Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson

"Like Governor Henry, it is my hope that Speaker Hiett will move quickly to consider the Higher Education bond plan developed by the college presidents and State Regents. Each time interest rates tick up -- even the slightest bit-- it costs us millions of dollars in additional interest on the bonds. For example, one day earlier this week, a slight increase in interest rates cost the state $10 million.

"As the House author of Senate Bill 745, Speaker Hiett can move it through the House quickly and can ensure the same kind of unanimous support it received in the Senate.

"I also agree with Governor Henry about many of the issues Speaker Hiett raises in his bond bill and I want to repeat that I am more than willing to consider those issues separately. But, like the governor, I do not want to see side issues cause any further delay in passage of the Higher Education bond plan developed by college presidents and State Regents."