Florida News Connection
By: Trimmel Gomes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. --
Despite the raging pandemic, college students are flooding Florida classrooms
and campuses this week as the fall semester begins. At the same time, allies of
President Joe Biden contend in order to "Build Back Better,"
as his plan is dubbed, the first two years of community college should be free.
During a Thursday virtual news conference by the labor union United Faculty of
Florida, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., said the change would make drastic
improvements in students' lives, who are often saddled with debt.
"Two years of free community college would be a life-changer, a
game-changer for so many," Soto asserted. "Additional investments in
education in the American Family plan reduce student debt for future teachers
as well, which we know is critical for so many."
A divided U.S. House on Tuesday passed a $3.5 trillion budget
resolution with the free college proposal, which now has to
gain approval of the spending hawks in the Senate.
Republicans have been blasting the overall American Families Plan as
a "reckless tax and spending spree," arguing it would lead to higher
inflation and a suffering economy.
Rep. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, is a community college graduate, and used the proverb
about teaching a man to fish to explain the need for free community college.
"All those of us that are Latinos and Latinas in the minority community,
you know, that's all we're asking for," Cruz remarked. "You know,
we're not asking for the handout of your fish, we're asking for the
opportunity, and a chance to equalize our opportunity."
According to the Pew
Research Center, among all U.S. adults, 63% favor making tuition at
public colleges free. However, the issue is heavily favored by Democrats, while
Republicans are divided by age and education level.
Content
for this Post is provided by Florida News Connection, a bureau of Public News
Service. Public News Service is a member
of the The Trust Project.
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