Republican women support community college proposal

Bonneville County Republican Women (BCRW) have voted unanimously to support the creation of a Community College District in Bonneville County. The Bonneville County Republican Central Committee voted earlier this month to oppose the proposal. Bonneville County Democrats voted last week to support it. Among other benefits, the Republican Women said the college would include opportunities for dual-credit classes for high school students, affordable degrees and professional certificates, and program to specifically train employees of local business and industry. BCRW President Stephanie Mickelsen said, “Bonneville County Republican Women recognize the need for a Community College in Eastern Idaho. The other institutions of higher learning in the area do not fill the niche that a community college can. The “go on” rate for high school graduates in our area is 38%, and that’s dismal. With the infrastructure already in place at EITC, along with current state funding, our community can have the benefits of a community college with a very minimal investment. Our founding fathers emphasized the importance of an educated citizenry as vital to the success of a democratic republic. What better way to provide that education than through a grass roots community effort like this?” The issue will go to voters on May 16.