Bill encourages education in rural areas

SPOKANE — Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, is traveling to Spokane today to witness the passage of his first bill.

Schmick is a freshman lawmaker who represents the 9th Legislative District which includes Othello and Adams County.

His first bill expected to be signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire concerns expanding education opportunities to rural youth who might not have direct access to colleges and universities.

Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said Schmick’s bill is an original idea and he had to work hard to get it passed because it is Schmick’s first year of service to the Legislature.

“He had to earn his,” Schoesler said.

According to the bill, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site is required to provide materials and access to online courses to earn a college degree.

High school staff is required to have information available for students and parents interested in further education opportunities.

“Being separated by geographic distance from a conventional classroom needn’t be a barrier to a student who wants to fill in credit gaps or pursue an entire degree program,” Schmick said. “This bill can help us do a better job of making the connection between where people live and where educational resources exist.”

Schmick and Schoesler met with the Columbia Basin Herald to discuss the recent legislative session Wednesday morning.