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The Daily Signal
Tuition-Free
College Bill Coming Down the Pipeline From House Democrats
Rob Shimshock
July 26, 2018
Editor’s note: A group of House Democrats unveiled the bill July 24.
House Democrats will introduce a bill to make college tuition-free by
minimizing debt and simplifying financial aid procedures.
The Aim Higher Act, which is expected to hit the House between July 24
and July 27, would grant states federal funding provided that they
reciprocate by granting two years of tuition-free community college to
students, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
“The Aim Higher Act is a serious and comprehensive proposal to give
every student the opportunity to earn a debt-free degree or
credential,” Virginia Democratic Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott told the
Post. “It provides immediate and long-term relief to students and
parents struggling with the cost of college, it puts a greater focus on
helping students graduate on time with a quality degree that leads to a
rewarding career, and it cracks down on predatory for-profit colleges
that peddle expensive, low-quality degrees at the expense of students
and taxpayers.”
But Sefton Hall University professor Robert Kelchen expressed
skepticism when discussing the proposal with the Post.
“Taking away that flexibility would be a nonstarter in many states,” he
said, referring to lawmakers’ ability to divert higher education funds
to other enterprises where spending is required.
“It may serve as a litmus test for people running for president in
2020,” Kelchen said, referring to both the Democrats’ bill, as well as
a Republican bill that attempts to extract the federal government from
higher education, as mandated in the Higher Education Act of 1965.
The Republican bill would reduce taxpayer money directed toward higher
education by cutting some student aid initiatives. It would also
suggest that schools adjust their curriculum to meet employers’ needs.
Read this and other articles at The Daily Signal
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