Opportunity: A College Degree

Over the last week, we have shared with you Governor Bob McDonnell’s record of results on transportation, job creation and government reform.

It’s all part of the McDonnell Record of Results. As Governor, he has reduced state spending to 2006/7 levels cutting $6 billion, rejected a nearly $2 billion tax increase, put policies in place to help Virginians attract and create the fourth most net new jobs in the country, made the largest investment in transportation in a generation, and made college more accessible and affordable for Virginia students.

Today, we wanted to let you know a little more about that last one. Every student and parent in the Commonwealth should be pleased with what’s been accomplished this session.

The Governor’s “Preparing for the Top Jobs of the 21st Century: The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011”:

• Provides a roadmap for issuing 100,000 more degrees over the next 15 years in Virginia;
  
  
• Will create more space for Virginia students at our great colleges and universities; already UVA has said they will have about 1,000 more spaces available for in-state students;
  
  
• Focuses additional degree attainment in high-demand, high-income fields like science, engineering, technology, math and healthcare that are key to top jobs in the 21st Century economy;
  
  
• Uses creative and innovative policies to help students of all ages gain the opportunity of a higher education.

And here’s what papers across the state are saying about the Governor’s work:

WHSV-Harrisonburg writes:

“Sen. Edd Houck, who put forth a motion to adopt Friday’s recommendations in the interim report, comments, ‘Some have suggested this is the most significant and comprehensive higher education initiative since the creation of the Community College System 40 years ago.’”

The Staunton News Leader writes:

“The Virginia General Assembly has advanced a package of higher-education overhaul legislation, which is aimed at fueling economic growth, preparing Virginia residents for high-demand jobs and easing pressure on colleges to hike tuition.”

The Washington Post writes:

“The House of Delegates and the Senate have easily passed Gov. Robert F. McDonnell’s higher education bill, which is designed to be the first step toward the governor’s goal of awarding 100,000 new associate and bachelor’s degrees over the next 15 years…”

You can read more about Governor McDonnell’s “Top Jobs” higher education act, and all of his 2011 legislative achievements, by clicking on the link below:

Link: Office of the Governor Press Release

This is the McDonnell record. It’s a record we hope you will share with your friends and family.

Thank you very much for your continued thoughts, prayers and support.

D.J. Eckert