With the legislative session coming to a close, my top
legislative proposal, the College Affordability Package, now
heads to the governor to be signed into law. The Senate passed
four bills in the College Affordability Package on Tuesday.
These bills are a win for thousands of students across the
state. This package is another step in our efforts, including
the tuition freeze, to keep college affordable. Our focus is on
students completing their degrees and keeping the costs of
college low in the first place.
College affordability is a complex issue that will take an
ongoing effort, and I will continue working with my colleagues
and the UW, Technical Colleges, and Independent/Private Colleges
on additional proposals.
Below is brief description of each bill:
Wisconsin Grants (AB
740):
Benefits over 1,000 technical
college students by increasing the needs-based Wisconsin Grants
by $1 million in the biennium.
Emergency Grants (AB
741):
Provide $450,000 for emergency grants to keep students in school
who experience a financial emergency.
DWD Internship Coordinators
(AB
742):
Uses existing money to create two positions at DWD to
connect employers with Wisconsin universities and create
internship opportunities.
Financial Literacy (AB
744):
Requires all higher education institutions to send students an
annual letter with information about their loans so they can
make better decisions about their financial future.
Rep. Murphy debating the College Affordability
Package on the Assembly floor.
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