Bob McDonnell, the all-but-official Republican nominee for governor, says Virginia's public colleges will have to make do with less to produce more graduates.
McDonnell, in a conference call with reporters this afternoon, rolled out a higher-education plan that would require tax-supported schools to save money -- and by extension, hold down tuition -- by shedding some programs, perhaps those that issue degrees.
He steered clear of proposing caps on tuition increases, which he favored as a state legislator.
McDonnell, a former attorney general, wants two-year community colleges and four-year institutions to produce another 100,000 graduates over the next 15 years.
That, he said, should make it easier for Virginians to get into the state's schools. Republican legislators this year unsuccessfully pushed for the colleges to take more in-state students.
Many of the additional grads, McDonnell said, should earn degrees in science, technology and mathematics -- fields to keep Virginia economy growing.
McDonnell says those with college degrees earn more, generate higher tax revenue and don't become a burden for the state by relying on it for welfare or ending up in jail.
McDonnell, who spotlighted his program in a speech at George Mason University, also is calling for an overhaul of government-run work-force training programs.
He wants these programs rooted in the community colleges. Currently, the state operates 23 work-force training programs across nine agencies. McDonnell said he wants a system that is more efficient.
And to promote more research and development at colleges and universities, McDonnell is proposing financing it with millions in royalties from offshore exploration for oil and gas, an idea that could be years off. -- Jeff E. Schapiro
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