Bill > H1046

This bill aims to enhance access and excellence in public higher education by modifying existing laws. It proposes changes to the composition and appointment process of a council responsible for overseeing higher education, ensuring it has between 12 and 15 members, with specific appointments made by legislative leaders in addition to the governor. The bill also mandates that this council widely publicize its mission, responsibilities, and criteria for selecting members for various higher education boards, and that the governor notify the council of any vacancies, with the council then submitting qualified nominees. Furthermore, it redefines the goals of public higher education to emphasize affordability, improved student outcomes, diversity, research, workforce development, civic engagement, lifelong learning, and support for K-12 education, while also declaring a policy to ensure public institutions receive sufficient state funding, aiming for at least 60% of operating costs to be covered by the commonwealth. To support this, institutions will establish "student charges stabilization funds" to hold unexpended appropriations and a portion of revenue growth, which can be used to reduce tuition increases. The bill also sets a deadline of July 1, 2016, for the commonwealth to address underfunding by providing at least 60% of operating costs to public higher education institutions, with specific increases outlined for community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts, adjusted for inflation and other factors. Finally, it requires a plan for capital improvements to address deferred maintenance and other facility needs, with the commonwealth funding at least 70% of these projects and a plan to eliminate existing debt service.