House Clears Resolution Calling for Study of Merger of Departments of Education, Higher Education

The state's Departments of Education and Higher Education might end up being merged into one department if an interim committee created by a resolution cleared by the House Thursday makes it into the law books and the panel recommends that structural change to the executive branch.

HJR 1027 was approved on 56-6 vote Thursday. Opposition came only from two Republicans - Douglas Bruce of Colorado Springs and Ken Summers of Lakewood - and four Democrats - Anne McGihon of Denver, Karen Middleton of Aurora, Cherilyn Peniston of Westminster, and Nancy Todd of Aurora. Middleton is a former member of the state Board of Education and Todd and Peniston are former teachers.

The resolution now moves to the Senate. It is sponsored by Rep. Paul Weissman, D-Louisville, and Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial.