SALEM, OR -- The State House has passed Representative Gene Whisnant's bill that aims to make a college degree more affordable. The legislation looks to create a fixed-cost baccalaureate degree in Oregon. Texas, Florida and Wisconsin offer $10,000  four-year degrees.

Rep. Whisnant (R-Sunriver) says one of his goals in the legislature was to make higher education more affordable. "Colleagues, my hope is one or more baccalaureate degrees will be offered beginning in the fall of 2017.  I urge you to vote yes on this bill to create an affordable college degree."

The bill tasks the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to identify bachelors degrees or pathways to these degrees that are affordable at a fixed cost.  The bill now goes to the Senate.