California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris issued the following statement after the Assembly Higher Education Committee today passed SB 850 (Block), which would permit community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in limited circumstances:

“I applaud the Assembly Higher Education Committee for approving this bill designed to address unmet workforce needs where career entry requirements have progressed beyond the associate degree level.  The legislation would expand educational access and job training opportunities for thousands of Californians.  Community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees under this bill would not duplicate those degrees that the University of California or California State University award.”