Campus News

Governor Signs Jobs Bill at TCC

Governor Gregoire greets Radiology Tech students at Tacoma Community College.

Monday, April 30, 2012 – Governor Gregiore and state legislators met at Tacoma Community College April 23, 2012 to sign the Jobs Bill and the Capital Budget. One of the projects funded by the Capital Budget is TCC’s new Harned Center for Health Careers.

Jobs Bill (ESB 5127) Co-sponsors Senator Derek Kilmer and Representative Hans Dunshee were present to witness the Governor sign the bill, which creates approximately $1 billion in funding for construction jobs – an estimated 18,000 jobs.

“Today’s all about good jobs – good jobs for Washington men and women in the construction industry, which has been hurt the worst in this recession,” said Gregoire.

The Capital Budget includes funding for new “shovel-ready” construction projects around the state. TCC’s Harned Center for Health Careers is one of those projects, and construction is scheduled to begin as soon as possible.   

“Our project here at TCC may be just one pebble in this exciting statewide project list, but I can assure you that it will make a very big splash in this community,” said TCC President Pamela Transue.

“TCC is known for the quality of our health care programs,” said Transue. “This new facility will allow us to upgrade and expand our offerings, provide more students with outstanding career opportunities in health care, and to respond to critical health care needs in our community.”

Gregoire noted that TCC has had to turn away 700 qualified Health Careers students per year due to lack of space.

“Now they can start training those workers, who will have a career in a growing industry,” said Gregoire. “And to those 700, where the door was closed… the key is unlocked, the door is open, come on back and apply – welcome to Tacoma Community College!”

The center will be named for Mr. Joe Harned, who made the largest private donation in the college’s history and was present at the signing ceremony.

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

For additional information, please contact:
Rachel Payne
Communications Consultant
Phone: 253.460.4381
Email: rpayne@tacomacc.edu