HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO – .161

(By Delegates M. Poling, Stowers, Barill, Campbell,

Fragale, Lawrence, Perry, Pethtel, Tomblin, Walker, Westfall,

Williams, Young, Pasdon, Ambler, Butler, Cooper, Espinosa,

Evans, Hamrick, Rowan and Sumner)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

(April 11, 2013)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study regarding the full cost of an education at the state institutions of higher education in West Virginia, and the tuition and fee charges for non-resident students attending public colleges in West Virginia.

    Whereas, In order to achieve desired goals of economic growth, educated workforce, improved quality of life and societal well being, it is critical that state citizens pursue education beyond high school; and

    Whereas, A substantial portion of state revenues are derived from taxes paid by the citizens of West Virginia; and

    Whereas, There is an important state purpose in subsidizing the cost of higher education for West Virginia citizens and requiring a tuition differential between resident and non-resident students attending public college in the state; and

    Whereas, It is important to ensure that state appropriations are used in the most effective and efficient manner possible, and that revenue sources available to public colleges are utilized to the maximum degree possible

    Whereas, Non-resident tuition rates among the public colleges in West Virginia are often lower than the resident tuition rates set in the states from which non-resident students are attracted; and

    Whereas, Metro student rates are authorized and utilized in West Virginia in order to benefit the individuals residing in the vicinity of public colleges and contributing to the local economies of those colleges; and

    Whereas, It is important that state institutions of higher education be required to charge non-resident students for the actual cost of educating such students, and set non-resident tuition and fee rates at that level; and

    Whereas, In order for the state to ensure that public colleges are maximizing resources available from non-resident students, it is imperative that the true and actual cost of education be determined for each state institution of higher education in the state; and therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study regarding the full cost of an education at the state institutions of higher education in West Virginia, and the tuition and fee charges for non-resident students attending public colleges in West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.