The latter half of last week was dominated by committee hearings in the Washington House. Several of the committees heard updates and outlooks regarding the budget and issues facing higher education.

On Thursday three House committees met: (1) House Education Appropriations, (2) House Ways & Means, and (3) House Capital Budget. On Friday the House Higher Education met.

The House Education Appropriations Committee heard several presentations including a 2011-13 budget outlook and a report on the Joint Legislative and Audit Review Committee’s (JLARC) Study on Transparency in Higher Education Data.

The House Ways & Means Committee received an outlook for the 2011-13 budget and an update on the collective bargaining for 2011-13. In addition, the Commission discussed solutions to the budget problem.

The House Capital Budget Committee heard updates from grant recipients of the Jobs Act for K-12 School Construction and Higher Education and K-12 Energy Efficiency Program. Representatives from The Evergreen State College – John Hurley, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Paul Smith, Director of Facilities – provided the Committee with information regarding the grants the College received under this program. Hurley and Smith were joined by representatives from the community colleges and K-12.

The Committee also received a preview of the capital budget for 201 1-13 session.

On Friday, the House Higher Education Committee met. The Committee received several major reports and updates. Among the reports and updates was the Study on Transparency in Higher Education Data and reports on dual credit, running start, and the industry skill panel.