By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-857730.mp3
LANSING, MI – A Democratic lawmaker and candidate for governor will turn in legislation this week that would guarantee free tuition for in-state students attending public universities and community colleges. Smith says her plan would be an improvement on the Michigan Promise scholarship.
The Michigan Promise is a $4000 scholarship. That covers roughly the cost of two years at a community college.
State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith says Michigan would reap economic rewards by becoming the first state to guarantee that tuition and fees would be covered at four-year institutions. Smith would offer families loans or a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to cover the costs of tuition and fees.
"So this program is designed to make access affordable for all of our Michigan high school graduates who attend a public institution," Smith says.
Smith would pay for the program by increasing the state income tax. She acknowledges that will be a tough sell to her fellow lawmakers, especially during a recession.