Logue bill would make UC degree cheaper

Assemblyman Dan Logue has doubled down in more ways than one in his effort to make higher education affordable, announcing on Monday a bill he is sponsoring to create a pilot program in which a student could get a University of California degree for $20,000.

The pilot program, under Assembly Bill 181, would go with another bill he introduced earlier to make possible a four-year degree from a California State University campus for $10,000.

In an interview in Sacramento last week, Logue said the programs in particular would be aimed at science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers — academic areas where many experts say US universities aren't turning out enough American graduates to meet the demand.

"There'd be no tax increases for it to happen," said Logue. "I'm excited."

Logue, R-Loma Rica, said his previous bill, AB 51, has received commitments for involvement in a pilot program from leaders at Yuba City High School, Yuba College and Cal State Sacramento.

A combination of Advanced Placement courses, community college courses taken while in high school, priority enrollments and required internships for credit would be used to create the affordable program, according to Logue's office.

As well, Logue said, a recent push by Gov. Jerry Brown to expand online college courses could play a role.

AB 181 will have its first hearing in the Assembly Higher Education Committee in March.