Michigan State Representative Fred Durhal has proposed a plan that would pay college tuition for high school graduates, according to his Web site and The Detroit News. That’s right, free college tuition. Just don’t jump for joy yet, the plan does have a few requirements. (What, you thought it would be easy?)
Called the Michigan College Tuition Act, the proposal will use no taxpayer dollars. Instead, the act will be funded by four different methods. The state would create three annual “super” lotteries, a check-off box on the state’s income tax form and corporate and foundation donations or endowments.
Finally, all active Michigan casinos would contribute on percent of their total gross to the fund.
A Democrat, Durhal’s proposal goes on to call for a state “lockbox” that would restrict these funds from being used for Michigan’s general fund or budget. That measure would require an amendment from the state Legislature and a vote by residents.
Students aiming to qualify for the plan must graduate high school with at least a 2.5 GPA. Then they must be accepted to any of Michigan’s public or private vocational or technical schools, community colleges or universities.
Taken from the Michigan House Democrats Web site, the requirements don’t stop there.
Hopeful students must have lived in Michigan for at least five straight years prior to their graduation from high school. They also must take part in one full year of community service, which includes returning to their former high school to mentor an underachieving current senior student and assist that student in bringing their grades up to at least a 2.5 GPA.
Durhal pleaded his case for the plan, according to the Detroit News: “Although there are a number of fine institutions of higher education in our state, post-secondary education is often priced out of reach for the average student and is inaccessible for disadvantaged students. We need to make sure that anyone who wants to continue learning beyond high school can do so.”
Durhal continues: “Each year, our state spends more money to incarcerate nearly 50,000 prisoners than it spends on educating our residents. If Michigan is to become a destination for advanced technologies, emerging alternative energy industries, medical research and development and other high-tech fields, we must produce a highly educated workforce. My plan will help do that.”
Still ironing out the details, Durhal has formed a workgroup to help finish the proposal. He has yet to formally present it for approval. He is currently hopeful for bipartisan support of this new plan.
Our Take:
Obviously this plan has a few hoops to jump through in order to get passed by a State Legislature, but it certainly appears to be sound. Even if you think
casinos are the seedy underbelly of society, you can’t deny their money-making potential. Taking a state’s gambling sites and turning a small portion of their gross into free college tuition is an innovative and long-needed idea.
I hope this plan passes in some form and makes an impression on other state governments. Rewarding successful students is a proposal we can all get behind.
