As part of the recently signed supplemental budget, Maine has now made free community college a permanent fixture in the state.
In recent years, a pandemic-era program has allowed several classes of graduating high school seniors to attend Maine’s community colleges both tuition- and fee-free.
During the first wave of the program, approximately 6,400 students took advantage of these benefits.
Last year, lawmakers considered a bill that would have solidified this program in state law, but the measure was unanimously rejected in committee before ever making it to the chamber floor.
[RELATED: Free Community College Will Not Become a Permanent Fixture in Maine, Legislature Decides by Default]
During her State of the State Address in January, Gov. Janet Mills (D) expressed her intent to “tak[e] another swing” at codifying the initiative.
Alongside her proposed supplemental budget, the governor released a document she dubbed her “Affordability Agenda,” which outlined a number of policy priorities included in her spending plan, many of which made it into the final draft.
Friday’s signing ceremony for the budget was held in an automotive technology center as the governor celebrated the move to codify the free community college program.
“This biennial budget should send a clear message to every young person in Maine: if you are willing to work hard and build your future here, Maine is ready to invest in your success,” said Gov. Mills.
“I thank the Legislature for their partnership on the supplemental budget, which prioritizes affordability and economic relief to Maine people, and ensures that student debt will never be a barrier to a good-paying job here in Maine,” she said.
President of the Maine Community College System David Daigler expressed excitement about the new permanent program.
This is a once-in-a generation transformation of Maine’s higher education landscape,” Daigler said. “Future high school graduates now have the means and opportunity to pursue a path they may have felt was financially out of reach.”
“Knowing it’s available on an ongoing basis means a generation of young people can move with confidence and intention toward a brighter future for themselves and for Maine,” he said.
Click Here to Read the Governor’s Full Press Release
To be eligible under the program, students must have established a primary residence in Maine for at least twelve consecutive months prior to their date of admission.
Students would retain access to the scholarship for 150 percent of the time it takes to complete a degree. In other words, students will have three years to complete a two-year degree.
As a “last-dollar” scholarship, students are required to accept all available state and federal aid before the funds from this program would be applied.
According to the governor, roughly 23,000 students have participated in the pandemic-era program, 2,000 of whom have gone on to study at four-year institutions.
Another kick in the croakies for the Maine taxpayers. But I am pleased that everyone who works for the community colleges are doing it for free, lol.
Adult learing centers?
The word “free” should never be used in connection with government. It makes stupid people think “goodie”.
Is voc tech also included? If it is, than that is somewhere I don’t mind my tax dollars going to. We need skilled workers. I would add that if they don’t achieve a satisfactory score then they are handed a bill. Kids need to understand that everything in this world isn’t free. That would be a great start in what we call responsibilty.
Anyone read the language of this? Are the graduates required to work in Maine for any length of time? If they fail, do they owe the state money?
They do not even have to be US citizens or Maine residents. Sorry, absolutely no tax dollars should pay for this. If a company wants to pay for the education of their future employees, then have them both sign a contract.
Free to whom ? Not to the tax payers. It does not matter where she says she gets the money it ultimately will be paid for by the taxpayers.
For instance, lets she taps the fuel tax till. There will be less money ln there and has to be supplemented by tax payers.
Add that burden to taxing millionaires at the NH border as they leave for better treatment and you have a TRUE BLUE STATE….. as the shade blue your face gets when you are choking to death.
K-12 public school system (tax payer funded) – Fail
State funded (taxpayer funded) – To be determined – But I will take a swing at it…..FAIL
I paid for my trade school education and so did my son. What a slap in the face from an outgoing Governor.
Does anyone know exactly where the money is coming from? From working people’s pockets, yes but where in the Maine.gov!
While we are at it, we should feed everyone 18 and under all year!