U.S. Department of Education Announces Series of Public Hearings on College Rating System

This week the U.S. Department of Education announced a series of regional public hearings to gather feedback from the public and stakeholders about the Administration’s proposal to create a federal college ratings system.

Next month representatives from the Department will travel to four campuses across the country to solicit feedback on the proposal. The Department will hold hearings throughout November at California State University Dominguez Hills campus, Los Angeles CA; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA; the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA; and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.

Washington House Republicans Name New Ranking Member on Appropriations

The Washington House Republicans named Representative Bruce Chandler as the next person to lead the caucus in budget discussions. Chandler replaces Representative Gary Alexander who served as the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee for eight years.

Chandler is a 13-year veteran of the Legislature who has served on the House Appropriations Committee seven years. He represents the 15th Legislative District which includes eastern Yakima County.

Alexander announced earlier this year that he will resign from is House seat later this year. He is currently running for the position of Thurston County auditor.