event.