LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan House Democrats are introducing a new scholarship program hoping to create debt-free community college for eligible students.
The scholarship program would still require that students apply for federal student aid and use all resources available for student funding assistance, short of taking out loans.
Then the state would make up the difference, covering the cost of two years at a community college.
Sponsor and State Representative Adam Zemke says students would have to maintain a 2.0 GPA, enroll full time and continue for two years.
The House Fiscal Agency says it would cost about $400-million annually.
The legislation may be lucky to get a committee assignment in this session, but its sponsors say it will be back after the next election.
In addition, supporters say there would be no need for the Governor’s Marshall Plan to fill future jobs in the workforce, because community colleges have more vocational opportunities.
