President Obama has proposed tuition-free two year community colleges for students on the condition they maintain a C+ average. The Washington Post has posed the questions of the day.
1) Will Congress approve funding?
2) Will the states push back?
3) Will higher education embrace the plan?
4) Will the public accept the plan?
Free tuition to two-year colleges will have a broad appeal, not unlike tuition free public high schools. Under the proposal the federal government would fund three quarters of the costs with the states picking up the rest. Public two-year colleges serve nearly 40% of all undergraduates, however private two-year colleges would not be covered under this plan.
The benefits of education is indisputable, all the way from early childhood education (which this country is lacking) to higher education. Beyond high school, education costs have become prohibitive for many. College students are taking on massive debt, which they carry into their work careers.
President Obama’s proposal is an answer to entice and allow more students to get a higher education degree. Many two-year colleges are geared towards a trade or specific profession. By making a two-year college available to all it will mean more students will be entering the work force, adding to the economy. And for those who wish to continue their education it will be a conduit to pursue a four-year degree.
As can be expected, the Republicans are already refusing to cooperate.
“Unless the president has a responsible plan to meet our existing commitments, he shouldn’t be making new promises the American people can’t afford,” said Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. (WP)
With a majority of states controlled by Republican governors and legislatures there is little doubt they will refuse to participate, not unlike the Republican states which refused to set up health insurance exchanges.
The detractors will cite the estimated 10 year cost of $60 billion, wringing their hands about how we are going to pay for this. Well, here’s an idea: take the annual $6 billion for education out of the already bloated military’s $711 billion annual budget. I’m sure with all their waste they won’t even miss it.
All the candidates for public office bloviate about public education. Now is the chance for all these loudmouths to step up and do something productive for education. But, I’m not holding my breath they will.
Just one day more...
