This afternoon the House Higher Education Committee began the 2011 legislative session with a work session focused on the contributions of higher education to society.

The work session was anchored by two substantial reports focused on the contributions higher education makes to both the economy and citizenship.

Dr. Zumeta, UW School of Public Affairs and Educational Leadership & Policy Studies focused on higher education’s impact on society.  His presentation focused on the impact of higher education on the economy and on several subgroups within society, including low-income individuals and underrepresented communities.

Dr. O’Mara, University of Washington History Department, provided a historical examination of the impact of higher education on society with an emphasis on Washington.

The Committee also received an overview of the state’s economic and revenue forecast and the health of the state’s labor market.

The next scheduled meeting of the House Higher Education is Wednesday, January 12.

* Note: All committee presentations can be found on the House Higher Education Committee’s website by clicking on Committee Meeting Documents, selecting the date and work session, and then selecting the presentation