RENO, Nev. (AP) -- A new report predicts "disastrous" economic consequences unless Nevada invests more in higher education to train skilled workers and attract new businesses and industries.
The report released this month by the Institute for Higher Education Policy said that in 2006, only 28 percent of Nevadans between the ages of 18 and 24 were enrolled in college, compared with 41 percent in top states.
The House passed the conference report (246Y/183N) on Friday, February 13, with the Senate taking a vote at some point this weekend. President Obama will then sign the legislation on President's Day.
Information is slowly emerging on the details of the conference report between the House and Senate. NCSL will update this page as information becomes available.
The report, Shaping Nevada's Future: What the State Can Do to Invest in College Access and Success, reveals an investment in Nevada's higher education can lead to significant economic benefits for the state and its residents. The report uses a variety of existing data sources-along with interviews with state and local policymakers, K-12 and higher education officials, students, and citizens of Nevada-to explore the barriers that Nevada students face in their pursuit of postsecondary education. The study shows that many students-particularly those from low-income families and minority groups-are finding it difficult to gain access to and succeed in college.
The Sun reported last week on growing doubts among state and local politicians about the need for another quarter-cent sales tax increase sought by Metro Police to pay for more officers.