April 29, 2014
State Representative Gregory Haddad, Vice-chair of the Legislature’s Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee is proud to announce that legislation to study ways to make college more accessible by removing financial barriers for students has passed through the House of Representatives.
“College tuition is the single biggest barrier to higher education and is a critically important issue. Students and parents should have an affordable way to attend college without being saddled with debt,” said Rep. Haddad.
“The ‘Pay It Forward’ study in House Bill 5241, is a way of looking at other options for helping students and their families better afford the cost of college,” Rep. Haddad said.
The state House of Representatives approved a bill Monday night that directs the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority to assess whether a “pay it forward” college tuition plan could work here. Under such a plan, students do not pay tuition and fees while enrolled in college. Instead, they sign an agreement requiring them to pay a percentage of their annual incomes after they graduate.
Under such a funding mechanism, graduates would essentially pay for college for those who come after them. People who earn large salaries after they leave college and enter the workforce would pay more while those who chose other professions that don’t pay as handsomely would still be able to afford college.
The bill now goes to the State Senate for their consideration where it is expected to pass.