Gov. Bill Ritter last Wednesday signed Senate Bill 3, a bipartisan measure that grants public colleges and universities greater flexibility in setting tuition through Fiscal Year 2016.

The bill was sponsored by Sens. John P. Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Joshua Penry (R-Grand Junction), and Reps. Karen Middleton (D-Aurora) and Mike May (R-Parker).

“An affordable, accessible and high-quality system of public higher education is critical to creating opportunities and preparing Colorado students to enter the workforce ready for success,” Gov. Ritter said. “It also is one of the keys to Colorado’s economic future and our overall quality of life.

“But higher education has reached a funding crossroad here in Colorado and many states across the country,” Ritter added. “Senate Bill 3 is not a permanent fix. It does, however, provide short-term relief while we develop a strategic roadmap for long-term sustainability, and central to this new law is the principle that a public higher education in Colorado remains affordable and accessible to all.”

SB 3 allows governing boards, from FY11-FY16, to determine annual tuition increases that do not exceed 9 percent. Institutions seeking increases greater than 9 percent must get approval from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education for five-year financial and accountability plans. These plans must demonstrate that access and affordability for low- and middle-income students will be preserved.

To read more about the bill, see the May 10 @ Metro Special Edition.

Ritter signs bill granting Metro State new financing authority
Gov. Ritter also signed House Bill 1375, granting Metro State the power of eminent domain, into law on May 27.

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) and Sen. Bob Bacon (D-Ft. Collins), the bill will allow Metro State to use Build America bonds, which are funded through federal stimulus dollars, to finance some projects, including the proposed Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center. Read more about the bill in the May 5 issue of This Week @ Metro.