Gov. Bob McDonnell, joined by Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson and other education officials, officially rolled out his higher education legislation on Monday, reiterating his goal of issuing an additional 100,000 undergraduate degrees to Virginians over the next 15 years.

McDonnell wants about $50 million in new investments in higher education; one of his goals is place a greater emphasis on degrees attained in fields like science, technology, and engineering.

Other proposals would lay the groundwork for year-round use of education facilities and more resource-sharing across the higher ed system.

Another portion of the plan would address providing affordable access to education, including developing need-based financial aid mechanisms aimed at middle-income and lower-income families.

Legislation for the omnibus bill, to be made available later this week, will be carried by Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, Sen. Tommy Norment, R-Williamsburg, Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Del. Rosalyn Dance, D-Petersburg.