LANSING – Two Democratic lawmakers in the Michigan House will be introducing legislation this week that would provide free tuition to colleges and universities for Michigan high school graduates paid for by a 1.15 percent hike in the income tax rate.
Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem Twp.), a candidate for governor, and Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) previewed the legislation in March, but are expected to formally introduce bills when the chamber is in session Wednesday.
In addition to providing tax reimbursements for all college tuition and fees, the legislation calls for fully funding four year-old preschool.
“Today, as I discuss this legislation, thousands of financial aid checks are being mailed to students across the state,” Smith said. “These checks are absent the Michigan Promise money students were expecting due to differences in House and Senate passed budgets … This uncertainty around financial aid, rising tuitions and lost educational opportunity make this the optimum time for a bold step to assure that our children and education are a priority in Michigan.”
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