WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

First Walkinshaw bill clears House

Yesterday afternoon, the state House of Representatives unanimously approved Rep. Brady Walkinshaw’s (D-Seattle) legislation to grant community colleges the ability to award honorary baccalaureate degrees. The bill was Walkinshaw’s first to clear the House of Representatives.

 Kathy Strauss

“Honorary degrees play an important role – honoring those who have made a significant contribution to their communities,” said Walkinshaw. “Currently only four-year universities can grant these degrees. It only makes sense to extend this ability to our community and technical colleges.”

When community and technical colleges were initially authorized to offer baccalaureate degrees, the Legislature did not extend the ability to grant honorary degrees. The bill makes this small change and allows all institutes of higher education to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions.

The bill now moves to the Senate for their consideration.

In addition to his work on the Higher Education committee, Walkinshaw serves on the Judiciary and Transportation committees. He is also the prime sponsor of legislation to reduce recidivism in the criminal justice system and promote mentorship for at-risk youth to succeed in college, among others.

Walkinshaw was appointed to the legislature in December of 2013. Prior to serving in the legislature, Brady was with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a program officer focusing on supporting sustainable and productive food systems for the poor.