Juneau -- The House Health, Education, and Social Services (HESS) Committee is considering legislation which would allow Alaska to renew participation in the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program.

Sponsored by Representative Eldon Mulder (R-Muldoon/Fort Richardson), House Bill 27 would permit State student loan monies to be loaned through WICHE and repaid to the State of Alaska. Alaska took part in this program between its inception in 1953 until 1997, when monetary pressure forced a suspension of the State's participation. During those forty-plus years, some 1136 Alaskan students participating in all professional fields received grants from the State. Almost half those students returned to Alaska to live and work in their chosen professional fields.

"While our current budget situation does not allow us to return to making grants, this bill would meet several ongoing needs, such as providing for a long-term professional workforce, especially in the health professions, while easing access to affordable professional education for Alaskans," Mulder said. "This is especially significant as particular growth is expected in our elderly population in the coming years."

State projections are that growth is expected in numerous professional fields, with reliable professionals needed to fill those positions. At the same time, Alaskans find it difficult to gain access to professional schools even as the demand for professional education grows.

"The WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program is a cost-effective alternative to the creation of new schools and new programs in Alaska," Mulder said. "Since we are now in challenging financial times, participation in this program is a cost-effective and viable strategy for the State."