State Representative David Knezek, a democrat from Dearborn Heights, is one Michigan lawmaker backing a proposal some are referring to as "free college tuition." As you know, there's no such thing as a free lunch, but the proposal is a step in the right direction toward making higher education more affordable.

The program, which would be run by the Michigan Department of Treasury, would pay students' tuition up front. Upon finishing school, students would then begin to pay back their tuition to the state only after obtaining a job that pays above the poverty line. Because students would not be repaying a bank, the note would be interest-free, hence the moniker, "free college tuition."

The program is actually called 'Pay it Forward'. The rate of repayment would be determined by the institution attended, and the level of pay obtained by the student.

The program is actually called 'Pay it Forward'. The rate of repayment would be determined by the institution attended, and the level of pay obtained by the student.

Those attending a community college like Baker or Mott would pay 2% of their annual income for five years, multiplied by the number of years completed. If a student completes a two-year program, (s)he would then pay 2% of their income for 10 years. Those attending a Michigan university would pay 4% of their income for five years, times the number of years attended.

WXYZ reports that lawmakers will ask for $2 million from the state's budget surplus to fund the project. More details are available in the video below.

 

- George McIntyre
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