(Radio Iowa) – Five of Iowa’s community colleges would be able to offer a limited number of four-year degrees if a bill that cleared the Iowa House last (Wednesday) night becomes law. Representative Taylor Collins, a Republican from Mediapolis, says it’s a pilot project that would address workforce gaps.

“Many of these high-demand careers lack adequate, affordable bachelor’s level pathways in every part of the state, especially in rural Iowa,” Collins said. “…This bill moves the needle for household income and helps Iowans reaching for new opportunities.”

Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Southwestern in Creston, Iowa Western in Council Bluffs, Iowa Central in Fort Dodge and Iowa Lakes in Estherville are the five institutions that would be part of the experiment. Each would offer no more than three bachelor’s level programs — and those programs would have to be offered at the community college’s main campus. The bill passed on a 56-to-36 vote — but that tally was not along party lines.

Sixteen of those who voted no were Republicans. Eight Democrats who voted for it. The leaders of Iowa’s private colleges and universities warn increased competition for a dwindling number of high school graduates could force some private institutions to close.