By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Committee members in both the House and Senate say the governor needs to change a proposal designed to cut out duplication in Alabama's colleges and universities. Riley's bill would give the Alabama Commission on Higher Education the power to eliminate academic programs that don't fit with a university's mission. Riley also wants authority to appoint the commission's director. Some legislators don't like that part of the plan, saying that could put too much politics into an academic process. A House committee has delayed the bill's consideration. Senate Education Committee chair Vivian Davis Figures says the governor's bill needs more work.