As the new state legislative session is kicking off, there are many proposals PHENOM is excited to support because they will promote accessible and affordable, quality public higher education in the Commonwealth.
PHENOM’s Finish Line Grant proposal would cover tuition and fees for one year for students who have completed a year already, and whose family income is less than the median in Massachusetts.
Representative Sannicandro and Senator Moore introduced a bill that would waive tuition and curriculum fees at the Community Colleges.
Senator Moore and Representative Sannicandro have also filed “An Act relative to strengthening and expanding affordable, quality higher education opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth.” It has thirty-four sections and addresses issues such as ensuring adequate funding for public higher education, in addition to increased financial aid, and student debt relief.
Other important issues that have emerged in the current legislative session are investments in higher education faculty, in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, systems for transfer credits, and open source textbooks.
Representative Provost filed An Act to support educational opportunity for all, which would place a one-percent excise tax on endowment funds over $1 billion at private institutions of higher education. This bill could raise more than $544 million per year for all of public education in Massachusetts, including higher education.
PHENOM is currently working with our Campus Chapters to develop a long-term legislative advocacy campaign with monthly actions and plans to testify at State House hearings. If you are interested in getting involved with PHENOM’s legislative advocacy efforts, contact us at phenom@phenomonline.org.